Aid for Florida Residents

These programs are available to undergraduates only. To qualify as a Florida resident, students (or at least one parent for dependent students) must establish that they have lived in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes. A Florida Residency Affidavit is required. Dependent students must include parental information as the "claimant" on the Florida Residency Affidavit.

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)

Award amount: $2,529 in 2009/2010

To apply, complete a Florida Resident Access Grant Application (required each year).

Not based on need, this grant is for Florida residents attending a private college or university full-time in Florida.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

This umbrella program offers three lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates of high academic achievement and who enroll in an eligible Florida post-secondary educational institution within three years of high school graduation. Discuss your eligibility with your high school guidance resource specialist. Students must complete the online application at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org in your senior year of high school.

Florida Academic Scholars

• Award amount: $126 per credit hour in 2009/2010
• 3.5 weighted GPA in 15 college prep courses
• 1270 SAT or 28 ACT
• Maintain 3.0 cumulative college GPA to renew
  

Florida Medallion Scholars

• Award amount: $95 per credit hour in 2009/2010
• 3.0 weighted GPA in 15 college prep courses
• 970 SAT or 20 ACT
• Maintain 2.75 cumulative college GPA to renew
  

Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars

• Award amount: $95 per credit hour in 2009/2010
• 3.0 weighted GPA or 3.5 unweighted GPA
• Maintain 2.75 cumulative GPA to renew
  

This award recognizes Florida’s best vocational students. High school guidance counselors can advise students about the specific criteria and application procedures.
 
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

Award amount: varies
Apply by completing the FAFSA.
 
This need-based grant is a state allocation, so funds are limited.
 
Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)
 
Award amount: varies
Apply by completing the FAFSA.
 
This need-based program provides eligible Florida students work experiences to complement their educational and career goals. Students must submit the FAFSA each year to determine eligibility and be enrolled full-time. Students typically work 10 to 12 hours per week under this program and earn a regular paycheck. Learn more about on-campus job opportunities.

Florida Minority Teacher Scholarship

Award amount: $4,000
Term: three consecutive years
Apply at www.ffmt.org.

This collaborative performance-based scholarship program between Florida community colleges and private universities and colleges provides scholarships for minority students who are Florida residents and enrolled as juniors in a state-approved teacher education program. Awards are available to eligible African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American and Native American students, as well as dislocated military personnel and dislocated defense contractor employees.

Florida Teacher Scholarship and Forgivable Loan Program

Award amounts: $1,500 - $4,000 scholarships, $1,500 loans
Apply at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org. Deadline is April 1.

This program is available to students pursue teaching careers in Florida. A $1,500 Chappie James Most Promising Teacher Scholarship is for each of the first two years of undergraduate study. Two-year Critical Teacher Shortage (CTS) Forgivable Loans go to upper-division undergraduate students who declare their intent to teach in CTS subject areas in Florida. Up to $4,000 per year may be available for undergraduate study.