We’re closing in on when parents find out the extent to which they’re going to be impoverished by college education bills. To celebrate April Fools’ Day, given that nothing is more foolish than handing over one’s life savings to a for-profit nonprofit university, I thought everyone might enjoy this exchange from a Jupiter, Florida Facebook group:
My son is zoned to attend Jupiter High School, and I’m a bit lost on how to navigate the course options. I’m trying to understand the differences between AICE courses, AP courses, and the various choice programs, especially in relation to qualifying for the Bright Futures scholarship.
Answer from a young lady: I am a recent college graduate and I also attended JHS. Thanks to AICE classes combined with dual enrollment courses, I was able to complete my bachelors degree in two years, all paid for by full bright futures scholarship (which was from completing the AICE diploma). If your kid is planning on going to a Florida college one day, I recommend the AICE program as more FL schools accept those credits.
Background from Google AI: AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) classes in Florida are part of a rigorous Cambridge University program offered in many high schools, allowing students to earn college credit, gain university-level skills, and qualify for Florida Bright Futures scholarships by passing challenging exams.
Bright Futures is free tuition (but the in-state rack rate is minimal in any case; less than $7,000/year at University of Florida) funded by the gambling addicts who purchase lottery tickets. “Dual enrollment” refers to the right of any Florida high schooler with decent grades to take college courses at state-run universities at no charge (taxpayers also have to pay for the textbooks) and get high school and college credit at the same time.
So, the parents of the gal who responded ended up with a 20-year-old college graduate at zero cost other than some rent/food/transportation expenses. My response to her: “your parents should buy you a car of your choice every three years for the rest of your life. #Legend”
My daughter was a National Merit Scholar. One of her school choices offered 5 years full tuition (including grad school if desired), 4 years of room and board, and some supplemental cash. I told her if she chose that option, I’d buy her a house when she was finished.
She upheld her end of the bargain and finished her master’s degree with me paying for only one year of room & board. And I bought her the house.
P.S. A friend she met there had the same scholarship. She also had a ton of AP credits, and finished her bachelor’s degree in 2 years. So she used the remaining 3 years of tuition to pay for law school. Quite a bargain for her folks as well!