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2.4 million Floridians have some college credit but no diploma

2.4 million Floridians have some college credit but no diploma

They gained credits but no credential. Many are just a few courses from finishing. A collective failure? Think of it as a tremendous economic opportunity. These "near-completers" have been called untapped fiscal super fuel, an easily identified resource that can help ensure the economy remains vibrant and nimble. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Low-Debt States

Utah – $19,975
New Mexico – $21,373
California – $22,744
Arizona – $23,447
Nevada – $24,128
Florida – $24,461
Washington – $24,609
Wyoming – $25,378
North Carolina – $25,562
Oklahoma – $25,856
Based on Average student debt at graduation in 2016. Source: Institute for College Access and Success

Florida students have lower student loan debt than most others

Student loan debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion, but students in some states are getting hit harder than others. Students in the Northeast have the heaviest burdens. Florida has major state universities that are both affordable and prestigious, so many students end up going to these institutions and taking on less debt. See the full report (PDF) on student debt here, and read more at CNBC.

Study: Florida's education system ranks near the middle of the pack

The Sunshine State's education system ranked right in the middle of the nation, according to a new WalletHub study. To determine which states had the best — and worst — education systems, WalletHub analyzed 25 key factors of a state’s education system including test scores, dropout rates and bullying incidents, among other academic factors. See findings from WalletHub here, and read more at the : Orlando Business Journal.

UF hits milestone: $837.6 million in research awards for FY 2018

The University of Florida received a record $837.6 million in research funding in fiscal year 2018, surpassing the previous record set in fiscal 2016 by $113.6 million, or nearly 16 percent. This significant increase was largely due to increased funding from the federal government, to fund projects ranging from health care to engineering to understanding the fundamental nature of the universe. Full story here.

See also:
» FSU faculty awarded $226 million in research money, $16 million more than last year

Did Florida’s prepaid college plan stiff thousands of students? A judge says no, but the question lives on.

A class-action lawsuit contends that Florida Prepaid has violated its agreement when it comes to students who attend universities outside the state. At stake: Potentially millions of dollars that could be owed to about 20,000 families who used their plans at out-of-state schools. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

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The Lee County School District’s nearly year-long high school football stadium naming rights initiative made its biggest score yet, selling the rights to the crown jewel of its portfolio.

› Miami's Florida Vocational Institute expands to Miramar
Having recently expanded to Broward County, the Florida Vocational Institute is now enrolling for September classes. The Miami-based, private, post-education provider trains students for entry-level careers in health care and information technology.