Florida Scholarships

Introduction to Florida scholarships

Florida students seeking higher education are at no shortage of options when it comes to access to affordable colleges and universities. However, Florida scholarships of all kinds, whether state-based or sponsored by private organizations, can be great additional opportunities for students who are looking to get as much of their higher education costs covered as possible.

Keep reading for more information on Florida higher education, Florida scholarship opportunities, and additional financial aid resources for Florida students seeking higher education. 

Quick stats on Florida higher education

Before we dive right into the Florida scholarships, here are a few important things to know and keep in mind about attending college in Florida:

  • 65% of Florida’s high school graduates go on to pursue higher education at an institution in Florida
  • Florida has consistently ranked as the top state for higher education by US News and World Report 
  • While Florida is home to several dozen private colleges and universities, it is generally recognized for its Florida College System and State University System, comprising of 28 and 12 universities respectively
  • Florida’s State University System serves over 300,000 students, making it the second largest university system in the country
    • While the vast majority of school systems in the US have seen tuition and fees rise in recent years, tuition and fees within the Florida State University system has largely remained the same and is currently recognized as the second lowest in the nation. For the 2019-2020 school year, the average student owed $3,020 after financial aid was applied. 

Sources: FLDOE, FLBOG

Florida scholarships to apply for

  • Amount: $1,000

    Deadlines: June 30, December 31

    Eligibility: Open to high school students of all years. No essay or minimum GPA required to apply. Open to US citizens, international students in the US, and students with DACA and undocumented status.

  • Amount: $2,000

    Deadline: February 1

    Eligibility: Open to high school senior students pursuing University, Fine Arts, Vocational, and Community College degrees. Must be a Florida resident and be currently attending a PTSA school.

  • Amount: $1,000

    Deadline: February 4

    Eligibility: Open to Florida high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: February 15

    Eligibility: Open to college juniors and seniors, as well as graduate students, with financial need who are pursuing careers in fields related to business, chemistry, civil engineering, construction management, marketing, or sales.

  • Amount: Varies, up to $7,000 

    Deadline: March 1

    Eligibility: Open to high school senior residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or Desoto counties in Florida. Must be planning to attend an accredited college or university to complete a four-year degree. Minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Amount: up to $5,000

    Deadline: March 31

    Eligibility: Open to undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as fifth year students majoring in accounting and planning to sit for the CPA exam/practice in Florida.

  • Amount: $2,500

    Deadline: April 21

    Eligibility: Open to high school seniors, high school graduates or current college undergraduates who plan to enroll in part-time or full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

  • Amount: $1,000

    Deadline: May 6

    Eligibility: Open to all high school seniors in Florida.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: Varies

    Eligibility: Open to Christian female students with financial need attending one of the 11 Florida institutions listed on the scholarship page. Students must apply directly through their institution.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: Varies

    Eligibility: Open to Florida residents and US citizens or eligible non-citizens admitted into a teacher education program at any of the program’s eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Must belong to one of the following racial groups: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander or American Indian/Alaskan native.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: June 1

    Eligibility: Open to undergraduate seniors or recent college graduates pursuing a career in the library sciences field at an institution accredited by the American Library Association.

  • Amount: Varies (minimum $500)

    Deadline: October 10

    Eligibility: Open to students interested in pursuing a career in the field of environmental health, or to enhance an existing career in environmental health.

Additional scholarship and financial aid resources for Florida students

  • Florida Financial Aid Application - must be filled out by college-bound (and current) Florida students to be considered for state-based scholarship and grant programs such as the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, First Generation Matching Grant, and more. 
  • Florida College Access Network provides information on scholarships organized by county in Florida 
  • UpliftED provides resources and scholarship information for students in Central Florida
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