Funding Cuts Threaten College Access
Feb 8, 2008
Years of underfunding and new budget cuts have forced the Board of Governors to freeze enrollment at Florida universities for three years, followed by possible enrollment reductions. A new report estimates that the decision will leave 40,000 to 60,000 students without acess to college.
ENLACE Florida, a group of state university faculty members that promotes college access for minorities, released the report, warning of an impending higher education crisis unless state leaders find "bold, innovative" solutions. The report noted that the state's per-student spending has declined from $14,000 in 1990 to $10,700 this year. In addition, state universities have been forced to raise tuition by 5% and more increases are expected.
Higher tuition and enrollment caps combined with Florida's growing population will create a "significant college access gap," the report concludes. This gap will not only limit opportunities for many Florida students, especially minorities, but it will have a long-term impact on the state's economy and ability to draw employers who need a well-prepared workforce.