News Summary
The Florida State University Board of Trustees has approved a 10% tuition increase for out-of-state students, raising costs from $481 to $529 per credit hour. This decision, driven by rising educational and living expenses, is part of a broader trend among Florida public universities looking to adjust tuition rates. Parents are expressing frustration over unexpected costs, as the average inflation rate for college expenses exceeds national levels. The increase awaits final approval and highlights financial challenges faced by families navigating college affordability.
Florida State University, Tallahassee – The Florida State University Board of Trustees has approved a significant 10% tuition increase for out-of-state students, which will raise the cost per credit hour from $481 to $529. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over rising living and educational expenses for families, particularly as students begin to move into dorms for the upcoming fall semester.
Parents of incoming freshmen are expressing frustration over unexpected costs, including housing, meal plans, and general living expenses. Data from Bankrate reveals that inflation on college expenses is currently averaging 8% per year, exceeding the national inflation rate. One parent reported an anticipated out-of-pocket expense of around $10,000 for the fall semester, even after covering tuition through a state scholarship program.
The increase in out-of-state tuition needs final approval from the full Board of Trustees but is part of a broader trend among public universities in Florida. Starting in fall 2025, these institutions can increase out-of-state tuition by 10%, with the option for a 15% hike in the subsequent year. This regulatory change has prompted other public universities in Florida to consider similar increases.
Currently, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has chosen not to raise its out-of-state tuition, which remains at $379 per credit hour, positioning it as one of the most affordable public universities in the state. FAMU has approximately 2,000 out-of-state students enrolled, while FSU has around 7,800. Notably, FSU has not raised its out-of-state undergraduate fees since 2004, and FAMU has maintained its rates since 2007.
This extended period without increases has contributed to Florida’s reputation for having affordable out-of-state tuition rates. The projected revenue generated from the forthcoming hike could amount to millions of dollars for universities across the state, assisting them in maintaining their enrollment ratios of in-state to out-of-state students, a requirement emphasized by the Board of Governors.
Financial changes are also impacting undocumented students, commonly referred to as “Dreamers,” who have lost their eligibility for in-state tuition rates due to a recent repeal of laws. This policy shift has escalated educational costs for many students, posing challenges to their ability to graduate. Following this repeal, TheDream.US, an organization supporting undocumented students, has halted its scholarship program at eight public universities in Florida, affecting thousands of students. In response, other private universities in the state are beginning to offer scholarships for students who have been impacted by this policy change.
As families navigate these financial pressures, many express concerns about balancing educational expenses with day-to-day living costs. Parents are coping with rising prices, accommodating various necessities as students start their college journeys. These economic pressures are forcing families to confront harsh realities regarding college affordability amid a dynamic and evolving higher education landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL
- Wikipedia: Tuition
- Miami Herald
- Google Search: Florida tuition increase news
- Tallahassee.com
- Google Scholar: Florida higher education tuition
- Florida Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher education
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
