Florida Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Florida Scholarships & Grants

Florida offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Florida more affordable.

Bright Futures (Florida Academic/Medallion) and Benacquisto are major options.

What College Grants Are Available in Florida?

Florida offers several state-funded grants designed to make higher education more affordable for residents. The most prominent program is the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), a need-based grant for undergraduate students attending eligible public or private institutions. Another key program, the First Generation Matching Grant, supports students who are the first in their families to attend college. Additional grants, such as the Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant for private college students and the Florida Postsecondary Endowment Grant, provide further support for qualified applicants. These programs help thousands of Floridians reduce tuition costs each year.

What Is the Bright Futures Scholarship?

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is one of the most well-known merit-based scholarship programs in the United States. It rewards Florida high school graduates for academic achievement and community service. The program includes multiple award tiers:

• Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at public colleges and universities, plus a small stipend for books.
• Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees for eligible students.

Eligibility is based on GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and documented community service hours. Students must also complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) during their senior year of high school.

How Can You Get a Full-Ride Scholarship in Florida?

Full-ride scholarships in Florida are highly competitive and awarded to students with exceptional academic and leadership achievements. Notable programs include:

• Benacquisto Scholarship Program: A full-ride scholarship for National Merit Finalists attending Florida public universities.
• Stamps Scholarship (University of Miami): Covers tuition, fees, room, board, and enrichment funds for top students demonstrating excellence in academics and leadership.
• Presidential Scholarship (Florida State University): A full-tuition merit award for high-achieving students.

Strong academic records, community involvement, and leadership experience are key factors in securing these awards.

How Can You Get a Grant for School in Florida?

To qualify for grants in Florida, students must complete both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). Grants such as the FSAG are awarded based on financial need, while others, like the EASE Grant, are available for students attending private nonprofit colleges. Completing these forms early maximizes eligibility for both state and federal programs.

Are There Florida Scholarships for Private Schools?

Yes. Florida provides several programs to help students attend private K–12 institutions. These include:

• Step Up for Students Scholarship: Provides tuition assistance for K–12 students from low- and middle-income families.
• Family Empowerment Scholarship: Offers funding for students with disabilities or those seeking alternative educational settings.
• McKay Scholarship Program: Supports students with special needs attending private schools that best fit their educational requirements.

These programs increase school choice and educational access for Florida families.

What Are Some Full-Ride Scholarships in Florida?

Florida is home to multiple full-ride opportunities for outstanding students. In addition to the Benacquisto Scholarship, the Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami and the John V. Lombardi Scholarship at the University of Florida provide full coverage for tuition, housing, and other educational expenses. Many of these awards also include stipends for research, internships, or study abroad.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Florida?

High school seniors in Florida can apply for a variety of scholarships based on merit, need, and community involvement. Notable programs include:

• Bright Futures Scholarship: Merit-based tuition assistance for Florida residents attending in-state institutions.
• Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant: Need-based aid for Hispanic students who demonstrate academic excellence.
• Southern Scholarship Foundation Program: Provides rent-free housing for students attending participating Florida colleges.

Students are encouraged to complete both the FAFSA and FFAA during their senior year to ensure maximum eligibility for these programs.

What Is the Florida Student Assistance Grant?

The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) is the primary need-based aid program for undergraduate students in the state. It is available to Florida residents enrolled in eligible degree programs at public, private, and state colleges. Awards vary annually based on financial need and institutional participation, but funds are typically limited — making early FAFSA submission critical. FSAG funds can be renewed each year as long as students continue to demonstrate need and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements.

What Are the Best Scholarships in Florida?

Some of the most prestigious and valuable scholarships available to Florida students include:

• Bright Futures Scholarship: Florida’s flagship merit program for high-performing high school graduates.
• Benacquisto Scholarship: Full-ride funding for National Merit Finalists attending Florida public universities.
• University of Miami Stamps Scholarship: Comprehensive merit-based scholarship with enrichment opportunities.
• Florida State University Presidential Scholarship: Covers full tuition for academically elite students.

These programs reward academic excellence, leadership, and service while helping top students graduate with minimal debt.

How Do You Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application?

The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is required for most state-based scholarships and grants, including Bright Futures and FSAG. To complete it:

• Visit the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
• Create a student account and complete the application online.
• Submit the FFAA during your senior year of high school to be considered for all eligible state programs.

Timely submission is essential — students who apply early are prioritized for limited funding and faster award processing.