Florida College System Responds to Governor
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Florida College System Responds to Governor's $10,000 Degree Challenge
Tallahassee, Fla., November 26, 2012 - Today at colleges in St. Petersburg and Lake Nona, Florida, Governor Rick Scott challenged Florida's state colleges to create bachelor's degree programs that cost no more than $10,000, in what he hopes will be Florida's response to the problem of rising college costs and student debt. A number of presidents of Florida College System institutions stepped up to answer his call.
"As the primary access point to higher education in Florida, the Florida College System stands ready to meet the needs of our state. A $10,000 bachelor's degree from one of our institutions provides students with access to high quality, affordable degrees in critical workforce areas," said Randy Hanna, chancellor of the Florida College System.
Seven Florida College System institutions - Broward College, College of Central Florida, Daytona State College, Santa Fe College, Seminole State College of Florida, St. Petersburg College, and Valencia College - have already identified programs to be offered for $10,000 or less. The programs are in high-demand areas including information technology, business and organization management, education, and engineering technology.
In response to the critical statewide need for baccalaureate degree production, the Florida legislature approved a process in 2001 that allowed community colleges to seek approval to offer bachelor's degrees. Today, 22 colleges are authorized to offer almost 150 baccalaureate programs.
"The Florida College System has a strong history of responding to state and community needs. The $10,000 bachelor's degree strengthens our ongoing commitment to increasing access and affordability, making college a possibility for every Floridian," said Chancellor Hanna. "We look forward to working with the legislature to obtain the approvals that will help us meet our workforce demands."