<p>Gov. Crist's proposes higher education reforms that include differential tuition for all public universities
posted by Luis Zaragoza on Nov 20, 2008 9:53:12 AM</p>
<p>Students could pay more out of pocket for tuition at Florida's public universities under changes proposed today by Gov. Charlie Crist.</p>
<p>All 11 state colleges and universities -- not just the five that includes the University of Central Florida -- would be allowed to charge up to 15 percent higher tuition every year by adding so-called differential tuition.</p>
<p>Crist has opposed tuition increases in past years. With state budget cuts looming that would put pressure on the state to raise tuition, the proposal provides a way for schools to get more money through tuition without adding to the strain on the state's Bright Futures merit scholarship program</p>
<p>Bright Futures covers from 75 percent to 100 percent of state university tuition for students who earn a high enough grade point average in high school and maintain it while in college. Any tuition increases the Legislature approves are covered by Bright Futures.</p>
<p>Florida's public university tuition is among the lowest in the country in part to keep the cost to the state in check.</p>
<p>Differential tuition is a premium on tuition that state law limits to five schools that take in high amounts of research grants: UCF, Florida International University, the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of South Florida.</p>
<p>Current state law allows UCF and four other schools to charge up to 15 percent higher tuition each year.</p>
<p>Differential tuition is the difference between whatever tuition increase the Legislature sets up to 15 percent. Differential tuition comes directly out of the pockets of students, since it's not covered by Bright Futures.</p>
<p>Crist's proposal would also give universities more autonomy on setting budgets and choosing presidents.</p>
<p>Schools that wanted to charge differential tuition would need the Board of Governors' approval.</p>
<p>Overall, Crist's proposal would give the schools more authority over day-to-day operations and put the Board of Governors in the role of long-range planner, according to the statement from the governor's office.</p>
<p>How that differs from the current set-up isn't clear yet.</p>
<p>The state university Board of Governors is meeting in Tallahassee today. I'll update you on any reaction to Crist's proposal from board members.</p>
<p>A statement from the governor's office following Crist's announcement has board Chairwoman Sheila McDevitt saying, "I applaud the Governor for recognizing universities' needs and working with our board and with university leaders to develop this proposal."
Falling state revenues have forced the universities to trim well over $100 million total from their budgets. Differential tuition has provided somewhat of a cushion for UCF, the University of Florida, and the other schools currently empowered to increase tuition by up to 15 percent each year: the University of South Florida, Florida State University, and Florida International University.</p>
<p>$3,808.07 per year for a full-time student (30 credit hrs.) The Legislature set a 6 percent statewide tuition increase that took effect this fall. The five schools that already have differential tuition were authorized to add another 9 percent on top of that. All but UCF did so. UCF held the premium to 3 percent so students could adjust. UCF President John Hitt said it remained uncertain what tuition level could be set for next year. "Nobody wants to pay more," Hitt said this morning. "But I don't see any way for us to avoid it. We're going to have to find a way to fund education." UCF has had about $44.5 million in budget cuts over the past year, Hitt said. More cuts are expected as the Legislature looks for ways to close an anticipated $3.5 billion shortfall.</p>