Top 103 Florida Scholarships☀️ in April 2024

How to win Florida scholarships

Florida is known for beautiful beaches and world-class theme parks that make it a popular destination for tourists and residents. But did you also know that Florida is home to some of the most generous scholarship programs? There are many ways for students to win scholarships to fund their education in the Sunshine State!

Florida offers a variety of scholarship programs designed to help students achieve their goals. From scholarships to underrepresented minorities to those for students pursuing degrees in specific fields, there is something for everyone. Additionally, Florida is home to a vibrant business community which allows students to take advantage of internships and job opportunities. 

Resources for writing Florida scholarship essays

In order to win Florida scholarships, you may have to write an essay about yourself. Be sure to check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay as well.  Additionally, be sure to read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Florida scholarships.

To increase your chances of winning a scholarship in Florida, you should focus on maintaining strong grades and participating in extracurricular activities. With the right approach and some luck, you can receive generous financial assistance to help you achieve success.  

Florida college loan debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, in total, Florida residents owe $100.9 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $38,459 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 47.8% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!

Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships at top Florida colleges and universities!

Florida scholarship spotlight

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

High-achieving resident Floridians (including high school seniors) with financial need are eligible to apply for full-tuition renewable scholarships from the Florida Department of Education. Applications are due by August 31 of each year.

Benacquisto Scholarship Program

The Benacquisto Scholarship is awarded to students who are named National Merit Scholars or National Achievement Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The award amount is equivalent to the institutional cost of attendance per term as provided by the Florida Board of Governors (minus the Bright Futures (BF) award and National Merit
award)

Merit scholarships at Florida colleges and universities

University of South Florida

• Eligibility: Be a Florida resident entering USF as a first-year. Have a 3.8+ GPA. Have a 1280+ SAT score or 27+ ACT score
• Amount: $8,000 to full tuition
• Deadline: January 15

Florida Institute of Technology

• Eligibility: Awards are based on an applicant’s academic performance in high school (weighted GPA plus standardized test scores)
• Amount: Up to the cost of tuition, room/board, and fees
• Deadline: February 1

Ringling College of Art and Design

• Eligibility: All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on portfolio score and GPA
• Amount: $6,000 up to $25,000 per year for 4 years
• Deadline: February 15 for the following Fall semester

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

• Eligibility: Have a FAMU recalculated grade point average of 4.00 or better. Have a 1440+ SAT score with a 700+ on the math section or have a 32 ACT score with a 32 on the match section. Have a 76+ score on the ALEKS
• Amount: Cost of tuition, minus other awards
• Deadline: June 15 

Florida State University

• Eligibility: High school seniors who are admitted into the Florida State University Honors Program
• Amount: Up to $66,000
• Deadline: Apply to FSU by November 1

University of Miami

• Eligibility: Incoming first-years to the UM. Demonstrate significant academic accomplishments in a challenging and well-rounded curriculum, strong work ethic, and meaningful participation in extracurricular activities. Decision made based on admission application
• Amount: Full cost of tuition
• Deadline: Apply to UM by November 1

Florida International University

• Eligibility: Be a newly admitted FIU student. Must have a 4.0+ GPA. Must have a 1280+ SAT score or 27+ ACT score. Students must prove a record of high academic achievement to qualify
• Amount: Up to 100% of full tuition, fees, room and board
• Deadline: November 12

Eckerd College

• Eligibility: First-year students attending Eckerd College. Based on high achievement in academics, arts, athletics, and/or leadership shown on admissions application
• Amount: $12,000 up to $22,000 per year
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to Eckerd College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

• Eligibility: Scholarships are based on merit, talent, or FAFSA-based financial need
• Amount: $500 up to $5,000
• Deadline: Varies based on scholarship. Browse them in the ERNIE

Flagler College

• Eligibility: All students (both domestic and international) are automatically considered for merit scholarships
• Amount: $3,000 up to $5,000 per year
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to Flagler College

New College of Florida

• Eligibility: Be a resident of Florida and newly admitted to New College of Florida. Have a 3.6+ GPA
• Amount: $1,000 up to $3,000 per year
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to New College of Florida

Rollins College

• Eligibility: Be admitted to Rollins College. Have a 3.1+ GPA. Have a 1170+ SAT score 24+ ACT score
• Amount: $3,000 up to the full cost of tuition
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to Rollins College

Stetson University

• Eligibility: Incoming students to Stetson University. Awarded on the basis of the high school record, standardized testing, and community service. Decision made based on admissions application
• Amount: Up to $37,000
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to Stetson University

University of Central Florida

• Eligibility: Exceptional high school students who are accepted to UCF for a summer or fall semester
• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to UCF

University of Florida

• Eligibility: Incoming students to UF. Scholarships are awarded based on grades and standardized test scores  as well as extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, and personal essay. Decision made based on strength of admission application
• Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for in-state students; up to $20,000 per year for out-of-state students
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to UF

University of Tampa

• Eligibility: High school applicants entering University of Tampa. Must enroll full-time. Show leadership or community service on admission application
• Amount: $8,000 up to $18,000 per year
• Deadline: Considered upon admission to UT

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition provides students with a lower cost compared to out-of-state tuition rates. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known Florida universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

Florida Atlantic University

• In-state tuition: $5,816
• Out-of-state tuition: $20,192

Florida State University

• In-state tuition: $5,616
• Out-of-state tuition: $18,746

University of Florida

• In-state tuition: $6,380
• Out-of-state tuition: $28,658

How do you get in-state tuition? 

It is clear that in-state tuition is a cheaper option when compared to out-of-state tuition for Florida public universities. So, how do you become a Florida resident to unlock in-state tuition rates? To establish residency for tuition purposes, a student must reside in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the start of the term they wish to enroll in. They must also demonstrate a clear intent to remain a Florida resident. Applicants will need to obtain a Florida driver’s license, register to vote in Florida, and show proof of employment in the state. 

In addition, students under the age of 24 are considered dependent for tuition purposes, unless they can show that they are financially independent from their parents or legal guardians. Therefore, if a student’s parents or legal guardians move to Florida and establish residency, the student may also be eligible for in-state tuition. 

Does Florida have tuition reciprocity?

Florida is not a member of any regional tuition reciprocity agreements. However, Florida does have a reciprocity agreement called the Academic Common Market (ACM). Through the ACM program, Florida residents who wish to pursue a graduate program of study not offered by the State University System of Florida can attend universities in15 states at in-state tuition rates.

Additional Florida resources

Florida’s 2+2 Program

To be eligible for Florida’s 2 + 2 Program, students must first earn an associate’s degree at a Florida state college. Students who earn an associate’s degree at a state college are automatically guaranteed admission to a Florida state university.

Florida Shines resources for paying for college

Florida Shines has a library of resources for in-state students about paying for and saving for secondary education. They also have resources for selecting a school in the state.

Adult Education Works at Miami- Dade Technical Colleges

The Adult & Career Technical Education programs at Miami-Dade Technical Colleges prepare students to enter the career of their choice through technical training. They also offer courses to prepare students to take the citizenship exam, learn English as a second language, and/or help prepare for the GED or high school diploma.

Collier Community Foundation Scholarship Connector

This scholarship search tool requires no login or personal information besides your educational and career goals and background. The tool matches your information with scholarships from around Florida.

FAFSA guide

On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Florida students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.

Keep reading

Are you wondering what other resources might help you win scholarships to fund your education? Students should consider applying for demographic-specific scholarships. Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of these demographic scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making the application process easier. Remember, Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable resources and access to scholarships for all students!

Frequently asked questions about Florida scholarships