A new proposal filed by a South Florida representative would offer free college tuition to thousands of Florida students, if they agree to live and work in the state after graduating.
The bill (HB-181), filed by Rep. Shevrin D. Jones of West Park, would create the Sunshine Scholarship Program that would cover 100 percent of tuition costs for Florida residents whose annual household income is $125,000 or less.
"I believe Florida has the chance to open the gates of opportunities, and join with other states by giving those who desire to further their education the opportunity to do so," said Jones.
If passed, the program would be administered by the Department of Education and would fund up to 72 credit hours for associate’s degrees and 120 credit hours for bachelor’s degrees.
Jones says higher education has always been a gateway to greater opportunities, stronger communities, and a path to end generational poverty.
Average salaries for college graduates are at an all-time high, according to a recent study from Korn Ferry, an executive search firm. The analysis states that the average starting salary for a 2017 college grad is just under $50,000 — $49,785, to be exact.
The proposed bill will begin its journey through legislature in January.
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Legislature will begin to consider the bill in January.
