PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Universities Projecting Enrollment Loss For Fall

Florida State University is among the state's universities that would have to conduct 'intellectual freedom' surveys, geared toward protecting free speech on campuses, under a bill in the Florida Legislature this session.
FSU
/
Florida State University
Florida State University is among the state's universities that would have to conduct 'intellectual freedom' surveys, geared toward protecting free speech on campuses, under a bill in the Florida Legislature this session.
Florida State University is among the state's universities that would have to conduct 'intellectual freedom' surveys, geared toward protecting free speech on campuses, under a bill in the Florida Legislature this session.
Credit FSU / Florida State University
/
Florida State University
Florida State University, Westcott Fountain

Florida’s universities are already projecting loss of revenue from COVID-19 closures, and that may be compounded by enrollment declines going forward.

Syd Kitson chairs the state university system’s Board of Governors. He told a work group, part of the governor’s Re-Open Florida task force, the dip in enrollment is expected to come during the Fall semester.

Fall semester enrollment may be reduced, as returning students, particularly from at-risk populations, decide to stop or postpone work on their degree and not enroll, due to personal financial hardships or other concerns,” Kitson said.

Kitson also told the task force universities’ athletic programs will feel the squeeze from COVID-19, especially if schools have to forego all or part of football season – a primary source of revenue for most.  

Copyright 2020 WFSU. To see more, visit .

Ryan Dailey is a reporter/producer for WFSU/Florida Public Radio. After graduating from Florida State University, Ryan went into print journalism working for the Tallahassee Democrat for five years. At the Democrat, he worked as a copy editor, general assignment and K-12 education reporter.