Unlimited Tuition Increases Advanced to Boost STEM at FSU, UF

The House Education Committee backed, 11-7, a proposal Tuesday to allow the University of Florida and Florida State University to boost tuition beyond the 15 percent cap that has been in place the past three years.

Rep. John Tobia, R-Melbourne, joined the committees six Democratic members in opposing the plan that is an outgrowth of committee meetings held earlier this year with the presidents of the states 11 universities that sought input on how to make the schools more competitive with other national institutions.

UF President Bernie Machen and FSU President Eric Barron told committee members in January that the state could increase tuition for students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields to help cover the cost for the additional faculty needed to provide more courses without increasing the costs for students in other fields.

In a release, Democrats stated in objection that the tuition increases could undermine Floridas Prepaid Tuition program and further hinder students that are already struggling to pay college costs.

We all acknowledge the need for a better educational environment, Rep. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, stated in the release. But I have a hard time putting that burden on the students and parents who are faced with stagnant incomes and unemployment rates at over 10 percent."