A growing number of Floridians think the State University System’s tuition rates are too expensive, according to the 3rd annual Sunshine State Survey commissioned by Leadership Florida.Statewide, 24 percent rate tuition as “much too high” and an additional 24 percent say tuition is “a little too high. The 48 percent who feel tuition is “too high” is up from 41 percent in 2007.
“We are seeing another backlash from our slumping economy,” said Brad Coker from Mason-Dixon research who conducted the poll of 1,200 Florida residents. “Money is tight and citizens are aware that universities can raise tuition; when you put the two together, it equals a greater dissatisfaction towards spending.”
Late last year, Gov. Charlie Crist announced a proposal to permit every state university to increase tuition by up to 15 percent beyond the rates set in the annual appropriations bill. The differential will not be covered by Florida’s popular Bright Futures Scholarship.
Proponents of the plan argue that Florida’s tuition should be brought up closer to the national average. Few, however, mention that the national average tuition price increased at more than double the rate of inflation in 2007.
FAMU alumnus and Florida Senate Democratic Leader Alfred “Al” Lawson has spoken out against asking families pay more for higher education in today’s harsh economic climate.
“The way to prosperity is not forged by squeezing the people more than they’ve already been squeezed,” Lawson stated. “The state needs to step up to its obligations and leave the people’s pockets alone.”
At FAMU, the tuition increases are unlikely to bring in any new revenue. As former FAMU political science instructor and current Syracuse Ph.D. student Keneshia Grant recently pointed out: "Whenever tuition rises, most FAMU students tighten their belts and enroll in fewer courses. Frequently, these students leave for entire semesters, to work until they earn enough money to return. Also, it's not uncommon for them to send part of their paychecks home to help their families."
Former Gov. Bob Graham also brought attention to the possibility that the differential plan could lead to a net loss in money for state universities. According to the St. Petersburg Times, he “fears the Legislature will raise tuition on one hand and then cut its contribution toward state university spending on the other.”
The Bradenton Herald agrees and is asking Floridians to challenge the possible bait-and-switch on tuition this session:
“Under the political cover of budget reductions and ignoring all calls for revenue enhancements, the Republican-dominated Legislature appears content to continue its finely tuned practice of shifting funding responsibilities to county governments, local school boards and everyone else with a wallet.”
“If lawmakers approve another budget reduction for state universities and colleges over the next week, they destroy the argument that a tuition increase will boost the quality of education. The money will merely replace a portion of their cuts.”
Lawson, Graham flag hazards of differential plan
Columnist: Differential plan is a step backwards