The University of Central Florida has achieved “preeminent” status, a designation that comes after it boosted its four-year graduation rate and could mean increased money from the state, the school’s president announced Monday.

Florida’s preeminence program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2013 and offers extra money to state universities judged on a number of metrics, including graduation rates, national rankings and research dollars earned.

UCF has been seeking that status for years.

President Alexander Cartwright’s announcement of the news prompted a standing ovation at Monday’s board of trustees meeting, held on campus.

“This is not an ordinary day at UCF,” said Alex Martins, the board’s chair.

UCF joins the University of Florida, Florida State University, Universit

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