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New report highlights impact of high textbook costs on college affordability, completion

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The UWF Innovation Institute’s Florida Virtual Campus released the results of the “2016 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey Report.” The survey is the third in a series from 2010 through 2016 that shows the impact high textbook costs have on college affordability, as well as college success and completion.
“The findings of this survey report are extremely significant, as the financial impact of textbook and instructional material costs on student academic success is a mounting concern for higher education,” said Dr. Robin Donaldson, director of member research and services for the Florida Virtual Campus. “We could not have completed the report without the assistance and support of the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida College System, as well as the participation from Florida’s public institutions.”
In 2016 alone, more than 22,000 students from all of Florida’s public colleges and universities voluntarily participated in the anonymous online survey. The steady increase in student participation from more than 14,000 participants in 2010 and 22,000 in 2012, to more than 22,000 in 2016, suggest the effect that the high cost of textbooks is having on academic careers and that financial burden continues to be a topic of concern for Florida students.
An overview of general findings show that:
  • The high cost of textbooks is negatively impacting student access, success and completion;
  • Required textbooks are purchased, but not always used in course instruction;
  • Students in undergraduate degree programs spend more on textbooks than students in graduate degree programs; and
  • Financial aid covers less textbooks now than in 2012.
For additional information a full copy of the report, textbook affordability infographic and executive summary can be found online at the Distance Learning and Student Services Staff Resources website.
About the UWF Innovation Institute: We are re-imaging how millions of people experience learning by exploring, designing, prototyping and delivering innovation for education. We collaborate with and serve the University of West Florida, partner organizations, and institutions across the state of Florida to improve learning for the entire Florida education system. We are a trusted partner that provides research-driven, customer-centric, systems-thinking approaches to sustainable innovation.
About the Florida Virtual Campus: The Florida Virtual Campus, a Complete Florida Plus program, is made up of several divisions focused on statewide innovative educational services for Florida’s K-20 students. Working collaboratively with Florida’s 12 public universities, 28 public colleges, K-12 school districts, and other partners, FLVC provides free services to help students go to college, succeed in school, and in life after graduation.

 

Governor Rick Scott to Highlight College Affordability Proposal

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Tomorrow, January 12th, Governor Rick Scott will highlight his “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget proposals to encourage colleges and universities to make higher education more affordable for students and to help them graduate in four years.
WHAT: College Affordability Announcement
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: Lockheed Martin
100 E. 17th St.
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
NOTE: Guests must RSVP to Maggie Sherman at [email protected] and have two forms of ID.

Gov. Scott: We Will Fight to Make Higher Education More Affordable

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Governor Rick Scott announced today his “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget proposals to encourage colleges and universities to continue to make higher education more affordable for students and also help students graduate in four years. Currently, only 44 percent of undergraduate students at Florida state universities graduate within four years and 71 percent of students are graduating with four year degrees within six years.
Governor Scott said, “Florida students should have every opportunity to earn a degree in four years without graduating with mountains of debt. While we have fought to make higher education more affordable by holding the line on undergraduate tuition, there is much more that can be done to help students. I am calling on the state Legislature to freeze all fees at state colleges and universities, and to also freeze state college tuition so students aren’t burdened with the constant sky-rocketing costs. I am also calling on the Legislature to expand Bright Futures into the summer term, helping students graduate in four years. In business, you are expected to create more efficiencies or more value. Our institutions need to provide more value to our students by becoming more affordable and helping students graduate in four years so they can save money and get a great job. I want to thank the trustees and presidents of Florida’s colleges and universities for helping us make higher education affordable, but we must do more.”
The “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget initiatives continue Governor Scott’s goal of making college more affordable. The following will be included in legislation:

  • Freezing Fees: State college and university fees will be frozen at the current rates. Currently fees at universities average almost $100 per credit hour and colleges average more than $26 per credit hour. Colleges and universities will still be able to decrease fees;
  • Freezing State College Tuition: State college tuition will be frozen at the current rates. In 2014, Governor Scott signed legislation limiting state universities’ ability to establish or raise a tuition differential. His goal is to continue that with state colleges this year; and
  • Cutting graduate teaching assistant fees by 25%: This allows hardworking teaching assistants to receive a more affordable education.

The following will be included in the Governor’s recommended budget:

  • Expanding Bright Futures: Expanding Bright Futures to cover summer classes will give students more flexibility to graduate in four years. Currently Bright Futures only covers fall and spring semesters; and
  • Cutting taxes on college textbooks: This initiative and accompanying legislation will provide a sales tax exemption for students purchasing required textbooks and instructional materials and will save students $48 million next year. A student taking five courses per semester will save a minimum of $60 per year.

Governor Scott has held the line on undergraduate tuition for three consecutive years.
Last year, Governor Scott championed and signed a sweeping college affordability bill that the Legislature passed and includes the following provisions:

  • Provided greater transparency for students regarding college costs;
  • Held the line on graduate school tuition;
  • Informed students of required and recommended textbooks before the start of classes;
  • Required colleges and universities to adopt policies that make textbooks more affordable; and
  • Required the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to make annual recommendations on how to make college more affordable.

In May, Governor Scott hosted the Degrees to Jobs Summit, which focused on important higher education topics including college affordability, leadership accountability and how business leaders and education officials can better connect Florida students with meaningful jobs when they graduate.