Education System

Private Colleges and Universities

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For assistance, call 850-245-3200 or visit https://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/

What is the purpose of the program?

Florida's private colleges and universities include non-public colleges, universities, and postsecondary career schools that are under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Independent Education as provided in Ch. 1005, Florida Statutes.

The purpose is to enhance Florida student access to programs at private colleges and universities or fund specific programs offered by private colleges and universities.

What types of private postsecondary institutions are included?

There are a variety of private postsecondary institutions in Florida that award different types of education credentials, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and workforce certificates and diplomas. Most private colleges and universities are part of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF)or licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE). Section 1005.06, Florida Statutes, specifies those institutions that are not under the jurisdiction of the commission.

The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida includes 30 private, non-profit, Florida-based educational institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Other private institutions in Florida are licensed by the Commission for Independent Education. These include more than 900 independent postsecondary educational institutions that may be accredited by a variety of entities.

Which private colleges and universities receive funding for specific academic programs?

The following private college and university programs received state funding for specific academic programs in Fiscal Year 2022-23.

Barry University- Nursing and Health Professional Simulation Program
Beacon College - Tuition Scholarships for Students with Learning and Attention Issues
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Aerospace Academy
Florida Technical College - Biomedical Aerospace Manufacturing and Restore Lagoon Inflow Research
Herzing University Nursing - Simulation Centers
Historically Black Private Colleges and Universities
- Bethune-Cookman University - Mary McLeod Bethune Center
- Edward Waters University - Institute on Criminal Justice
- Florida Memorial University - Legal Scholars Pipeline Project and Cyber Innovation Hub
Flagler College - Institute for Classical Education
Jacksonville University - EPIC (Entrepreneurship, Policy, Innovation, and Commerce) Program
Keiser University - Nursing Shortage: Increasing the Talent Workforce Supply Through Simulation, Faculty, and Technology
Nova Southeastern University - Enhanced funds to support individuals with autism/DD
St. Leo University - Robotics Engineering Degree, Micro-credentials Program, and Organic Farm Initiative
University of Miami - Medical Training and Simulation Laboratory

What state tuition assistance is available to students attending private colleges and universities?

The Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program (EASE), formerly known as the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), may be awarded to students attending a regionally accredited secular nonprofit postsecondary institution. Students attending independent postsecondary institutions may also be eligible to receive of other types of financial aid.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2022-23

	General Revenue	Trust Funds
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
GRANTS AND AIDS - MEDICAL TRAINING AND SIMULATION LABORATORY
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND	4,000,000
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
GRANTS AND AIDS - HISTORICALLY BLACK PRIVATE COLLEGES
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND	31,471,685
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
GRANTS AND AIDS - PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND	12,921,500
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
EFFECTIVE ACCESS TO STUDENT EDUCATION GRANT
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND	75,410,000
GRANTS AND AIDS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND NONSTATE ENTITIES - FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY
FACILITY REPAIRS MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND	40,000,000
TOTAL	163,803,185	0

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Updates

Postsecondary Education. The 2022 Legislature enacted Ch. 2022-70, Laws of Florida, which includes a requirement for the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to identify and determine the accrediting agencies or associations recognized by the US Department of Education that are best suited to serve as an accreditor for public postsecondary institutions. This law further provides a cause of action for any public postsecondary institution, or nonpublic postsecondary education institution that receives state funds, that is negatively impacted by a retaliatory action by its accrediting agency or association.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
Auditor General reports are available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Commission for Independent Education (CIE)
Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF)
Florida Department of Education, Office of Articulation

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapter 1005 (Commission for Independent Education), ss. 1011.521 (Private Colleges and Universities), 1009.89, and 1009.891No statute found(Financial Aid Programs), Florida Statutes.

Whom do I contact for help?

Office of Student Financial Assistance, State Scholarships and Grants, 1-800-366-3475, email: OSFAStudentLoans@fldoe.org
Website
Commission for Independent Education (CIE), 850-245-3200
Website
Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), 850-681-3188
Website