It has been a roller coaster year for budgets of any sort. As a student, it’s good to know where money for school is coming from and under what conditions it is being awarded. As tuition goes up 8 percent this year at USFSP, Bright Futures is giving students less money to cover the gap.
The state has made several changes to Bright Futures. Students had to fill out and file an error-free FAFSA. Any errors on the application resulted in no funding from Bright Futures.
Students receiving the Florida Medallion Scholarship this year will get $76 per credit hour, an $18 decrease from last year. Florida Academic Scholars lost $24 per credit hour from last year. Requirements have fluctuated with the state’s economy.
“Bright Futures Scholarship Program criteria and requirements are subject to annual legislative review and change,” said Deborah Higgins, information specialist at the Florida Department of Education. “This has resulted in various changes to the program’s requirements and funding since the program was initially funded.”
In 2008-09, students couldn’t make up dropped credit hours but they could make up their GPA. In 2009-10, they could make up hours and their GPA, but they had to reimburse the university for dropped classes.
In 2010-11, students who graduated in 2009-10 or earlier could make up both hours and GPA. Students would often take summer classes to make up hours or grades.
“Students have always been able to take classes in the summer using their own funds and apply the grades or hours to meet the renewal requirements to restore their scholarship,” Higgins said. “For the Florida Medallion Scholarship, students need to earn 24 credit hours for full-time rewards.”
But this year is different. Students that graduated high school in 2010-11 or later could only cover their GPA shortfalls after their first year in the program. After that, students could not make up hours or GPA.
But the legislation was passed after some summer classes had already begun. This potentially leaves some students high and dry, without much time to find alternative funding streams.
“The Department of Education is responsible for implementing what the Legislature enacts into law,” Higgins said. “For legislative intent or rationale for statutory changes, we suggest that you check with your legislators or legislative staff.”
The changes are expected to save $87 million for the state next year.
