Congrats! You've been accepted to college. Now you just need to figure out how to pay for it.
But before you start digging through your car for loose change, you might want to check out all of the resources available to help you pay for college in the state of Florida.
Here are some scholarships and grants you should check out if you're a Florida resident, or if you're considering attending college in the Sunshine State.
Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program
The Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students enrolled in degree programs at eligible private Florida colleges or universities.
If you currently attend or plan to attend one of the eligible private institutions, you need to apply at the financial aid office of the school you'll be attending. ABLE requires you to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, for programs other than theology or divinity.
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship open to all Florida high school graduates as long as you submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA).
The program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. The money can be used for both public and private schools in a degree program, certificate program, or applied technology program at an eligible Florida institution.
The Bright Futures Scholarship Programs include:
First Generation Matching Grant Program
The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) is a need-based grant program available to undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester at an eligible Florida state university or Florida college.
Students must have a parent(s) who has not earned a baccalaureate or higher degree. Participating institutions determine application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility, and award amount.
See also: Florida Student Loans in 2022: What You Need to Know
Florida Resident Access Grant Program
The William L. Boyd, IV, Florida Resident Access Grant Program (FRAG) provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester and attending an eligible private, non-profit Florida college or university.
Each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, and student eligibility.
Florida Student Access Grant Program
The Florida Student Access Grant Program (FSAG) is a need-based grant program for Florida residents who are seeking an undergraduate degree at a participating institution and demonstrate substantial financial need.
FSAG programs offered include:
Florida Work Experience Program
The Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) is a need-based program that provides jobs for eligible Florida students. Students may apply if they are either enrolled in at least six credit hours per term or 180 clock hours at an eligible college or university, enrolled at least half-time in a career certificate program consisting of at least 450 clock hours of instruction at an eligible career center, or enrolled as a half-time student in good standing at an eligible educator preparation institute.
Each eligible institution determines application procedures, eligibility, and award amounts. You must demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA.
José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
The José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant is for students of Hispanic origin who demonstrate financial need.
Students must be of Spanish culture, born in or having a natural parent who was born in either Mexico or a Hispanic country of the Caribbean, or Central or South America, regardless of race. This need-based merit scholarship can be used at Florida public or eligible private institutions. Applicants must submit the FFAA to qualify.
Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program
The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship (MMB) is for Florida undergraduate students who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester at one of the following Florida institutions:
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Edward Waters College
- Florida A&M University, or
- Florida Memorial University.
Students must meet certain scholastic requirements and demonstrate financial need as defined by each participating institution.
Minority Teacher Education Scholars Program Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.
The Minority Teacher Education Scholars Program Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (MTES) is a performance-based scholarship program for African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American students administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT).
Students who wish to be considered for one of these scholarships must attend a participating institution in the Florida College System institutions and public and private universities that have teacher education programs.
Rosewood Family Scholarship
The Rosewood Family Scholarship is for students directly related to the Rosewood families, who suffered from a racially motivated massacre that took place in Levy County, Florida, in January 1923.
A maximum of 50 eligible students who have filled out the FFAA and provided documentation they are directly related may be granted scholarships. If eligible, you must attend a state university, public state college, or public post-secondary technical center in Florida.
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) provides scholarships to dependent children or un-remarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans who have filled out the FFAA. Award amounts vary based on where you attend school and which title you hold.
Benacquisto Scholarship Program
The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is available to Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists graduating with a standard high school diploma or equivalent from the state of Florida. This award equals the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student (minus the sum of Bright Futures and the National Merit scholarship).
Check out our Nitro Scholarship search engine to find more scholarships that you might be eligible for.