For all those high schoolers still weeping over the rejection letter from UF or FSU, and for future students who might be shut out by the state universities' enrollment cuts, presidents of Florida's 28 private colleges and universities have a message: We'd love to have you!

Leaders of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida said today that they'll create room for students and will work with them on financial aid packages that make the institutions affordable.

“It’s a shame that state universities have to limit enrollment because of Florida’s fiscal crisis, and our members want to do whatever they can to help students earn the college degree they seek to attain,” said ICUF President Ed H. Moore.  “As private institutions serving the public interest we are committed in good times and bad to help Florida produce the skilled graduates it needs to drive the economy.”

Those financial aid "packages" would include the FRAG grant of $3,000 a year. But it's worth noting the governor wants to cut out money to fund incoming students next year, and Sen. Steve Oelrich wants to make the grant need-based, and contingent on more stringent academic standards.