By KIMBERLY MILLER
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 29, 2009
All of Florida's public universities plan to increase tuition 15 percent in the fall, the maximum allowed under a new state law and the biggest rate hike students have seen in 17 years.
"It's awful, there are no jobs but tuition is going up," said Stuart resident Andy Werner, whose daughter attends the University of Central Florida.
Werner said both he and his wife lost their jobs this year.
"The costs go up, and you're thinking, 'Where is the money going to come from?' " Werner said.
For most students, the tuition increases mean they will pay between $370 and $400 more for a full 30-credit year.
The hikes are particularly biting because Bright Futures Scholarships will not pay for the extra tuition.
Schools were required to give the Board of Governors their 2009-10 tuition proposals by Friday. For the first time, all 11 universities have the power to raise tuition above what lawmakers set to 15 percent until it reaches the national average.
Florida Atlantic University initially proposed a 13 percent hike. By state law, 30 percent of the increase above what lawmakers set must go to need-based financial aid. Following deep cuts to FAU's financial aid budget, officials there decided to raise tuition to the maximum amount and dedicate 50 percent of the increase to need-based financial aid.
"There was a lot of discussion about this," said Ken Jessell, FAU's vice president for financial affairs. "All the students will pay the 15 percent, but for students with the greatest need, we will be able to accommodate them with more financial aid."
The state board must review the plans and take a final vote on them this summer.
Bright Futures has paid 75 percent or 100 percent of a student's tuition based on academic achievement, but lawmakers decided in April to freeze the scholarships at the current year's rate because of the statewide budget crisis.
About 150,000 students, roughly half the state's enrollment, received a scholarship this year.
Florida Prepaid Plans purchased before July 1, 2007, will cover the total tuition increase. Students who were enrolled before July 1, 2007, will only pay for the 8 percent base tuition increase approved by the legislature this spring.
University of North Florida President John Delaney said he isn't surprised that so many schools decided to raise tuition to the maximum level following three years of statewide budget cuts.
"Basically this allows us to provide 300 to 400 classes that we wouldn't otherwise be able to offer," Delaney said. "We felt that was pretty essential to our students for graduation."
Five of Florida's universities already had the power to raise tuition to 15 percent.
The remaining six, including FAU, were given the power this spring.
Universities have also been given the ability to levy a new technology fee worth 5 percent of tuition.
Many administrators said students were in favor of the tuition increase because it will provide for more classes that will allow them to graduate on time. It was also supported by the Florida Student Association.
"You can get the students in, but not get them out," said former statewide university Chancellor Mark Rosenberg, who recently accepted the president's job at Florida International University.
