Whether you're a high school student starting to think about college or a university student in the middle of your program, saving money on all aspects of school from tuition to housing is probably a priority. Fortunately, learning how to optimize your chances of locking down all types of financial aid from scholarships to grants can make this dream a reality. So, sink your teeth into this Florida scholarship guide to learn all of the tips, tricks, and strategies to save some serious cash on college in the Sunshine State!
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and Canadian undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing welding or engineering technology degrees. Students must have a minimum GPA 2.8 or a minimum 3.0 GPA in engineering courses. Priority is given to those residing or attending school in Alabama, Georgia or Florida.
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$12,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 12
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. or international students who are entering their junior or senior year in college and be currently enrolled in an engineering program at an accredited college or university in Florida. Student must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
The Haskell Endowed Scholarship is available for students at FSCJ who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and unmet financial need. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled at least part time (six or more credit hours).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
Residents of St. Lucie County in Florida who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited school of medicine or dentistry are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
Residents of St. Lucie County in Florida who are high school seniors or current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time in a health science program.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. undergraduate seniors who are enrolled in the University of North Florida's College of Education and Human Services. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$50,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 3
Deadline
Each year Arts for Life! awards $1,000 scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors in Florida. This award is available for U.S. and international high school seniors in Florida. Students must demonstrate artistic merit and academic excellence in creative writing, dance, music, theatre or visual arts.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available to Florida resident undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students who attend the University of North Florida. Students must major in or declare an emphasis in science education and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are enrolled as juniors or seniors in the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services and are majoring in math education. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,200
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This award is available for Florida resident students who will be enrolled in a University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services teacher certification program as a junior or senior at the time of award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to UNF student athletes.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available to Florida residents who are enrolled as undergraduate juniors or seniors in the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services. Students must major in elementary education and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$400
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This fellowship is open to U.S. students who have been accepted in the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services master of education degree program. Preference will be given to graduate students in special education.
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$1,200
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship/fellowship is open to U.S. college juniors, seniors, and graduate students at the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services who are majoring in education. First preference is given to doctor of education students majoring in educational leadership; second preference is given to doctor of education students in other programs; and third preference is given to master of education students.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who will be enrolled as college juniors or seniors at the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services in the fall term majoring in math education or middle school math/science education. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$3,200
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This fellowship is open to Florida graduate students who are enrolled at the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services majoring in special education (deaf education concentration or exceptional student education concentration). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 13
Deadline
The mission of the Florida State Elks Association HOPE Scholarship is to provide financial support for the educational needs of Florida high school seniors without which they would not be able to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship targets students who demonstrated leadership through participation in school activities, community service, and citizenship. Consideration is given to those students who have shouldered extra responsibility such as working throughout their high school careers to help provide support of siblings or family.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Aug 12
Deadline
The Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation’s (FSAEF) Scholarship Program awards financial assistance to qualified students attending Florida colleges and universities whose educational interest is in stormwater science, engineering, or finance. In 2022 the FSAEF will be awarding $2,000 scholarships. The application deadline is August 12th. The scholarships will be presented in December at FSA's Winter Conference.
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EXPERT INSIGHT
Florida has created a robust scholarship system that includes money earmarked for students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. The
Bright Futures Scholarship Program covers partial to full tuition for students with exceptional grades, test scores, and community service records. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade who have been bullied in public school can apply for
The Hope Scholarship to attend private school. Citizens can receive
tax credits by contributing to scholarship funds operated by nonprofit organizations. When advising Florida students, I focus on two important aspects of the scholarship system. First, students must coordinate with their high school counselors to confirm that transcripts and records have been submitted to the Florida Department of Education. Second, in additon to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Florida students must create an account with their state's Office of Student Financial Assistance to apply for many of the largest scholarships.
-Dave Moniz (BA)
Are you a high school student ready to get one step closer to success as a college freshman? Perhaps a current university student thinking about your future? No matter what level of your educational career you find yourself in, if you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in Florida, it’s essential to understand your scholarship options.
From scholarships for students who thrive in academic pursuits to scholarships for students of certain faiths, you have a wide range of options to help you save on your higher education career. If you’re curious about different ways scholarships can save you money in Florida, dive into this guide and find all of the information you need to thrive!
Understanding Scholarships in Florida
Whether you’re a Florida native exploring the idea of going to college or an out-of-state student at a Florida university, knowing your scholarship options is essential. Ultimately, having a fleshed-out understanding of what type of financial aid is available can save you reams of cash when it comes to your college education.
Scholarships for college students in Florida work just like any other scholarship. Typically, these types of financial aid are awarded to students based on their achievements in academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities. However, these aren’t always the only ways students receive scholarships.
Some scholarships are awarded to students based on factors such as racial background, minority status, and religious affiliation. For Florida natives and residents, there are even scholarships you might be eligible for if you graduated from a Florida high school.
How Do You Find Florida Scholarships
Let’s face it — the process of finding scholarships can seem pretty overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Thankfully, knowing how to find Florida scholarships can vastly simplify the process and make you more likely to save some serious cash. Here are a few effective ways to find the perfect Florida scholarships for your distinctive needs:
Tip #1: Utilize Scholarship Search Engines:
Scholarship search engines are a tool you can use to find scholarships that are specifically tailored to your needs. From residency-based grants to academic excellence scholarships, search engines like UNIGO make it easy to find the right financial aid matches. Take advantage of our Scholarship Match Tool to easily filter scholarships to your specific criteria and get connected with the perfect financial aid resources.
Tip #2: Check with Educational Institutions:
No matter if you’re going to a Florida state school known for its sports team or a private college specializing in STEM programs, your financial aid office is an incredibly ripe and meaningful resource. The professionals working in this office have an up-to-date understanding of which scholarships you’re eligible to apply for as a student in Florida and the application processes associated with them.
Tip #3: Research State and Local Scholarships:
Like all other pursuits in your life, it never hurts to put some time, energy, and elbow grease into doing some research. From state government websites to local education bulletins, it can be helpful to do some exploring for scholarships in Florida. In the end, your efforts might just save you thousands on your university degree.
Tip #4: Tap into Ethnic, Cultural Resources, and Minority Resources:
When it comes to financial aid for university students like yourself, it’s important to take advantage of resources relating to your personal attributes and heritage. These forms of financial aid are awarded to students based on factors such as ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and minority status. This means it’s important for you to explore options for these types of scholarships in Florida if you’re planning to significantly cut costs on your college education.
How Do I Apply For Scholarships In Florida
Whether you’re exploring Florida university options or are a current student in the state, you’re probably wondering what the scholarship application process looks like. Fortunately, understanding how to approach the process of applying for Florida scholarships can greatly increase your chances of saving some serious money on your degree.
While we’d love to tell you that there’s a simple answer for applying for all Florida scholarships, the truth is that each scholarship is different. This means that it’s important for you to take the time to understand the application requirements for each individual scholarship you apply for.
Some organizations that offer scholarships have application portals on their websites. In other cases, scholarships can be applied for through government portals. However, if you’re trying to save time and apply for as many scholarships as possible, taking advantage of tools like UNIGO’s Scholarship Match Tool is a must.
Merit-Based Scholarships In Florida
The vast majority of scholarships out there are awarded to students based on merit. This means that if you’ve excelled in academics, athletics, or other extracurricular pursuits, you probably have an amazing chance of locking down some serious financial aid.
When it comes to merit-based scholarships in Florida, the options you have available to you may be different in key ways from other states. While you’ll still be eligible to receive national and federally-funded merit-based scholarships, you’ll also have some other Florida-specific options.
These options include scholarships such as Florida Memorial University’s Academic Excellence Scholarship which covers a whopping 100% of tuition for four-year programs. So, if you’ve achieved excellence in the realm of academics or extracurriculars during your time in high school or college, it’s crucial you explore your merit-based scholarship options in Florida.
Scholarships For High School Students In Florida
While many high school students believe they have to wait until the end of their high school career to start applying for scholarships, the truth is that you’re eligible to start applying as early as your freshman year. In fact, getting a headstart on this process as a high school freshman or sophomore will significantly increase your chances of saving a substantial sum on your university education.
As a high school student, you have a wide variety of scholarship opportunities and options ranging from federal government aid to scholarships offered by private organizations. In addition, there are many scholarships out there meant specifically for students who completed their high school education in the state of Florida.
Scholarships such as the USF Presidential Award offered by the University of South Florida are awarded to Florida high school students who thrive in their academic pursuits while in high school. Beyond this, there are many scholarships available to Florida high school students ready to further their education in college.
To begin your search for Florida scholarships, it can help to explore state government websites and scholarship search engines like UNIGO. And, if you already know what university you’ll be attending, it’s essential to see what scholarships they offer to Florida high school students.
Scholarships For High School Seniors In Florida
While you’re able to start applying for scholarships as a Florida high school student as early as freshman year, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re only starting to apply as a senior. High school seniors still have plenty of time to blast out applications and increase their chances of saving a significant amount of money on college or university costs. In fact, Florida has some amazing scholarship options for high school seniors such as the Horatio Alger Florida Scholarship program, which awards students like yourself $10,000.
A great place to start exploring your scholarship options as a Florida high school senior is by visiting your academic counselor or advisor. Not only do these professionals have an understanding of what type of scholarships align with your unique needs, but they’re also aware of Florida scholarships specific to the state.
If you’re still looking for more scholarship options and financial aid resources after you visit your counselor, resources such as government portals, private organization websites, and scholarship search engines like UNIGO are great places to continue your search.
Scholarships For College Students In Florida
Just because you’ve already started your college or university career doesn’t mean you’re not eligible for scholarships. In actuality, you’re eligible to apply for and receive a wide variety of Florida scholarships as long as you still have at least one more semester of college to complete.
These scholarships available to you as a Florida university student include awards such as the Charles Bennett Scholar Scholarship which provides students $1000 to put toward university costs. By being proactive about applying, you still have a chance to lower your education costs as a college or university student.
One of your first stops if you’re looking for Florida college scholarships should be your school’s financial aid office. The professionals working in this office will be able to connect you with amazing resources that you’ll be able to apply for as a current college student.
Scholarships For Graduate Students In Florida
Sadly, many people refrain from returning to school as graduate students because of the often exorbitant costs of obtaining an advanced degree. However, taking advantage of financial aid resources such as scholarships can make the idea of going to graduate school in Florida much more feasible and accessible.
However, while scholarships for undergraduate students in Florida can sometimes be more general, those for graduate students in the state are often more specialized. In other words, graduate student scholarships are often available only to students studying specific subjects, attending specific institutions, or pursuing specific programs.
Despite this, there are still a variety of scholarships that graduate students in Florida are eligible to apply for. If you’re a current grad student or someone who’s interested in pursuing an advanced degree, check out our Scholarship Match Tool to be paired with the perfect financial aid resources for your unique situation.
Grants For Students In Florida
Unlike scholarships, which are typically awarded based on merit, grants are usually awarded to students based on their financial need. In some cases, grants are awarded to students based on other factors such as disability and minority status.
Whether you’re a high school student thinking about attending university in Florida or a current Florida college student, it’s vital you’re aware of the grants available to you. Much like the process of seeking out scholarships, visiting your institution’s financial aid office is an absolute must for being connected with Federal and Florida-specific grants.
Florida Scholarships For Out-of-State Students
While many Florida scholarships are geared toward Florida natives and Florida high school students, that doesn’t mean out-of-state students don’t have any options. Actually, out-of-state students in Florida have access to a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid resources they may be eligible for.
For example, the University of Florida offers out-of-state students the chance to apply for a variety of merit-based scholarships such as the Sunshine Tuition Scholarship and the Gator Nation Tuition Scholarship.
Ultimately, this highlights the fact that you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying for Florida scholarships just because you’re an out-of-state or non-resident student. By being proactive and finding the right matches, you have the opportunity to seriously save on your university career.
What Florida Colleges Provide Full-Ride Scholarships?
If you’re hoping to receive a full-ride scholarship as a university student in Florida, you just might be in luck. There are a variety of colleges and universities that offer these types of scholarships to students for a range of reasons such as academic excellence, athletic accomplishments, and financial need.
Some amazing Florida colleges offering full-ride scholarships include:
- Florida Memorial University
10 Scholarships In Florida You Should Apply For
No matter if you’re a high school freshman or a university student in Florida, it never hurts to have an idea of your scholarship options. Here’s a breakdown of 10 fantastic scholarships that you should have on your radar.
- Arthur H. Henderson Memorial Kiwanis HCC Scholarship
- Pete Gilmore Memorial Kiwanis Scholarship
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program – Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)
- FL Medallion Scholars Award (FMS)
- UNF Kristin McCall Memorial Scholarship
- Florida Futures Project Annual Scholarship Competition
- UNF Irene Helen McGinley Memorial Scholarship for Urban Education
- FL Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)
- UNF Ashley Barnes Memorial Fellowship for School Counseling
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by McKenna Deen