University of North Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Can these awards stack?

Nonresident waivers reduce only the out-of-state portion of tuition and cannot exceed charges. National Merit packages stack as allowed, but total aid cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance.

Q: How do I find and apply for Hidden Gems?

Start in ScholarshipUniverse and the Office of Undergraduate Research site. For ROTC, contact the Osprey Battalion early—deadlines for national boards come fast.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to figure it all out. At the University of North Florida (UNF), families can tap into state programs like Bright Futures, out-of-state waivers, and school-based scholarships that bring the price down in real ways. This guide walks you through UNF’s costs and every type of scholarship—so you’ll know what’s automatic, what takes an extra step, and what makes the Honors College worth a look. For Florida-specific aid, don’t miss our Florida State Aid Guide.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Florida

Expense	In-State (FL)	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (30 credits)	$6,390	$20,790
Housing & Meals	$11,810	$11,810
Books, Travel & Personal	$6,597	$6,597
Total (before aid)	$24,797	$39,197

Average Net Price: According to federal data, the typical UNF student paid about $10,600 per year after grants and scholarships (2022–2023). That’s what families actually spent out-of-pocket, not counting loans.

Tuition Discounts & Waivers:

Florida Bright Futures: Covers most or all tuition for Florida residents who meet GPA/test benchmarks.
Grandparent Waiver: Out-of-state students with a Florida-resident grandparent can get in-state tuition (up to 110% of degree hours).
Academic Common Market (ACM): UNF participates at the graduate level. Students in certain majors not offered in their home state may qualify for in-state rates at UNF.

Example: A nonresident paying $20,790 in tuition could see that reduced to the in-state rate of $6,390 if they qualify for a waiver—saving over $14,000 per year.

Who qualifies? Florida residents with strong academics may earn Bright Futures. Nonresidents can qualify if they have a Florida grandparent or, at the graduate level, through the Academic Common Market.

How much can you save? Waivers can knock more than $14,000 off the sticker price for nonresidents. Bright Futures can cover nearly all tuition for Florida students.

Is it automatic? Bright Futures requires a state application in high school. The grandparent waiver and ACM require separate documentation and approval.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UNF reviews every admitted freshman for certain tuition waivers and scholarships. No extra application is required—apply for admission by the priority date and send updated test scores by January 15, 2026 for freshmen. Florida residents typically combine Bright Futures with UNF merit; nonresidents are considered for automatic tuition-reduction waivers.

Florida Resident Merit (Freshmen)

Scholarship	Award Amount (per yr)	Eligibility (min GPA + SAT/ACT/CLT)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
President’s Platinum	$5,000	4.1 GPA + 1330 SAT / 29 ACT / 95 CLT	No	Yes (meet renewal criteria)	Top Florida admits with very strong GPA and tests
President’s Gold	$4,000	3.9 GPA + 1260 SAT / 27 ACT / 89 CLT	No	Yes	High-achieving Florida admits above state averages
President’s Silver	$3,000	3.7 GPA + 1200 SAT / 25 ACT / 83 CLT	No	Yes	Strong academics with solid test profile
Provost’s Award	$2,000	4.5 GPA + 1060 SAT / 21 ACT / 67 CLT	No	Yes	Very strong coursework; baseline qualifying tests
Dean’s Award	$1,000	4.2 GPA + 1060 SAT / 21 ACT / 67 CLT	No	Yes	Competitive Florida admits who meet thresholds

Freshmen priority consideration noted as January 15; awards are funds-available thereafter. UNF reviews superscored results received by 1/15/2026.

Non-Florida Resident Merit-Based Tuition Waivers (Freshmen)

Waiver Tier	Estimated Value / yr*	Eligibility (min GPA + SAT/ACT/CLT)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
First Coast Waiver	$13,718	3.9 GPA + 1300 SAT / 28 ACT / 92 CLT	No	Yes (maintain good standing)	Top nonresidents with strong GPA and tests
Atlantic Waiver	$10,000	3.7 GPA + 1230 SAT / 26 ACT / 86 CLT	No	Yes	Strong nonresidents above mid-range scores
Sunshine Waiver	$6,000	3.5 GPA + 1160 SAT / 24 ACT / 79 CLT	No	Yes	Nonresidents meeting baseline academic cutoffs

*These waivers reduce the out-of-state portion of tuition. UNF’s reduced-tuition page lists freshman priority as April 15; UNF’s scholarship programs page lists January 15 for freshmen. Transfers list April 15.

National Merit Finalist Package

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
National Merit Finalist (UNF)	Full Cost of Attendance for 4 years (est. FL: up to ~$29,841; Non-FL: up to ~$39,241)	Finalist + list UNF #1 with NMSC by May 1; FL residents must be Bright Futures Academic Scholars	No (follow NMSC steps)	Yes (4 years)	National Merit Finalists who complete all NMSC/state steps on time

Note: Cutoffs and amounts are taken from UNF’s official 2025–26 pages. UNF superscores SAT/ACT/CLT for awarding; amounts and deadlines can change as funds and policies update.

UNF is a participating National Merit Scholarship university.

Do I need to apply separately? No—awarding is tied to your admissions file by the stated priority dates.

Does UNF superscore? Yes—UNF considers your best section scores across test dates received by January 15 (freshmen).

Can these awards stack? Nonresident waivers reduce only out-of-state tuition and can’t exceed charges. National Merit packages stack as allowed, but total aid cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Some universities run big-name, highly selective scholarship programs. At UNF, there isn’t a flagship award like that. The main exception is the National Merit Finalist package, which is guaranteed for qualifying students. Beyond that, most selective opportunities are handled as donor-funded, departmental, or Honors-based awards—covered in the Hidden Gems section above.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?

Does UNF have a university-wide competitive scholarship? No—outside of National Merit, UNF does not advertise a single flagship program with extra essays or interviews for all freshmen.

Where should students look instead? Check Hidden Gems: donor-funded Foundation awards, departmental scholarships, and Honors funding often require extra steps but don’t rise to the “flagship competitive” level.

Can I still combine these with waivers? Yes. Departmental and donor awards usually stack with Bright Futures or nonresident waivers, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed your Cost of Attendance.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These aren’t the big, automatic waivers—but for the right student, they can quietly cover a lot of costs. Think ROTC, Honors project funds, research/travel awards, and local/need-based programs that stack within your Cost of Attendance.

Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarships (Osprey Battalion)	Covers full tuition & fees (or housing up to ~$6,000 per term) + book stipend + monthly stipend	Meet Army academic and fitness standards; service commitment required after graduation	Yes — ROTC national application; local office helps	Yes, if progressing satisfactorily	Students pursuing military service; Nursing and STEM majors often competitive
Hicks Honors Study Abroad Scholarship	Covers significant program costs; students can receive awards for up to two study abroad terms	Current Honors; GPA ≥ 3.20; must join UNF-led study abroad	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse + Honors workflow	Yes (possible for a second trip if GPA/progress maintained)	Honors students with a clear academic plan for international study
Hicks Honors Fellows Awards	Up to $1,000/yr (typically $500/term)	Current Honors; GPA ≥ 3.20; must propose research, internship, or conference project	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse + Honors Symposium steps	Yes, for up to 4 years	Honors students with concrete, faculty-supported projects
O.U.R. RSCA Grants & Conference Travel	RSCA: up to $1,500 (student) + $500 (mentor); Travel: up to $500/yr	Undergraduate in faculty-mentored research or creative activity	Yes — O.U.R. application (3 cycles/yr; travel rolling)	Yes, within annual limits	Students with well-scoped projects and faculty mentorship
Jacksonville Commitment	$24,000 over four years	Duval County public HS graduate; Pell-eligible; FL resident; FAFSA required	No — automatic with admission and FAFSA	Yes, if academic progress maintained	Local Pell-eligible students who apply early
Osprey Access Scholarship	Up to $3,000/yr (4 years)	Florida resident; Pell-eligible; ~3.7 HS GPA; from designated high schools; FAFSA required	No — automatic with admission and FAFSA	Yes	High-achieving, Pell-eligible Floridians from targeted schools
AAFSA Scholarship	Typically $1,000–$2,000/yr	Undergraduate or graduate students showing commitment to African-American community support or leadership	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse	Yes	Students with demonstrated leadership in promoting equity and cultural understanding
Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship	$1,000–$5,000/yr depending on financial need	Undergraduate students with documented disabilities; must show financial need	Yes — State/UNF application	Yes, if academic and eligibility standards are maintained	Students with disabilities who meet GPA and need requirements
First Generation Matching Grant	Typically $1,000–$3,000/yr	First in family to earn a degree; demonstrated financial need; FAFSA required	No (auto consideration once FAFSA completed)	Yes	First-generation students with financial need
School of Music Scholarships	$500–$2,000/yr (varies by ensemble and performance needs)	Students who audition successfully for UNF ensembles (e.g., pep band, jazz, orchestral groups)	Yes — School of Music audition/application	Yes, with continued participation	Talented musicians who commit to ensembles each year

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA/test cutoffs are based on the latest published information. Some scholarships vary annually depending on donor funding or legislative changes. Always confirm with UNF’s ScholarshipUniverse and Financial Aid office.

UNF Foundation Scholarships: Dozens of donor-created funds (leadership, service, academic merit); criteria and names change yearly.
Student Government Scholarships: Awards for leadership and involvement in student government and campus organizations.
College & Departmental Scholarships: Examples include the Barbara Anne Wade Endowed Scholarship (Duval County grads), Synovus Bank Endowed Scholarship (Sport Management majors), and Miller Electric Scholarship (Construction Management/Electrical Engineering).

Stacking notes: Most items here can stack with state aid (e.g., Bright Futures) and nonresident waivers, but total aid can’t exceed your Cost of Attendance. ROTC scholarships have federal/service rules that may affect stacking; coordinate with the ROTC office and Financial Aid.

How do I find and apply? Start in ScholarshipUniverse (Honors funds included) and the Office of Undergraduate Research site. For ROTC, contact the Osprey Battalion early—deadlines for national boards come fast.

Are these only for Honors? No. While Honors has several strong options, the research grants and ROTC paths are open to eligible students outside Honors.

Can need-based programs stack with waivers? Usually yes, up to your Cost of Attendance. Always watch COA caps—excess awards may be reduced or shifted.

When should I start? Begin planning in your senior year (for ROTC) and first semester on campus (for research/Honors funds). Early intent signals help departments and advisors support you.

⭐ College Specialty

Every university has a few areas where it really shines. At the University of North Florida, those strengths line up closely with Jacksonville’s industries and Florida’s natural environment—giving students both hands-on experience and a clear path into careers after graduation.

Flagship Program: Transportation & Logistics — UNF’s Coggin College of Business is nationally recognized for its logistics program, consistently ranked among the top programs in Florida and tied to the state’s largest port city.

Coastal & Marine Biology: Field-based courses in dolphin biology, coral reef ecology, and coastal systems; considered one of Florida’s strongest regional marine biology options.
Nursing & Health (Brooks College of Health): Well-regarded statewide for Nursing and Health Administration; strong clinical placement network in Northeast Florida.
Business (Coggin College of Business): AACSB-accredited, included in Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools list multiple years.
Music (School of Music): The UNF Jazz Studies program is nationally known, with Grammy-winning faculty and alumni.

🎖️ Honors College

The Hicks Honors College at UNF gives motivated students a smaller, more personalized academic home inside a mid-sized public university. Admission is by application, and the focus is on high-impact learning—research, internships, study abroad, and a strong community of peers.

What a Typical UNF Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.8 or higher*, rigorous coursework, leadership roles in service or activities, and a clear interest in research or global engagement.
*Based on published examples and Honors admissions notes; exact GPA/test ranges not fixed.

Why Honors Matters at UNF:

Priority access to the brand-new Honors Residence Hall (opening Fall 2025)
Special funding for research, conferences, internships, and study abroad
Small, discussion-driven seminars and direct faculty mentorship
Dedicated advising and early registration each semester

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Hicks Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship	Varies; covers significant portion of costs; up to two trips allowed	Honors students; GPA ≥ 3.20; good standing; must participate in a UNF-led study abroad or exchange	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse + Honors workflow	Yes (can be used twice if eligibility maintained)	Honors students who make a clear case for the academic value of their international study
Hicks Honors College Fellows Awards	Up to $1,000/yr (typically $500 per term)	Current Honors students; GPA ≥ 3.20; must propose a research project, conference presentation, or internship	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse + Honors Symposium steps	Yes, up to 4 years	Honors students with faculty-backed projects or career-focused experiences
Marnie Jones Scholarship	One-year award; typically $1,000–$2,000	Honors student engaged in a UNF-affiliated community service project; preference to College of Arts & Sciences	Yes — ScholarshipUniverse	No — one-time award	Service-minded Honors students, especially those in Arts & Sciences, with documented community engagement

Is admission automatic? No—students must apply separately to the Hicks Honors College after being admitted to UNF.

Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Honors courses are designed to replace or enhance core classes, not add extra semesters.

What are the deadlines? The 2025–26 application cycle is closed; the next cycle will open in Fall 2025 for students entering in 2026–27.

Are there extra scholarships? Yes—Honors students have access to Fellows Awards, study abroad funding, and other project-based scholarships not open to the general student body.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Navigating college costs can feel like trying to put together a puzzle without the box top. At UNF, the pieces are clearer once you know where to look: Bright Futures for Florida families, automatic waivers for nonresidents, a mix of hidden gem programs like ROTC and Honors funding, and strong majors that connect directly to Jacksonville’s industries. Whether your student is drawn to business logistics, marine biology, or nursing, there’s a way to make the numbers work without getting lost in the fine print.

✅ Last updated: September 9, 2025