Intelligent.com Higher Education Team TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has shaken up the education system by enacting numerous, far-reaching changes in both K-12 and higher education schools. As he prepares for a likely presidential run, we wanted to find out how his policies are affecting college students.

In March, Intelligent.com surveyed 1,000 Florida students. In total, 783 prospective college students who are currently in high school and 364 current public college undergraduate students with at least a semester remaining completed the survey. Only respondents who answered a screening question that they disagree with DeSantis’ education policies moved on to the full survey; 147 respondents were disqualified at this stage.

Key findings:

• Overall, 91% of prospective college students and 79% of current college students disagree with DeSantis’ policies

• 1 in 8 graduating high school students in Florida won’t attend a public college due to DeSantis’ education policies

• 78% of students surveyed who plan to attend a state school are worried the policies will have a negative impact on their education

• 1 in 20 current state college students plan to transfer because of DeSantis’ education policies

• 56% of surveyed current state college students are concerned the policies will negatively impact their on-going education

About 27% of high school respondents who disagree with DeSantis say they are unlikely to attend a state school, while 57% say they likely will and 14% are unsure.

Of those who aren’t likely to attend a public school, nearly half (49%) say it’s due to Desantis’ education policies. This group makes up 12% of all prospective college students, including those who are in agreement with DeSantis’ education policies.

Of students who are likely to attend a public school, 78% are concerned his education policies will negatively impact their education.

When asked why they are likely to attend a state school, the top answer given by those with concerns is the school’s location (66%). Among students who are not concerned about the impact of DeSantis’ policies, the top reason is the school’s programs (51%).