Florida College System

Introduction

28 colleges make up the Florida College system, formerly known as the Florida Community College System. Valencia becomes the 18th to change its name, according to the system's website. 66 percent of the state's high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education begin at a Florida college, and 81 percent of freshman and sophomore minority students in public higher education attend one of Florida's 28 colleges. Over the last three years FTE enrollment in the Florida College System grew more than 25%. Preliminary enrollment data this fall indicates a similar growth pattern for the coming year, with headcount enrollment in credit courses projected at approximately 922,000 students.

Discussion

The Government of Florida must invest in The Florida College System for several reasons.

One of The Florida College System's (FCS) goals is to enhance the educational levels of Floridians by expanding the number of its citizens with associate or baccalaureate degrees. Associate degree programs in the FCS typically require 60 to 72 credit hours to complete. The FCS has already taken several steps towards making higher education more accessible by establishing several high-tech, high-demand Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs to meet critical workforce needs, and maintaining a low tuition policy that ensures access to affordable education. Along with Florida's strong articulation policies, these have contributed to high levels of degree completion. Many colleges in the FCS regularly appear on Community College Week's “Top 100 Associate Degree Producers” list as a result of high associate degree enrollments and completions. Florida ranks first among Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states and second nationally in associate degrees awarded.

There were nearly 74,000 students who left college in 2007 without completing the necessary coursework to receive a degree. Some of these individuals can be classified as “stopouts,” defined as individuals who temporarily leave school with the intention to ...