For some low-income students, it’s especially great to be a Florida Gator.
College enrollment for low-income students dropped 10 percent nationally in the past five years, according to a recent report by the American Council on Education. But a slightly higher number of low-income students have applied to UF compared with last year, said Andrea Felder, director of freshman and international admissions.
"The university has a commitment to recruiting students from low-income backgrounds," Felder said.
Felder said helping low-income students is a priority for UF. The university is committed to providing financial aid opportunities to students they’re considering admitting to UF, and she said UF staff travel to low-income areas to give students financial aid information.
More federal aid has been made available in the past seven years. Since the 2008-2009 school year, available federal financial aid has increased from $82 billion to $123 billion, according to the report.
Bianca Serrano, a UF biology freshman, said she understands some students may be scared of enrolling in colleges because they fear student debt.
But she said she doesn’t think students should be accepted solely because of their low-income status.
"I think it plays a very important role but should not limit anyone from not obtaining a good education," the 18-year-old said.
But UF biology freshman Tianna Thomeson, who identifies as a low-income student, said she thinks UF should offer more scholarships.
"The school didn’t help me much, if I’m being honest," the 18-year-old said. "I had to get student loans."
