Gov. Rick Scott, who earlier this year vetoed a proposal that would have allowed universities to seek unlimited tuition hikes, doesnt believe the state Board of Governors will back the maximum hikes requested on Thursday.
Scott wouldnt say if he is considering a means to block the 15 percent tuition hikes that have been requested by eight of the states 11 public universities if the proposals are approved by the Board of Governors.
Instead, he described that hed be surprised if the 17-member board, of which 14 are his appointees, approves significant tuition increases.
I believe that the Board of Governors is going to look at those work plans, they have the same goals that I have, Scott said following an appearance Wednesday before the Rotary Club of Tallahassee at the Leon County Civic Center.
I believe they are going to watch how the money is spent."
Each university will make an individual presentation to justify the request to increase tuition before the board votes Thursday afternoon.
Most have claimed that they diligently reduced operating costs the last few years. And there is need to make further cuts, as the state Legislature is drawing $300 million from the universities for next years state fiscal plan, with the majority of the money coming from reserves.
University leaders have also noted that despite the recent hikes, the average tuition in Florida -- $5,626 a year -- ranks 45th among the 50 states.Also, while the states per-student funding for universities has fallen by $2,627 since the 2007-2008 school year, the tuition increases have totaled $1,233 in the same time.
The University of Florida has asked for a 9 percent increase, while the University of South Florida is seeking 11 percent and Florida Gulf Coast University would like a 14 percent bump. The rest of the state universities have requested 15 percent, the maximum allowed.
Im very concerned about raising tuition, Scott said, which should be considered a warning to the board members as they meet in Orlando.
On Tuesday, Scott told the board that Florida families cant continue to pocket the mounting tuition increases, which have grown by 71 percent in the past four years, as a means to offset legislative cuts.
Scott also released a list of goals for the university system leaders:
-- Be No. 1 in university and college affordability.
-- Be No. 1 for graduates finding jobs in their fields of study.
-- Be No. 1 in the percentage of students receiving STEM degrees.
-- Have Florida university graduates be ranked No. 1 in preparation for the work force, as named by Florida employers.
-- Be the No. 1 place where taxpayers feel they are getting a good return on their investment in higher education.
Full-time student funding by state since 2007-08; tuition increase total since 2007-2008:
Florida A&M University: -$3,355, $603.
Florida Atlantic University: -$3,042, $635.
Florida Gulf Coast University: -$3,179, $1,091.
Florida International University: -$2,628, $1,233.
Florida State University: -$1,985, $1,476.
New College of Florida: -$5,400, $1,284.
University of Central Florida: -$2,515, $1,100.
University of Florida: -$2,316, $2,754.
University of North Florida: -$1,287, $1,427.
University of South Florida: -$1,955, $1,175.
University of West Florida: -$3,807, $1,043.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
