FINANCIAL AID Earn your college degree without breaking the bank.
Help for Students Based on Academic Achievement
Bright Futures Scholarships are awarded, based primarily on academic achievement, to recent Florida high school graduates who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a public college or university in the state. Scholarship amounts vary based on GPA, scores on college entrance exams, community service hours and other factors.Florida Incentive Scholarships are awarded, based on academic achievement, to Florida high school graduates who are designated as a National Merit or National Achievement Finalist and pursue an undergraduate degree at a public or private, not-for-profit college or university in the state. Scholarship amounts vary based on other awards.
Help for Students Based on Income
First Generation Matching Grants provide assistance, based on financial need, to Florida high school graduates whose parents never earned a college degree and who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a state college or university. Scholarship amounts vary and are determined by the college or university which matches state funding, dollar-for-dollar, with private donations.Florida Student Assistance Grants provide assistance, based on financial need, to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a public or private, not-for-profit college or university in the state, or receive training at a career center operated by district school boards. The annual minimum grant is $200 and the annual maximum grant amount is set by the Legislature in the General Appropriation Act each year.Federal Pell Grants provide assistance, based on financial need, to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree from a participating public or private, not-for-profit college or university.
Help for Students Enrolled in a Private, Not-for-Profit College or University
Access to Better Learning and Education Grants provide assistance to Florida students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a private, not-for-profit college or university in the state. Annual scholarships are $1,500.Florida Resident Access Grants provide assistance to Florida students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a private, not-for-profit college or university in the state. The amount of the award is based on the amounts established in the General Appropriations Act.
Help for Minority Students
Minority Teacher Education Scholarships are awarded, based on performance, to Florida African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Native American students enrolled in education preparation programs who agree to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year the scholarship was received. Annual scholarships are $4,000 for juniors and seniors.Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grants are awarded, based on financial need, to Florida Hispanic American students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from a public or private, not-for-profit college or university in the state. Annual grants are $2,000.Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarships are awarded, based on academic achievement and financial need, to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a historically black college in the state, including Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) or Florida Memorial University.Rosewood Family Scholarships are awarded to up to 25 students who are direct descendants of families affected by violence in the Florida town in 1923. Annual scholarships are up to $6,100.
Help for Children of Veterans
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans are awarded to dependent children, widows and widowers of qualified veterans to pursue an undergraduate degree or certificate program at a public or private, not-for-profit college or university in the state.
Help for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Scholarship funds are available annually to students enrolled in a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) . Scholarships are available only to eligible students, defined as a student with an intellectual disability. Students must not be receiving services that are funded through the Florida Education Finance Program or a scholarship (i.e., Opportunity Scholarship Program, The Gardiner Scholarship, The John M. McKay Scholarship, or Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. When inquiring or applying to enroll in an FPCTP, learn how students receive scholarship funds. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS is offering a number of scholarships to young adults with Down syndrome - 18 and older - who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in postsecondary educational programs.The O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund offers financial assistance to adults - 18 and older - who have Down syndrome and wish to continue to enhance their lives by taking classes or enrolling in postsecondary educational programs. Ruby’s Rainbow , a non-profit organization, is currently offering scholarships to individuals with Down Syndrome (18 years of age and up) seeking higher education or post-secondary enrichment classes. Scholarships are valued up to $10,000 per awarded individual.
Help for Students Pursuing a Teaching Degree
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students earning a college degree in Early Childhood Education. The program also provides financial aid for individuals earning or renewing a credential to work as staff or director of a child-care center or home-based provider. The Florida Work Experience Program provides jobs, based on financial need, to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a public or private, not-for-profit college or university, or training at a career center operated by district school boards. The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs, based on financial need, to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a participating public or private, not-for-profit college or university. Federal Perkins Loans are low interest loans offered by participating colleges and universities for students pursuing an undergraduate degree.Direct Stafford Loans are low interest loans offered by the federal government which are available to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at any eligible public or private, not-for-profit college or university.PLUS Loans are low interest loans offered by the federal government which are available to parents of students pursuing an undergraduate degree and students pursuing a graduate degree.
