9 Investigates skyrocketing out-of-state enrollment fees at local colleges

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Out of state enrollment is skyrocketing at community colleges throughout the state.

9 Investigates reporter Daralene Jones learned it's part of a calculated effort to generate revenue.

Jones questioned whether it's putting an unnecessary strain on colleges and squeezing out local students.

Valencia College had 60,000 students enrolled this school year. That is the same size as the University of Central Florida.

“It’s really different, just because it’s really big,” said Valencia College student Patrice Binkys.

Binkys is one of the many locals forced to share space with a fast growing out-of-state and international student population.

“I have noticed a lot more. In my classes there are a few, from, I think, Spain,” said Babita Samaroo.

Community colleges throughout Florida are targeting students who have to pay out-of-state tuition.

Valencia College spent $254,000 over the last three years on marketing and international recruitment trips.

“It's tremendously relieving for our budget,” Valencia College board chairman Lew Oliver said.

9 Investigates reviewed the enrollment numbers of campuses throughout the state.

Valencia College out-of-state enrollment has increased significantly each of the last three years, with 5,762 enrolled in 2016.

Statewide, out-of-state students total more than 80,000 enrolled at 28 community colleges. These are colleges traditionally designed to accommodate local communities and students not quite ready for large university life.

“Are you putting a squeeze on local students?” Jones asked.

“The resources the foreign students bring in in the form of tuition allows us to deliver a great deal more to our local base,” Oliver told Eyewitness News.

It costs an in-state student $112 in tuition and fees per credit hour; it costs $300 more for out-of-state students.

Valencia College collected about $4 million from out-of-state tuition four years ago. In 2016, it’s expected to generate more than $9 million at a time when state funding isn't increasing fast enough to keep up with the explosions of growth.

“It sounds like a cash cow for the college?” Jones asked Oliver.

“There is no question. This is a tremendous upside revenue opportunity,” Oliver said.

The students are also eligible, like local students, to participate in the "direct connect" program that guarantees admission into UCF, which is why some believe the university is growing so quickly.

Cox Media Group