<p>Since qualification for the Florida differential tuition is based on things like Ph.Ds graduated, patents and the like written into the law I don't see UCF qualifying any time soon.</p>
<p>The existing law has tiered levels of surcharge based on incoming research dollars (hence UF and FSU at 40% surcharge and USF at 30%). So whenever UCF reaches the minimum level of research dollars and the other reqts they can begin charging the minimum surcharge without a change to the law. I think there is a pretty low threshold for like a 10% surcharge, but you guys obviously know more details than I do.</p>
<p>Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the added fee about 500 per semester? Not to sound callous, but an additional 4K over four years doesn't seem like a deal breaker to me, if a student really wants to go to UF (Or FSU, I'm just using UF as an example). Considering that something like 95% of UF students are already on Florida Brights, that means they are comparing 1K a year out of pocket for tuition to out-of-state publics and private tuitions. </p>
<p>Let's see...I can got to UF for 1K a year tuition, or I can go to OOS U for 15-20K a year tuition; or MAYBE OOS U will waive OOS tuition differential, but I'll still have to pay in state tuition rates (this seems to be a common merit scholarship ploy, at least where my kids were concerned), or maybe not, but transportation will eat me alive. Unless this OOS U is ranked significantly higher than, what...13 (!), what am I really getting for the extra money?</p>
<p>As far as privates, that's an entirely different ball game. For most kids who truly desire what UF offers, it is the size, breadth of curriculum, athletics, campus, town, etc. that are the draws. If we're talking "fit", and you are a student desiring all that, I'd be surprised to see a small private LAC with no big team sports on your list. Many students I know who desire UF also apply to UNC, UVa, FSU, UMich, UGa, Auburn... see the pattern? Honestly, it puzzles me when I see kids formulate wish lists that include UF and FSU along with places like Rollins and New College. Makes me wonder, do they really know what they are looking for?</p>
<p>As a parent, I was willing to send my kids anywhere, even though there were places we rightfully could not afford at all. In spite of some hefty scholarships elsewhere, they both chose UF. I'm not spending the leftover money on a Hummer. Actually, I couldn't even if I wanted. Their 529's are now totally in tact and will be used for grad school, if they so choose. Otherwise, our grandchildren will be very grateful one day (and so will their parents!)</p>
<p>Here is the thing: By law the "Tution Differential" must be used on the students. They are paying just a little bit extra to have a more quality education & undergraduate experience. After the nominal extra fees are increased over a 3 year period it will ultimately draw $70 million more a year for UF & FSU. This money must be used on faculty and academic advisors. The student to faculty ratio should drop from 22 to 1 down to 15 to 1. </p>
<p>Not too shabby...</p>
<p>DP,I didn't mean that the surcharge would make anyone go out of state or even that they would avoid UF, which will clearly remain top pick for most of the ones who can get in. $1000 per year might conceivably only make a difference between those on the fence between say USF and UCF.
SSobick, I'm not against the tuition differential, I'm just trying to find some plus in this for UCF. Granted, it's not easy.</p>
<p>I know both UCF and UF and it seems there is more diversity at UF. It seems to me that UCF'ers go to UF after they grow up. (Grad school) Tee he....</p>
<p>And UF'ers go to FSU... :D</p>
<p>Parent is correct.</p>
<p>For Law, Political Science, and Public Administration there is a strong UF undergraduate representation in these graduate programs.</p>
<p>Aww, you guys, </p>
<p>Let's not let this get into a Florida against Florida thing... Hey, UCF is an up-and-coming powerhouse, IMO... Hope so, it's in my backyard. And every student I know who goes there has been happy and successful. </p>
<p>There isn't anything that won't keep Florida universities back; they are <em>all</em> excellent educational experiences. We're a large state, we have a diverse and talented population, we live in a fantastic climate, and the opportunities just keep getting larger.</p>
<p>My one daughter may wind up at UF for grad school. There's plenty that go the other way, too.</p>
<p>I think USF is doing a little bit better than UCF.</p>
<p>No question about that based on yesterday's football score!</p>
<p>Interesting. I know a lot of people that settled for UF and other Florida schools like UCF and FAU because of Bright Futures compared to those few that went OOS Private. Perhaps I'll have to reconsider UF as a safety? I was only going to apply to one in-state.</p>
<p>It would depend on what you want to study.</p>
<p>technol, It sounds like, from your other posts, you are heavy into robotics. Awesome! Hope you don't mind, but from your post history, I get a sort of picture of you. My advice is, if that's what you're interested in, to look at schools accordingly, and also to look into other areas of fit... social and cultural climate, etc. UF, USF, FSU, etc. are large schools that have a lot to offer. But if you are looking for a specialized program that may not be offered, or are a more introverted type, they might not be the best fit for you. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully so far, best wishes on pursuing your passion!!</p>
<p>Actually, doing a quick google, </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mil.ufl.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.mil.ufl.edu/</a>
<a href="http://news.ufl.edu/2005/06/06/robocar/%5B/url%5D">http://news.ufl.edu/2005/06/06/robocar/</a>
<a href="http://www.nre.ufl.edu/newsletter/Media_Release.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.nre.ufl.edu/newsletter/Media_Release.pdf</a></p>
<p>My kids aren't into robotics, so I'm not up on that aspect of UF, but I'm sure you can find more info than this...</p>
<p>Many of the kids from our school's robotics team have been going to USF, FIT and UCF because these schools are particularly generous with merit scholarship money (FIT and UCF give scholarships for robotics, too) on top of Bright Futures, as well as having good programs in robotics related fields.</p>
<p>UF is great in engineering.</p>
<p>Brown, Berkeley, U Mass, MIT.</p>
<p>OK, if we can't keep you in state for undergrad, then check out Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, and WPI for robotics... and good luck, by the way!</p>