TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Don't Limit College Access

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2009

One of the state's most progressive initiatives is the Florida Resident Access Grant. The appropriately named program helps Floridians attend the state's 28 nonprofit independent universities and colleges, which are traditionally more expensive than public schools of higher learning.

A few years ago, independent colleges and universities convinced state officials to raise the amount to $3,000 per student, which was a milestone. Unfortunately, that higher level of support only lasted a couple of years, and the current amount per student of $2,837 is $160 less than 2007-08.

Last year Gov. Charlie Crist even wanted to scuttle the entire award for new applicants, with the exception of those attending three historically black schools. His proposal, which was successfully fought, was outrageous, considering the program has enabled hundreds of thousands of residents obtain college degrees and lead productive lives.

Although the state is mired in a financial crisis that lawmakers will continue to address this spring, officials need to look elsewhere to save money. FRAG, as it's called, is now in its 30th year and is a worthy investment not only in eligible students but also in private colleges and universities and the state as a whole.

And it represents only a fraction of the costs to attend college. The state isn't footing the entire bill. Doing so would be highly inappropriate.

The facts are compelling. These schools, which include the University of Tampa, Saint Leo University and Florida Southern, enrolled more than 30,000 FRAG recipients last year. Traditionally, half the recipients are the first in their families to attend college - a source of great pride - and more than a third are minorities. And at some schools, many are over the age of 30, showing it's never too late to continue your education.

Without this award, many students simply could not afford to go to these schools. Even the currently reduced amount can shut doors: Whether to pay the power bill or go to college isn't much of a choice, especially for students with children.

Lawmakers and Crist also shouldn't forget the immense value of the state's independent colleges and universities. These institutions produce about a third of all the state's college degrees and 40 percent of the education degrees that enable teachers. Last year, they awarded about 40 percent of all master's degrees and doctorates in the state.

Clearly, these schools have a profound impact on the state's educational landscape.

Further, about 50,000 students from other states attend Florida's independent universities and colleges. Two-thirds of these students end up staying here to work and pay taxes, boosting the economy and providing more skilled employees for private and public employers.

There's another reason not to undercut these institutions by eliminating or further reducing FRAG: They're taking great pressure off the state's public universities, which are wrestling with overcrowding. Some state schools have capped enrollments.

What better place for eager students to go than private schools, where they can enjoy much smaller class sizes and a more intimate educational environment? It truly is an industry, and a clean one at that. As UT President Ronald Vaughn says: "We're one of the best sectors working. Don't upset it."

Legislators and Crist need to listen to Vaughn. FRAG represents less than two percent of the state's education budget. Independent colleges and universities provide thousands of residents a ticket to productive careers and boost the state's workforce and economy. It's a tremendous bargain.

For decades Florida has provided tax-supported avenues that enable students to go to college, setting an example for the nation. FRAG is one program that clearly is paying off in multiple ways and shouldn't be cut.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT