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Florida Statute Section 1009.286 establishes an “excess hour” surcharge for students seeking baccalaureate degrees at state universities. It is critical that students, including those entering Florida College System institutions, are aware of the potential for additional course fees. From the 2012-13 academic year and thereafter, “excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 110% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 132 credit hours (110% x 120).
All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete the courses required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida College System students intending to transfer to state universities should identify a transfer major and transfer institution early (no later than at the time student earns 30 semester hours of college credit). Students should also be advised of admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses nonessential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.
The Polk State College online student portal PASSPORT provides degree audit and program completion tools for the student. Advisors are available for program, educational plan, and career advising between registration periods. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of these tools and opportunities to plan program progression well and to prevent accumulation of excess hours that do not contribute to the student’s program completion.
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