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Learn more about $10K bachelor's degree plan

Wednesday, Feb 27, 2013
Jay Davis

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced his $10,000 bachelor's degree challenge at a press conference in November.

All 23 Florida College System institutions that offer baccalaureate degrees have accepted Gov. Rick Scott’s challenge to offer students a baccalaureate degree program that costs no more than $10,000.

Seminole State, which accepted the challenge in November, will offer an incentive scholarship for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Construction degree starting in August at a reduced cost of $10,000 for qualified students.

To help you understand the new initiative, here are some frequently asked questions.

Why was B.S. Construction chosen?

The B.S. Construciton degree was chosen because it's unique – the only one of its kind in Central Florida – and also because it's in a high-demand field with average local wages 150-300 percent of the average local wage. During the next eight years, state figures project an average of 2,000 openings per year in Central Florida. This degree also has tremendous support from industry partners who understand the need for construction professionals and want to hire Seminole State graduates.

What are the qualifications for the degree?

Just like other scholarship programs offered at Seminole State, there are specific qualifications to receive the $10,000 degree. To qualify, students must:

1. Be a Florida resident and be enrolled full time.
2. Start at Seminole State as a first-time-in-college student.
3. Be college ready when they enroll at Seminole State (not requiring remedial courses).
4. Identify themselves as an A.S. construction student and indicate their interest in the incentive program.
5. Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher when they begin their upper-level courses (after completing their A.S. degree).

The incentive aims to encourage more students to enter and complete the B.S. Construction program. Studies show that full-time students are more likely to complete their degrees. Since a requirement of the scholarship is full-time studies, the College hopes to improve completion rates and also help meet the tremendous demand in this region for construction professionals.

The B.S. Construction is a challenging program; courses are based on the model set by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the professional benchmark for quality U.S. construction education programs for five decades.

How does the scholarship work?

Once the qualified student’s tuition and fees reach $10,000, the remaining tuition and fees will be paid for through scholarships.

Does Seminole State plan to offer additional $10,000 degrees?

Construction is the only degree that will be offered with this incentive.

How can Seminole State afford to offer this incentive?

Seminole State’s industry and private partners – who have been strong supporters of the B.S. Construction degree since it was created in 2010 – are supporting this initiative by funding scholarships. The cost of the degree will not change, and it will be the same as the other baccalaureate programs at the College. 

What other scholarships/assistance are available for baccalaureate students?

Seminole State students already receive quite a bargain compared to students at a state university; Seminole State students pay about half what they’d pay at a state university for their first two years. In addition, about 65 percent of Seminole State students receive Pell grants, and about 10 percent receive Bright Futures that help reduce the burden of debt. In addition, Seminole State offers a number of scholarships for baccalaureate students through the Foundation for Seminole State College and the Admissions Office.

Who do I contact if I'd like more information about the $10,000 bachelor's degree program?

Please contact the School of Engineering, Design and Construction at 407.708.4451.