As we approach the 2024-2025 graduate season, an estimated 3.5 million American high schoolers are expected to enter the real world. 65% of them hope to attend a 4-year institute immediately after graduating. The average in-state student attending a public 4-year university and living on-campus spends $27,146 for one educational year, including books, supplies, and daily living costs.
The cost of education is as high as it has ever been. The average in-state tuition increased by 20.8% from 2012-13 to 2022-23. From 2000 to 2020, average college tuition inflation beat wage inflation by 111.4%. Increased demand for a college education, less funding from state governments, post-pandemic recovery, and virtually no administrative regulation on expenses have contributed to the rising costs.
“I want to go to college because of the high rates of vocation following graduation.” Said Paris Crooks, a senior applying to colleges, hoping to end up at Florida State University.
So why do people sometimes choose to go into extreme debt or stress for a degree?
College graduates typically out-earn those whose highest degree is a high school diploma by an average of 86% and are also much more likely to be employed. Bachelor’s degree holders are also 47% more likely to have health insurance provided by employers.
Florida, however, has continued to be one of the cheapest states for public college education. An average of $4,613 a year for a public university and an average of $29,605 for Tuition plus room and board. Partially because of investments by Florida Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders.
Florida is home to numerous universities and colleges from Miami to Tallahassee including Florida State University, University of Florida, and Florida International University are all public and highly ranked.
The Florida government also provides multiple full-ride scholarships for Florida students. Funded by the Florida Lottery, 25% of each ticket goes to Bright Futures, responsible for over 950,000 scholarship awards. With a budget of $226 million in 2016, you could be eligible for Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) or Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS).
“I like how Coral Glades can provide such an opportunity for students.” Said Briana Brown, a senior. “Students who might not be as fortunate as others to still be given a chance to attend a university without having to bear the burdens of tuition costs and continue to a career.”
Florida Academic Scholars covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees for Florida residents only. The FAS award amount is $207.73 per credit hour. Students need a minimum 3.50 weighted GPA, 100 volunteer service hours, or a combination of work hours, and a minimum SAT score of 1340 or a minimum ACT score of 29.
Florida Medallion Scholars, however, covers 75% of tuition. The tuition and applicable fees for 1 credit hour is $159.21. Students need a minimum 3.00 GPA, 100 volunteer service hours, or a combination of work hours, a minimum SAT composite score of 1210, or a minimum ACT composite score of 25.
