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Senate Panel OKs College Rate Hike

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The Associated Press

Published: February 19, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Florida's 11 public universities would have the power to raise tuition rates, now among the nation's lowest, as much as 15 percent a year until they reach the national average under a bill that cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday.

The Senate Higher Education Committee unanimously approved the bill, also backed by Gov. Charlie Crist, business leaders and university officials, even though a new public opinion poll shows overwhelming opposition.

Supporters say tuition increases are needed to keep Florida's universities from losing top faculty to other states, to maintain and improve the quality they need to attract high-tech industry, and to accommodate students now being turned away.

In-state undergraduate base tuition, as set by the Legislature, is $2,461 for a full 30-credit year. If the bill becomes law, tuition could more than double by 2013 to between $6,323 and $6,743, based on the school, according to Senate staff.

The bill will go before two more Senate committees. A similar House bill (HB 403) has not had a committee hearing.

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