Blueprint for an Innovation Economy in Florida Research as Economic Foundation | Page 17

across all platforms from community college
to very high research university, Florida has
maintained relatively flat tuition (see Exhibit
G). This continues in spite of the differences
in the quality and costs of programs, between
and inside of institutions.
2. Tuition payment programs: Florida has two
popular and long-standing programs aimed
at offsetting the cost of tuition for Florida
families. Both programs efficacy depends, to
varying degrees, on the stability, consistency
and affordability of tuition. The terms of more
than 1.5 million Florida Prepaid contracts 30
and actuarial realities amplify the influences
keeping tuition low. 31
3. A tempting target: During economic
downturns, appropria tions for higher education
have been tempting targets. Revenue from
tuition and fee charges provide additional
income avenues beyond most other state-
provided services, such as corrections and
Medicaid. 32  
FIGURE 12: FL Funding is Significantly Below Average Per FTE Since 1990 33
All of Higher Education Combined
See Exhibit G for an analysis of tuition by delivery modality.
YET … DEEP POCKETS OF EXCELLENCE
Taken as a whole, the data can be disheartening.
Relative to other states, Florida’s research
enterprise has not enjoyed the means necessary
to profoundly impact the trajectory of the state’s
economic performance.
In spite of that, our institutions and our elected
officials have shown willingness to invest in
significant capabilities in focused areas. In doing
so they have created intellectual capacity where
we are renowned, enjoy international reputations
and enhance emerging business clusters.
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