It’s that time of year when graduating high school seniors begin narrowing down their choices on which college to attend. For some, the decision is complex and seemingly indecisive. For others, it’s not so difficult, as they’ve already knocked off an entire state’s worth of colleges.
Not only is “woke” on its way to death in the Sunshine State, but so are its college application numbers as a result.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent legislation is not only fiercely unpopular among current and prospective college students, but it also may drive them out of the state’s public higher education system, according to a new report by Intelligent.
Among 1,147 students who either currently attend an undergraduate public college in Florida or intend to upon graduating, only 147 agreed with DeSantis’ policies. Specifically, 91% of prospective college students disagree with DeSantis’ policies and 79% of current students disagree.
Alarmingly, DeSantis’ policies are reportedly dissuading 12% of prospective students away from Florida schools—even those that agree with his policies. Of the 713 prospective college students who did disagree with DeSantis’ policies, more than a quarter said they are unlikely to attend a state school (27%). Nearly half (49%) of those students who are reportedly not planning to attend a Florida state school cited his education policies as the main reason.
What this means is that out of all Florida high school students planning to enroll in an undergraduate program next academic year, one in eight plans to refuse a state college or university specifically due to DeSantis’ education policies.
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Still, 57% of prospective students who disagree with DeSantis’ policies do plan to attend a Florida college or university, even as their concerns permeate: 78% of these students admit they fear how the governor’s policies will impact their education. Students who are primarily motivated to attend these schools out of sheer location, possibly their proximity to home, showed the most concern. Students motivated to attend a school due to their programs showed the least concern.
While prospective students are looking away from Florida’s public schools, college students currently attending one seem to be seeking a way out. Of all the surveyed students enrolled in a public college, 5% are “definitely” or “probably” thinking about transferring due to DeSantis’ policies. This is among all students—both those who agree and those who disagree with DeSantis. A total of 21% of students who disagree with DeSantis are thinking about transferring.
Most students who dissent from DeSantis are choosing to stay, stating finances as the main reason. However, more than half are concerned (31%) or very concerned (25%) with how politics will interfere with their education.
While DeSantis bills targeting faculty tenure began to shake up teacher vacancies in Florida, this survey seems to forecast students will be turning away from Florida, too, which can decrease the state’s enrollment.
Of the 1,147 respondents, only current undergraduate students that will be enrolled in another semester in fall 2023 and graduating high schoolers who plan to attend college were considered for the survey.
