USF Grilled By State Higher Ed Leaders On Graduation Rates

State higher education leaders had warned universities that tuition increases this year would be a tougher sell than ever. They weren't kidding.

The University of South Florida got an earful Wednesday as it presented its annual work-plan, which precedes tuition hike requests, mostly about its graduation rates.

Just 34 percent of USF's first-time-in-college students graduate in four years. A little more than 50 percent graduate in six years.

"Too low for a school of your caliber," said Florida Board of Governors chairman Dean Colson. If it's not better in a couple years, perhaps USF should put further tuition hikes on hold.