Florida Scholarships

Florida is the best-ranked state for higher education. It is at the top and offers some of the best universities and colleges in the country like the University of Florida and Florida State University. Along with a great educational system, the state features a strong economy and also great recreational opportunities due to the presence of beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a vibrant culture.

The state of Florida has a plethora of options for tertiary institutions and houses a big student population of more than 1,000,000 higher education students. The vast variety of public institutions also makes education highly affordable in the state with the average in-state tuition costing around 51% lower than the national average. Moreover, the availability of many Florida scholarships makes studying here even more convenient.

However, regardless of the low average tuition costs, many students complete their degrees and qualifications with the help of loans. The state’s total student debt exceeds $103 billion and it is continuing to rise with time. Option for scholarships and grants instead of loans can help reduce this debt and avoid the long-term liability for students.

We have listed close to 40 Florida scholarships for students to consider. There are options for students from all backgrounds and majors. These scholarships can help pay a big chunk of tuition and related costs. Some of them are even full-ride scholarships that can help cover the total cost of tuition. Among the list provided, students can find merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, talent-based scholarships, and also scholarships provided by specific universities to their students.

Florida has around 402 colleges and universities, out of which 94 are public institutions and 308 are private. A lot of these institutions, around 108, are 4-year colleges. There are also multiple options for trade or vocational schools in the state too – approximately 134. Florida also houses around 86 community colleges. The best universities in the state include the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Miami.

The University of Florida is a public institution located in the city of Gainesville, FL. It has an acceptance rate of around 23% and houses more than 34,000 undergraduates. It has an affordable in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381 and out-of-state students have to pay $28,658 which is again more affordable than many other good universities in the country. Theer is also an option for room and board on campus. Some of the most popular majors students opt for here include Engineering, Business, Management, Marketing, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Florida State University, a public university, is situated in Tallahassee. It is the second-best national institution for higher education in the state housing more than 44,000 students in total. Most of the total enrollment, around 75%, are undergraduates. The in-state tuition and fees charged here equal $6,517 and there is also room and board available for $12,740 per year for the year ending 2024. Psychology and Finance are two of the most popular majors that students pursue at this institution.

The University of Miami is a private university located in Coral Gables, FL. Being a private institution, the tuition and fees here are more expensive, being around $59,926. Therefore, students looking to study here would benefit greatly by applying for some scholarships beforehand to make things more affordable. The university has a lower acceptance rate of 19%. There is also an option for room and board for those looking for on-campus housing, which costs $21,580 for the year ending 2024. Some of the popular majors here include Finance, Registered Nursing, and Psychology.

Students have many options in Florida for universities and colleges if they have an average of around 3.0 GPA. St. Leo University, St Petersburg College, and Webber International University are three examples that students with average grades can consider.

Saint Leo University is a private 4-year university in Florida with an acceptance rate of around 80%. They charge around $28,360 for tuition and fees and there is also an application fee of around $45. SATs/ACTs are not compulsory for admission and they are only considered if scores are submitted. However, submitting reasonable scores can help secure admission.

St Petersburg College is a public institution with around 24,543 undergraduate enrolments. It is an easy school to get into even with average grades as they have an ‘open admission policy.’ Colleges with such a policy have few admission thresholds and take in students if they meet the basic minimum requirements set by the institution. Their in-state tuition and fee charges are $2,682 and they also charge an application fee of $40.

Webber International University is located in Babson Park, FL. It is a private university with an acceptance rate of 46% and an undergraduate enrolment of 776 students. Students admitted to the university usually have an average GPA of 2.98 and submission of SATs/ACTs is not mandatory for admission. The school charges $30,368 for tuition and fees but no application fee is charged.

Florida has the lowest average in-state tuition cost of approximately $4,541, which is 51% lower than the national average of $9,349. Moreover, the cost of living in the state is also around 2% lower than the national average. This makes Florida a highly favorable state to pursue higher education in and the wide availability of Florida scholarships makes the state even more affordable to study in.

Some of the best and most affordable national universities in Florida include Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the University of South Florida, and the University of North Florida. All of these have in-state tuition and fees below $7,000. The room and board at these institutions are also all below $13,000 per year for the year ending 2024. There are also other regional universities and community colleges in Florida state that charge even less with tuition and fees ranging below $3,000. Some such examples include Tallahassee Community College, St. Petersburg College, and Gulf Coast State College.

The most expensive institutions in the state include the University of Miami, the Florida Institute of Technology, and Nova Southeastern University. They are all private institutions and each charge tuition and fees of $59,926, $44,360, and $37,080 respectively. Florida scholarships can help make tuition more affordable at these expensive universities. Some of the best scholarship options include the Gulf Coast Hurricane Scholarship, the BIG ARTS Classical Music Scholarship, and the Roy W. Likins Scholarship.

Florida has a total college enrolment of around 1,049,672 students of which approximately 912,816 are undergraduates and the rest are graduate enrolments. The female population slightly dominates the total as they make up around 58% of all the students enrolled in higher education institutions.

White students dominate the total enrolment, contributing 401,645 students to the total. They are followed by the Hispanic student population of 310,584. Black/African Americans contribute the next biggest share as they make up around 15.8% of the total student population. Asians contribute 40,708 students to the student population of Florida. American Indian/Native American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, however, are very few, not even making 1% of the total together.

Florida’s total student debt is around $103.3 billion which is spread over more than 2,700,000 borrowers. The average student borrower debt is one of the highest in the country and also higher than the national average by around 31%, equalling $38,065.

Out of the total student borrowers, around 21% owe between $20,000 to $40,000 in debt and some owe much higher amounts. This debt becomes a financial burden on students after graduation and costs them their living standards. This is because a considerable chunk of their income, which could have been used for other expenses, goes away in making repayments. Other ways of funding education, therefore, are more favorable. Florida scholarships, for example, can help pay for college without getting into further debt.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experience only and can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some Florida scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit Your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Florida scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Florida offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

There are many options available for high school seniors for scholarships in the state. Following are some of the best options to consider:

1. Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund
2. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
3. National PCEA Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Foundation
4. Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
5. SAWF Scholarship Program
6. Bright Futures Scholarship
7. Arts for Life! Scholarship
8. Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship
9. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships

Almost 87% of the total student population in Florida consists of undergraduates and many of them take the help of student loans to graduate. The following Florida scholarships can help students get the financial assistance they need.

1. FTCETest.org Scholarship for Underrepresented Teachers in Florida
2. FTCEtest.org Scholarship for Math & Science Teachers
3. FTCEtest.org Scholarship for Future Teachers
4. Farah & Farah Empowering Greatness Scholarship
5. Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program
6. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
7. MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
8. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

Graduate students can apply for the following scholarships to get financial assistance for their tuition and related expenses.

1. Roy W. Likins Scholarship
2. Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation Scholarship
3. William E. Wilson Scholarship Award
4. Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award
5. Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award
6. Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award
7. Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
8. Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award

Following are some scholarships that are specifically designed for students pursuing teaching qualifications. These scholarships can help future teachers complete their studies without the help of student loans.

1. Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
2. FTCETest.org Scholarship for Underrepresented Teachers in Florida
3. FTCEtest.org Scholarship for Future Teachers
4. FTCEtest.org Scholarship for Math & Science Teachers

Higher education students looking for nursing scholarships can apply for the following general scholarships that are open to all majors.

1. Farah & Farah Empowering Greatness Scholarship
2. Study.com November Scholarships
3. Florida Student Assistance Grants (FSAG)

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum offers the SAWF Scholarship Program to female high school students pursuing STEM or automotive degrees and who have a high school GPA of at least 2.5 or above. The scholarship amount is between $1,000 to $5,000 and it is available to all women regardless of their ethnicity.

Most universities have in-house scholarships for their freshmen and students can find more information on them at the financial aid office at their institutions. Some Florida institutions offering merit-based scholarships include the University of Florida and Florida State University.

The University of Florida offers Presidential Scholarships, Out-of-State Tuition Waivers, and Admissions Honors Scholarship to their new admissions. These scholarships are based on merit and they consider not only the GPA and test scores of the student but also take into consideration their extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, and personal essay. These scholarships vary from $5,000 to $20,000.

Florida State University also considers new admissions automatically with a certain GPA and test scores for merit scholarships. Some of their main scholarships include the Benacquisto Scholarship which is for students who are National Merit Finalists, the Presidential Scholars program, the Vires Scholarship, the Mores Scholarship, the Partner Promise Scholarship, and the QUEST Scholars Program. All these scholarships have varying eligibility requirements and they range in amount from the full cost of tuition to $2,000.

Many state-based and private organizations in Florida support students financially by providing them with various scholarships. Students can look into the Florida Department of Education website to learn about the state-based scholarships they offer like the K-12 Scholarship Programs and the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Step Up for Students is another great Florida scholarship resource. It offers various types of scholarships for private schools, unique abilities, personalized education, and others. They have been funding students’ education for more than 20 years and have provided scholarships of more than a million in total since then. A few other places to look at include The Miami Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF).

Students can also contact local churches and organizations related to their specific major to find out about some private scholarship opportunities in the area. Students can also access various scholarships through the institution they are studying in.

The state of Florida offers need-based grants to college students that can help them pay for college. The Florida Student Assistance Program (FSAG) is the main grant offered by the state to Florida resident students who are undergraduates. The grant award varies and is subject to the availability of funds and the student’s need but usually ranges between $200-$2610 per academic year.

For first-generation students whose parents have not earned a degree, the state offers the First Generation Matching Grant. This grant is also only for first-time undergraduates and Florida residents who are enrolled full-time and can demonstrate financial need. This particular grant, however, also requires the student to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for eligibility.