Life on Florida’s West Coast

Florida Universities Raising Tuition

Budget cuts in Florida have led to big changes in the university system. It was already announced that there is a hiring freeze at eleven Florida schools. Also, according to a friend of mine who is a professor at the University of South Florida, a lot of people got laid off early this year. Thankfully, his position looks secure so far.

Yesterday, the Board of Governors approved changes that will allow college leaders to lower enrollment, lay off employees, and raise undergraduate, in-state tuition 8%. On the other end of the spectrum, they also decided not to enact a plan that would raise tuition by around 13% over the next five years.

Although this seemingly does not impact me right now, since got my initial degrees in the early 90s and finished my teaching program last summer, it does make me take notice due to a comment make by Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie.

“It’s frightening to think that the Board of Governors would seriously consider a proposal that would, in effect, destroy the prepaid college tuition program in Florida. This is the camel’s nose under the tent,” Pruitt.

This is a disturbing thought. We purchased a pre paid plan for my daughter the year she was born, locking in the tuition rates at the cost of that particular year. In theory, she will be able to attend when she is of college age, using this pre-paid voucher. I’ll be looking into that issue a little more. I was only able to find the quote by Pruitt and not much information to back it up with details.

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