@Gator88NE . So I understand the benacquisto will cover the full cost, but I want more money in the refund after they deduct tuition. Since the formula is (total cost- bright futures), if bright futures covers more, I will not get more money cause (22K/year-3K a year before = 19K refund into my bank account). Now, its (22K-6K/year= only 16 K a year into my bank account to pay for other things). Moreover, would it hurt to take more classes than 30 credits a year than someone without bright futures. Cause if bright futures covers 8K/year instead of 6K based on the credits, I will get 2K/year less in refunds. Someone with just bright futures will not have to worry about taking too many credits cause their refunds will not go down if they take more credits. Let me know if you don’t get what I mean.
@anesthesia I understand what you mean, but I don’t see why it’s a concern. If you’re taking more than 30 credits, then you’ve made the choice to increase your cost. It really isn’t different from selecting more expensive housing. You have X dollars (the standard COA number) and if you choose to spend more on classes (or housing, or food, or a new laptop…) that means you’ll have less $ in your bank account.
The reason in-state students have use BF funds, even though they have the Benacquisto, has to do with how the state of Florida wants to budget the funds (BF first, then Benacquisto).
It is something of a stretch for anyone being offer Benacquisto to think they are at a disadvantage, because they have to fill out the BF application. I can assure you the other 100 thousand or so Florida freshmen college students wouldn’t mind the hassle or even care than a handful of OOS students don’t have to use BF funds.
As far as I can tell. There is no confirmation that the bill has been signed by Governor Scott.
I agree with @Gator88NE.
Darn! This would save me roughly $6,000 over the course of the next two years.
My daughter will be a college freshman this year and has qualified for the in state Highest Florida academic scholar award. I am seeing conflicting answers? Praying that if the governor signs she will receive the 100% tuition benefit this year?
@Kteacher22 yes she will assuming Scott signs the bill…yay!
I would strongly encourage everyone to send the governor an email in support of SB 374.
http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/#formBuilderCSSIDEmail_the_Governor?PHPSESSID=vuagkovhibthvik6droakpf9f4
I just did.
Thanks for posting.
Some more details around the additional funding that’s being allocated to the state university system.
Other items in the budget (other than Bright Futures/Benacquisto Scholarships):
Not from Florida, but curious–is the money going to the university system essentially coming from the colleges budget? That makes me much more ambivalent if so.
@Booajo No, the funding is separate. While funding was cut in this area (remedial education), some CC’s got additional funding for capital projects (libraries, etc.).
The real issue here is around the state legislature trying to get the Community colleges to focus on their mission, and not allow them to focus on adding BS/BA programs to become “state colleges” (and compete against the State University System). The CC’s want to become state colleges, add more BS/BA programs, charge higher rates, etc… Similar to the State Colleges in California.
When is Scott’s deadline to sign the bill before it will automatically be passed?
Hopefully soon…lol
https://www.flsenate.gov/Reference/FAQ
“While the legislature is in session, the constitution allows a 7-day period following presentation of a bill to the Governor within which to sign or veto the bill. If the legislature adjourns sine die before an act is presented to the Governor or while an act is in the Governor’s possession, the Governor has 15 days from the date of presentation in which to take action. For more information, go to Article III, section 8 of the Florida Constitution.”
I am assuming that would be in the week of the 21st? Am I calculating properly? Perhaps we can all breathe sometime this next week…lol!
I am a FAS entering UCF Fall 2017…this change would really ease financial burdens. I can’t seem to find any updated information on the status of the bill. Does anyone have any new information?
If I’m reading everything online correctly I don’t think the bill has made it to the governor’s desk yet. Once it does hopefully he will act quickly. Email the governor (link in post 167) and encourage others to do the same. Here are the bills that are currently on Gov. Scott’s desk and their timelines:
http://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/2017%20Bill%20Action%20Template%205-23-2017.pdf
I wonder why this hasn’t gotten to his desk yet…anyone with any insight?