The State Board of Education approved five new Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer (S.A.A.T.) degrees for Valencia College students, allowing them to complete all required math and science courses before transferring to the University of Central Florida while keeping federal financial aid. The new programs address the loss of aid that occurred after students earned the standard 60 credit hours for an Associate in Arts degree but had not finished STEM prerequisites. The approved degree pathways include biology, health sciences, civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
Legislation introduced by Rep. Jennifer Canady in 2024 created this type of associate degree, and it was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Data from Valencia College and the University of Central Florida show that students who finish all prerequisites before transferring graduate at a rate 12 to 14 percent higher than those who transfer earlier. The new S.A.A.T. degrees enable students to remain enrolled longer, complete STEM preparation and transfer as juniors without out‑of‑pocket costs.
Press release issued by Valencia College:
https://news.valenciacollege.edu/new-aa-degrees-for-stem-majors-will-ease-transfer-to-ucf/
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