[ngrome]

In the process of researching state (public) and private universities for my kid to attend. I found that Florida's state universities (UF, FSU, and UCF) are some of the most reasonable, but reputable schools to attend. I'm finding that many out-of-state folks are sending their kids to go down here and willing to pay out-of-state tuition because the out-of-state tuition these Florida schools charge are either the same or even more reasonable than in-state tuition on other states.

Also, Florida has Bright Futures program where even a decent B+ high school kid can get at least 50% tuition assistance (used to be around 75% until recent state cutbacks), and if you have a kid who earns A's and took AP or IB courses in high school, he/she can get 75-100% tuition covered.

If you're willing to deal with the other negative aspects of living down here, then yes, Florida is a great place for kids to go to college, and even their public school system is improving considering my kids went through and yes, one of them did get tuition covered through the Bright Futures program because of the good high school education he received.

The next question is, how long will these benefits last with Rick Scott as the new governor who's making cuts in education and other government-sponsored programs?

[beachmouse]

The degredation has already begun on the academic side. Not the quality of classes, but the access to the classes you need in order to graduate can be spotty, and some schools have a reupation that you'll be lucky to get the classes for your major in five years, including the odd summer term.

[Kevin from Tampa]

oy....I mean no offense to the OP, but I hope the state schools aren't favoring out of state applications over in-state just to get more tuition money...if so, we need to raise out of state tuition.

[ngrome]

Originally Posted by Kevin from Tampa

oy....I mean no offense to the OP, but I hope the state schools aren't favoring out of state applications over in-state just to get more tuition money...if so, we need to raise out of state tuition.

No offense taken. I think FL schools have a penchant for taking in-state students first simply because of the programs I mentioned, which is what I liked about FL's system, everyone has a chance to go to college. However, will that change if the new governor's initiatives cut or set back programs such as Bright Futures and other incentives for in-staters to go to school here? Hence the influx of out-state students whose parents want an excuse to visit and vacation down here