By: Gaurav Bhola, MSM, Managing EditorIn a surprising twist, Florida's public schools are attracting less minority students as a percentage of the total student population than private colleges. What is even more surprising is that the Florida public college and university system tuition is well below the national average, certainly less than private schools.
Approximately, 44 percent of Florida's private college undergraduates are minorities. By contrast, public school minority students make up about 40 percent of all undergraduates. The report by Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, an association that represents nonprofit and private institutions is based on 2006 federal data.
The tuition cost to attend a four year public university in Florida is $3,200 for undergraduate classes, compared to a national average of $5,836.* However, a four year private college in Florida costs about $5,500. So why is it that minority students who come from less affluent households attend private colleges than their public school counterparts from more affluent families?
In many instances, the minority students had little choice due to not being accepted by Florida public schools. Due to budget considerations, public university officials have had to adopt stricter admission guidelines.
Also, some students were offered scholarships and grants from private schools providing an incentive not provided by public schools. But student loans and college loans still form a good part of financial aid.
Also, in the last ten years, private universities amplified their minority enrollment numbers at a quicker pace than public schools. Today, minority college students compromise the majority of seven of Florida’s 28 private colleges.
Private schools have been more proactive in seeking minority and low-income students by formulating solutions to address their financial aid issues. Most students pay for university education by taking out student loans from Sallie Mae or private student loan lenders. However, private universities provide eligible students $3,000 per year state credit towards their education which can be combined with a $3,200 Bright Futures scholarship.
Also, low-income students can apply for federal Pell Grants, which can total up to $4,300 a year. Currently, around 28 percent of Florida's public school students qualify for Pell Grants, compared with37 percent of private school students.
As Florida’s public universities become more selective in terms of standards and enrollment due to resource limitations, private institutions will play a greater role in providing more students an alternative to state college education. Private schools won’t displace state universities as a premier choice for minorities but they certainly will be a safety net for them.
Ultimately, students must weigh the caliber of private schools’ education by merit before enrolling. Students and their families must do their due diligence.
*Source: Trends in College Pricing 2006 by The College Board
