University of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

Name: University of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to 100% of tuition and fees

Information And Eligibility:
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is one of the most significant and widely recognized financial aid programs available to Florida high school graduates. Funded by the State of Florida, this merit-based scholarship rewards students for strong academic performance, consistent coursework rigor, and community engagement throughout high school. Bright Futures provides major financial support for students attending eligible Florida colleges, universities, or technical institutions, and award levels can cover a substantial portion—sometimes up to 100%—of tuition and applicable fees.

There are multiple award tiers within the Bright Futures program, including the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) Award and the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) Award. The FAS Award typically covers 100% of tuition and fees, while the FMS Award covers a significant portion of tuition costs. Eligibility is based on several factors, including high school GPA, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and completed service hours. Students must also complete a specific set of high school courses aligned with Florida’s academic requirements. Once awarded, the scholarship can be renewed annually if students maintain the required college GPA and complete the necessary credit hours.

Bright Futures is designed to make higher education more accessible while encouraging academic achievement statewide. Students must apply while still in high school, ensuring that their academic record, test scores, and service hours are documented before graduation. While award amounts vary by tier, the financial support provided through Bright Futures allows thousands of Florida residents to attend college at a reduced cost, significantly lowering their long-term educational expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Florida resident and U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Must be a graduating high school senior from a Florida high school or Florida-approved equivalent program.
• Meet the minimum weighted GPA requirement (varies by Bright Futures tier).
• Meet minimum ACT or SAT score requirements for the award tier you are seeking.
• Complete the required volunteer or paid work hours (service hour minimums vary by tier).
• Must enroll in an eligible Florida postsecondary institution.

Application Requirements:

• Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by May 30 of your senior year.
• Ensure all high school transcripts, test scores, and service hours are submitted to your school district and the Florida Department of Education.
• Complete the FAFSA (optional but recommended).
• Monitor your Bright Futures eligibility status through your online student account.

Additional Details:

• Scholarship awards are tiered and may cover 75% to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Eligible students may also receive funding for summer coursework.
• The award is renewable each year with satisfactory academic progress.
• Bright Futures cannot be used at out-of-state institutions.

Deadline: May 30 of the senior year in high school.

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