Bright Futures scholarship recipients perform well in college. Students who receive Bright Futures scholarships require less remediation and outperform non-recipients when comparing GPA, three-year persistence rates, and degree completion. Consistent performance of Bright Futures recipients over time is evidence that the program's positive effect on college preparation has benefited the expanding pool of recipients. Most Bright Futures recipients also meet academic requirements to renew their scholarships.
Program costs could be controlled by raising scholarship requirements to reduce the number of eligible students, or by capping the dollar value of scholarship awards. However, raising program requirements would disproportionately affect minority and at-risk students and may take scholarships from students who perform well in college. Moreover, while limiting the scholarship awards will save money, it also may reduce students' incentives to prepare for college and attend in-state institutions.

The State Has Several Options Available When Considering the Funding of Higher Education
Report 04-54 August 2004
Stronger Financial Incentives Could Encourage Students to Graduate With Fewer Excess Hours
Report 04-44 June 2004
Florida Universities' Tuition and Fees Slightly Below Peers, But All Costs Consume a Higher Percentage of Family Median Income
Report 04-12 February 2004
Bright Futures Contributes to Improved College Preparation, Affordability, and Enrollment
Report 03-17 February 2003

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.