Admissions Scholarships
Scholarships offered by the Office of Admissions are typically awarded at the time of your acceptance as a first-year student. All accepted students are automatically considered for our admissions merit scholarships.
The scholarship criteria will vary from year-to-year depending on the academic profile of the incoming class and the funds that are available. Scholarships are very competitive and awarded based on academic merit which typically includes a rigorous academic curriculum and test scores. Students who are awarded a scholarship have typically earned no grades below B.
Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early for admission. Students may also be eligible for additional financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Florida Resident
This prestigious scholarship is available to National Merit Finalists graduating with a standard high school diploma and who are awarded a National Merit, Corporate National Merit, or College-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. If you are a National Merit Finalist, you must list FSU as your first-choice institution by May 1.
Eligible scholars will receive an award equal to the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student minus the sum of Bright Futures and any National Merit award. Please note that the value of the Bright Futures can vary each term based on credit hour enrollment, so the overall total of the Benacquisto Award can fluctuate per student. The Benacquisto Scholarship disbursement can range between $16,000 - $25,000 per year, but it will always equal the full in-state cost of attendance.
Please visit Florida Student Financial Aid for detailed Benacquisto renewal information.
All National Merit Finalists who apply to the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during the first year, which connects high-achieving students with distinguished research mentors to work as research assistants, will be guaranteed admission to UROP.
Out-of-State Resident
This prestigious scholarship is available to National Merit Finalists graduating with a standard high school diploma and who are awarded a National Merit, Corporate National Merit, or College-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. If you are a National Merit Finalist, you must list FSU as your first-choice institution by May 1.
Florida State University's Out-of-State National Merit Award scholarship package has a total value of approximately $75,776 distributed across four years. It includes a 100 percent out-of-state tuition waiver, a $16,000*, Vires scholarship, and a $2000 NMSC stipend (if college sponsored). All National Merit Finalists who apply to the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during the first year, which connects high-achieving students with distinguished research mentors to work as research assistants, will be guaranteed admission to UROP.
For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page.
*Admitted first-year students starting Fall 2024.
The Presidential Scholars program is open to high school seniors who are admitted into the Florida State University Honors Program. The scholarship has a total value of 42,000*, plus an out-of-state tuition waiver valued at $63,555 distributed across four years. Students who apply to the University Honors Program will automatically be considered for this scholarship program, which is invitation-only following an interview process. Detailed information about the selection process for the Presidential Scholars program can be found here.
Recipients of this award must take a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher at Florida State. For more information on award renewal, please click here.
*Presidential Scholars selected starting Fall 2024.
The Vires Scholarship is an award for Florida Residents inspired by the Latin word Vires, one of the three torches found on our university seal symbolizing strength. Students who are given this award have demonstrated excellence in a rigorous academic setting.
Applicants are automatically considered for the Vires Scholarship. A separate application is not required. The Florida State University's Vires Scholarship is a total amount of $16,000*, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $2,000 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring term. This scholarship would be in addition to any other merit-based awards offered at the time of admission and the Bright Futures Scholarship awarded to qualifying Florida residents.
For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
*Admitted first-year students starting Fall 2024.
Out-of-State tuition reduction waivers are awarded to a limited number of admitted non-Florida first-year students. Applicants are considered for funding based on their academic merit or recognition of talent in one of FSU's Fine Arts Programs.
Merit
Admitted first-year students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on academic performance in the classroom and test scores. A separate application is not required. The scholarship is a 100 percent reduction (waiver) of the out-of-state portion of the tuition cost, valued at approximately $529 per semester hour ($15,888 based on 30 semester hours for the academic year, a total value of $63,555 distributed across four years). Please note that this award is prorated based on your actual enrollment each term.
The Out-of-State Tuition Waiver is automatically renewed each semester if the following criteria are met:
- Enrollment in 15 credit hours each semester
- Maintenance of a cumulative FSU grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Consistent, successful degree progress and course completion
The waiver amount is only applied toward tuition and does not include other fees, nor does it apply toward study-abroad programs.
Talent
Students who are selected for this scholarship must be recommended by their fine arts major program after the completion of an audition, interview, and/or portfolio review. The scholarship is a 50 percent reduction (waiver) of the out-of-state portion of the tuition cost, valued at approximately $264 per semester hour ($7,944 based on 30 semester hours for the academic year, a total value of $31,778 distributed across four years). Please note that this award is prorated based on your actual enrollment each term.
The Partial Out-of-State Tuition Waiver is automatically renewed each semester if the following criteria are met:
- Enrollment in 15 credit hours each semester
- Maintenance of a cumulative FSU grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Consistent, successful degree progress and course completion
- Continued enrollment in your specified major area of study
The waiver amount is only applied toward tuition and does not include other fees, nor does it apply toward study-abroad programs. Additional funding may be available from the department.
For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance by earning the IB diploma through the rigorous and internationally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
Applicants are automatically considered for the IB Diploma Scholarship. A separate application is not required. The Florida State University's total value of the award is $8,000, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $1,000 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring term. This scholarship would be in addition to any other merit-based awards offered at the time of admission and the Bright Futures Scholarship awarded to qualifying Florida residents.
For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
Only first-year applicants admitted to the Tallahassee Campus for the summer or fall term are eligible for this award.
This scholarship recognizes students whose application stood out in our holistic application review process.
Applicants are automatically considered for the Sunshine Award. A separate application is not required. The Florida State University's total value of the award is $4,000, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $500 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring term. This scholarship would be in addition to any other merit-based awards offered at the time of admission and the Bright Futures Scholarship awarded to qualifying Florida residents.
For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
Other Funding Opportunities
To ensure the greatest likelihood of receiving financial support to attend Florida State University, you should apply early for admission and financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid awards assistance each year to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Additionally, Florida State has resources that can help you find private sources of aid to attend college. In order to apply for need-based financial aid, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year. To begin researching scholarships, you might start in your own school or community library or with your guidance counselor at your present school. Local civic organizations and businesses may also offer scholarships. Beyond the local level, you can search through several Internet scholarship search programs.
Below are other avenues to consider when researching scholarship opportunities at Florida State University.
FS4U-Finding Scholarships for You
Florida State University's campus-wide and centralized award management system for FSU Foundation scholarships. Students can view available scholarships for which they are eligible, apply for scholarships, and view and accept scholarship offers.
Florida State Service Scholar Program
Renewable scholarships for entering first-year and returning students who have a distinguished record of community involvement and a desire to continue to learn through service. Refer to the Center for Leadership and Social Change website for more information.
In 2021, the Florida Legislature amended Section 1009.26, Florida Statutes, to create the Grandparent Waiver. Out-of-state first-year students admitted for the summer or fall semester, whose grandparent(s) currently reside in Florida, may be eligible for a tuition and fee waiver of the out-of-state tuition costs up to 110% of total degree hours. Florida State University has been allocated a small number of Grandparent Waivers for first-year students. Eligible recipients will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the date the student submitted all necessary documentation. The awards are renewable until graduation with continuous full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 hours per semester for fall and spring). If a student enrolls part-time, waiver eligibility will be lost and may not be restored.
Eligibility requirements include:
- The student must have a grandparent who has a legal relationship to the student's parent as the natural parent, adopted parent, or legal guardian of the student's parent.
- The grandparent must be a legal resident of Florida as defined in Florida Statue Section 1009.21.
- Apply as a first-year student to be a full-time undergraduate student for the summer or fall term immediately following high school graduation.
- Have an SAT combined score (or ACT/CLT equivalent) no lower than the 89th national percentile. Though the term “national” appears in the statute, the intended percentile corresponds to the “SAT User” percentile.
Upon submitting the Grandparent Waiver Request Form, the following documentation will be requested via your Admissions Portal:
- Complete the Grandparent Waiver Verification Form to show the grandparent is a legal resident of Florida.
- Documentation evidencing student has met the minimum test score requirement. (Official or self-reported test scores).
Your request cannot be processed until everything has been received.
Grandparent Waiver Request Form
Apply NowPolicies for the Grandparent Waiver are maintained by the Board of Governors of the State University System.
In accordance with Florida Statute 1009.26(12)(a) and Florida Board of Governors Rule 7.008(3)(m), all undergraduate students may request an out-of-state tuition fee waiver provided they have attended a secondary school in Florida for three consecutive years immediately before graduating from a high school in Florida and have applied for enrollment at a Florida institution of higher education within 24 months after high school graduation.
Please submit the required documentation to verify eligibility for this waiver:
- Completed Out-of-State Tuition Fee Waiver Form
- Official Florida high school transcript
Out-of-State Tuition Fee Waiver Form
Request Waiver
The Southern Scholarship Foundation was established to provide outstanding students needing financial assistance with an opportunity to obtain a college education. The Foundation provides rent-free housing to deserving students in a cooperative living environment. The SSF currently operates 14 scholarship houses at Florida State University. Additional information can be obtained from the SSF, 322 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304, or by calling (850) 222-3833.
The military offers various scholarship programs for students who are interested in attending college and serving their country through the Armed Forces. For more information, please call the Air Force (850) 644-3461, the Army (850) 644-1016, or the Navy (850) 599-3989 for details.
Available to men and women who represent the University in intercollegiate sporting events. It is highly recommended that the student's high school coach contact the Athletic Department at Florida State.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program for Florida residents is the umbrella program for all state-funded scholarships based on academic achievement in high school. Applications and information regarding eligibility and renewal criteria for the various programs can be obtained from any Florida high school guidance office or by contacting the Florida Department of Education at (888) 827-2004.
The QUEST Scholars Program of FSU's Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE) is an invitation-only program designed to support students who are first-generation or from select schools/communities. The goal of the program is to build community, gain skills, and have an impactful FSU experience. Selection for the program occurs during the review of the student's admissions application.
QUEST Scholars can expect to have access to transition, academic and developmental services to thrive at Florida State and set the stage for a positive post-graduation experience. Participants in the program benefit from CARE resources such as academic advising, financial aid and financial wellness advising, tutoring, study rooms, wellbeing services, and specialized workshops on experiential learning opportunities. QUEST Scholars also have access to opportunities to attend conferences or explore graduate schools in preparation for life beyond FSU.
As a QUEST Scholar, students receive a renewable scholarship each year for up to four years for engaging in the QUEST Experience.
- $6,000 scholarship, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $750 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring semester
- Up to $2,000 in funding assistance for an experiential learning experience (one-time award) to support internships, undergraduate research, study abroad or service learning
QUEST Scholars awards are automatically renewed each semester if the following criteria are met:
- Enrollment in 15 credit hours each semester
- Maintenance of a cumulative FSU grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Consistent, successful degree progress and course completion
- Participation in the QUEST Scholars Experience
For more information, please visit the QUEST Scholars Program website. For renewal information please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
The Illuminate Scholars and Enrichment Program (Illuminate Program) from the Division of Undergraduate Studies is designed to promote student engagement, belonging and participation in experiential learning. The Illuminate Program is an invitation-only program and scholarship for students pursuing their bachelor's degree with the support of the Federal Pell Grant.
The Illuminate Program includes structured workshops, support from professional staff, and an annual scholarship. Illuminate Scholars can expect to have access to a variety of college-related services to enrich their Florida State experience and set the stage for a positive post-graduation experience. Illuminate Program can expect to have access to transition, academic and developmental services to thrive at Florida State and set the stage for a positive post-graduation experience.
As an Illuminate Scholar, students receive a renewable yearly scholarship for up to four years for engaging in the Illuminate Program.
- $6,000 scholarship, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $750 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring semester
- Up to $2,000 in funding assistance for an experiential learning experience (one-time award) to support internships, undergraduate research, study abroad or service learning
Illuminate Scholars awards are automatically renewed each semester if the following criteria are met:
- Enrollment in 15 credit hours each semester
- Maintenance of a cumulative FSU grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Consistent, successful degree progress and course completion
- Participation in the Illuminate Scholars Experience
For more information, please visit the Illuminate Program website. For renewal information please visit our renewal requirements page. Scholarship funds are limited, so students are encouraged to apply for admission by December 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for applying for a merit-based admissions scholarship and what are the criteria?
All students who submit a complete application by the priority deadline are automatically considered for our merit scholarships.
No additional steps or materials are needed. The minimum criteria for scholarship awards vary each year depending on the academic profile of the applicant pool.
The number of scholarships awarded depends on the funding made available each year.
Admitted international first-year students are automatically considered for our out-of-state tuition waiver scholarship. International students are also encouraged to review information on other funding resources at the Center for Global Engagement.
Students are notified of a scholarship offer at the time their admission decision is made available on the Admissions Portal.
No. FSU does not send notification to students who did not receive one of our merit-based scholarships. If no indication of an award is visible on your Admissions Portal portal, then we are not able to offer you an award.
FSU typically does not engage in scholarship matching.
Students do not need to contact the FSU Office of Admissions to accept their scholarship award. After completing next steps to secure a place in our first-year class, students will be able to accept their scholarship award along with the rest of their financial aid award.
Please see the FSU Financial Aid Calendar and the Accept/Decline Award Tutorial Video for detailed information.
National Merit finalists who list FSU as their first-choice institution with the NMSC by May 1 of their senior year are eligible to receive an annual college-sponsored award.
National Merit Finalists are also eligible for either the Benacquisto Scholarship or a university-sponsored award. Please visit our scholarships page for more information.
The Florida Prepaid Plan qualifies a student as a Florida resident for tuition purposes. If you are receiving Florida Prepaid, you are not eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver. Instead, we update your scholarship to reflect the in-state Vires scholarship. Your records will be updated as soon as you submit your Florida Prepaid documentation.
You must apply for Bright Futures during your senior year, so please contact your school, visit our Bright Futures webpage, or contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at the Florida Department of Education if you have any questions.
In the event you have Florida Prepaid and Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid will be applied to the tuition cost first. Then, any other funds awarded (scholarship, grants, loans) will be applied to your account balance, followed by the Bright Futures awards. Students can opt to have excess funds refunded to them via direct deposit with FSU Student Finance.
No. Scholarship funds are not made available until right before the start of the semester. You will need to submit the deposit as well as register and pay for your new student orientation by the published deadlines.
Information on transfer scholarships can be found on our transfer finances page. We also encourage transfer students to review funding resources provided by the FSU Office of Financial Aid and review the FS4U scholarship database.