University of North Florida Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Florida aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 21, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~53%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.87
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Treat UNF as a reach and focus on improving GPA or submitting strong test scores. Also build a backup list of schools with guaranteed merit—UNF won’t offer much if your student is below range.
- In the typical ranges: This is a solid match school, but don’t assume meaningful merit aid. Most students in this range get admitted, not heavily discounted—pair it with schools that offer clearer automatic scholarships.
- Well above the ranges: UNF becomes a potential value play, especially with Florida Bright Futures in the mix. Strong students can stack state aid with smaller institutional awards to bring costs down significantly.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of North Florida at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (National Merit Finalist (UNF))
Average Net Price
$10,353/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$14,400/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
30 opportunities
14 automatic · 11 hidden gem · 5 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 21+ / SAT 1060+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
National Merit Finalist (UNF)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of North Florida (Read This First)
- Most of the real money for Florida students comes from Bright Futures, not UNF itself—families often overestimate how much the school will add.
- Institutional merit is limited and not guaranteed, even for strong students—this is not a high-auto-merit school.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of North Florida is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1160.
Average net price? About $10,353/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Florida 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$6,390 |
$20,790 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$11,810 |
$11,810 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$18,200 |
$32,600 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,353 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
Sources:
• University of North Florida Office of Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance (unf.edu/financialaid/coa)
• University of North Florida Common Data Set (Section G — Annual Expenses)
• U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard — Average Net Price (2022–2023)
• Florida Department of Education — Bright Futures Scholarship Program Guidelines
• State University System of Florida Board of Governors — Grandparent Waiver Policy and ACM participation list
✅ 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)
Automatic
President's Platinum
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.1+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the honest breakdown: UNF states these Florida Resident Merit-Based awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). That said, they generally layer just fine with outside funding like Florida Bright Futures, department scholarships awarded through ScholarshipUniverse, or private awards you bring in from home — total aid can't exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF's official Florida Resident Merit-Based freshman grid pays this award at $5,000 per year (amounts assume 30 credit hours annually). Every admitted FL freshman is auto-considered — no essay, no separate form. Just get your admission file and test scores in by Jan 15 for priority review. Awards after that are funds-available.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida resident freshmen whose weighted GPA lands at or above 4.1 with a superscored 1330 SAT, 29 ACT, or 95 CLT — and who get their completed application in before the January 15 priority deadline.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Non-Florida Resident Transfer Waiver — $10,000
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UNF has stated its current scholarship awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). Outside awards you bring with you can still layer up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Top tier of UNF's non-resident transfer waiver — $10,000 per year, covering up to 30 credit hours (prorated based on credit load). In UNF's worked example this brings a nonresident transfer's tuition and fees to about $10,793 per year. Partial waiver applied only to out-of-state tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-Florida resident transfer students with a 3.8+ transfer GPA — the top tier of the transfer waiver grid.
Automatic
First Coast Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$14,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
These non-resident tuition waivers reduce the out-of-state portion of your bill only. UNF has stated they are not stackable with other UNF scholarships. That said, they can typically be layered with outside awards you bring in yourself (private scholarships, external grants), as long as total aid stays within tuition and required fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF's top-tier non-resident tuition waiver is valued at an estimated $14,000 per year based on 30 credit hours. In UNF's own worked example, the waiver actually equals the out-of-state tuition portion of $13,718, leaving a nonresident student paying only in-state tuition and fees (about $7,075 all-in). Priority admission by Jan 15 is what wins.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top nonresident freshman admits with a weighted 3.9 GPA and a superscored 1300 SAT / 28 ACT / 92 CLT, admitted by the January 15 priority date.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Non-Florida Resident Transfer Waiver — $8,000
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UNF has stated its current scholarship awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). Outside awards you bring with you can still layer up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Middle tier of UNF's non-resident transfer waiver — $8,000 per year, covering up to 30 credit hours (prorated based on credit load). In UNF's worked example this brings a nonresident transfer's tuition and fees to about $12,793 per year. Partial waiver applied only to out-of-state tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-Florida resident transfer students with a 3.5 transfer GPA — the middle tier of the transfer waiver grid.
Automatic
Atlantic Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1230 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
These non-resident tuition waivers reduce the out-of-state portion of your bill only. UNF has stated they are not stackable with other UNF scholarships. That said, they can typically be layered with outside awards you bring in yourself (private scholarships, external grants), as long as total aid stays within tuition and required fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
Middle tier of UNF's non-resident waiver grid — an estimated $10,000 per year off out-of-state tuition. In UNF's worked example a student pays about $10,793 all-in after the waiver, which is a huge relief from the $20,793 sticker price. Awarded automatically to admits who meet the band by Jan 15.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong nonresident freshman applicants with a weighted 3.7 GPA and a 1230 SAT / 26 ACT / 86 CLT superscore, admitted by January 15.
Automatic
President's Gold
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1260 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the honest breakdown: UNF states these Florida Resident Merit-Based awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). That said, they generally layer just fine with outside funding like Florida Bright Futures, department scholarships awarded through ScholarshipUniverse, or private awards you bring in from home — total aid can't exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Gold tier pays $4,000 per year on UNF's Florida Resident Merit-Based grid. Awarding is automatic based on your admission and test-score file — you don't apply for it separately. Notifications go out via myWings email within about two weeks of admission decisions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida resident freshmen sitting around a 3.9 weighted GPA with a 1260 SAT / 27 ACT / 89 CLT superscore who lock in their admission file by the January 15 priority date.
Automatic
President's Silver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the honest breakdown: UNF states these Florida Resident Merit-Based awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). That said, they generally layer just fine with outside funding like Florida Bright Futures, department scholarships awarded through ScholarshipUniverse, or private awards you bring in from home — total aid can't exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Silver pays $3,000 per year and is awarded automatically to admitted Florida freshmen who meet the grid. If your student's scores creep up before Jan 15, resubmit them — UNF will re-review for a higher tier (upgrades aren't guaranteed, but they're allowed).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Solid Florida resident freshmen hitting a weighted 3.7 GPA and a 1200 SAT, 25 ACT, or 83 CLT superscore, admitted by Jan 15.
Automatic
Sunshine Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
These non-resident tuition waivers reduce the out-of-state portion of your bill only. UNF has stated they are not stackable with other UNF scholarships. That said, they can typically be layered with outside awards you bring in yourself (private scholarships, external grants), as long as total aid stays within tuition and required fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry-tier non-resident waiver — an estimated $6,000 per year off out-of-state tuition. In UNF's worked example, this brings your annual net tuition and fees to about $14,793 (versus the $20,793 non-resident sticker).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Nonresident freshmen meeting the entry threshold (weighted 3.5 GPA and 1160 SAT / 24 ACT / 79 CLT superscore) who apply and are admitted by January 15.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Non-Florida Resident Transfer Waiver — $6,000
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UNF has stated its current scholarship awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). Outside awards you bring with you can still layer up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry tier of UNF's non-resident transfer waiver — $6,000 per year, covering up to 30 credit hours annually (prorated based on credit load). In UNF's worked example this brings a nonresident transfer's tuition and fees to about $14,793 per year. Partial waiver applied only to the out-of-state tuition portion.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-Florida resident transfer students with a 3.2 transfer GPA — the entry tier of the transfer waiver grid.
Automatic
Provost's Award
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.5+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the honest breakdown: UNF states these Florida Resident Merit-Based awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). That said, they generally layer just fine with outside funding like Florida Bright Futures, department scholarships awarded through ScholarshipUniverse, or private awards you bring in from home — total aid can't exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Provost's rewards the GPA-heavy profile: a strong 4.5 weighted GPA plus just a 1060 SAT / 21 ACT / 67 CLT unlocks $2,000 per year. Awarded automatically to admitted FL freshmen who meet the grid by Jan 15.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida freshmen with an impressive weighted GPA (around 4.5) whose test scores land closer to the 1060 SAT / 21 ACT / 67 CLT floor — high-GPA, moderate-test kids get real love in this tier.
Automatic
Dean's Award
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.2+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here's the honest breakdown: UNF states these Florida Resident Merit-Based awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships (including non-resident tuition waivers). That said, they generally layer just fine with outside funding like Florida Bright Futures, department scholarships awarded through ScholarshipUniverse, or private awards you bring in from home — total aid can't exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Dean's Award is UNF's entry-level Florida Resident merit-based scholarship — $1,000 per year, awarded automatically to admitted FL freshmen who meet the grid by Jan 15.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida freshmen carrying a weighted 4.2 GPA with baseline standardized scores of 1060 SAT / 21 ACT / 67 CLT — a nice entry-level UNF handshake for solid academics.
Full RideAutomatic
National Merit Finalist (UNF)
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Limited to qualifying National Merit Finalists who name UNF #1 with NMSC winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is UNF's most generous package and it's already fully stacked internally — the university layers an in-state tuition waiver, the out-of-state waiver (for nonresidents), the President's Platinum, Bright Futures (for FL residents), and additional Enrollment Services scholarships to reach full cost of attendance. You don't stack anything else on top; total aid is capped at COA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full cost of attendance for four years — UNF estimates up to $24,797 per year (about $99,188 over four years) for Florida residents and up to $39,197 per year (about $156,788 over four years) for non-Florida residents, both based on 30 credits per year. The package also includes priority class registration, first-choice housing in the brand-new Osprey Ridge Honors Residence Hall, guaranteed Hicks Honors College admission with an included study abroad scholarship, up to three guaranteed paid summer internships (one in undergrad research; two more in research or corporate roles at partners like Mayo Clinic, CSX, Johnson & Johnson, Florida Blue, and Fidelity), and $1,700 in MCAT prep for pre-med students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who commit to UNF as their #1 by May 1. For Florida residents there's one extra hoop — you also need to qualify as a Bright Futures Academic Scholar.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
SWOOP Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UNF has stated its current scholarship awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships. Outside awards you bring in (private, external, or state) generally still layer up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 per year for up to two years for A.A. transfers from a Florida State College institution — priority given to students at a 3.5 transfer GPA or higher. Awarded on a funds-available basis; get your file complete by January 15 for the best shot.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Florida State College A.A. transfers with at least a 3.0 transfer GPA — students at 3.5 and above get priority when funds get thin.
App Required
Grandparent Waiver
📅 Deadline: Rolling — limited waivers, first-come, first-served
✓ Renews
✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1340 SAT👥 ~Limited waivers, first-come first-served winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a state-authorized residency waiver (not a merit scholarship), so it typically layers with other UNF scholarships and outside awards — subject to the standard cost-of-attendance cap on total aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UNF as a non-Florida resident freshman first. After you submit your admission application, request the Grandparent Waiver form (linked from UNF's Reduced Tuition page) and document that an eligible grandparent resides in Florida. Requires a superscored 1340 SAT, 29 ACT, or 96 CLT and full-time undergraduate enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF describes this as a tuition-and-fee waiver covering out-of-state costs up to 110% of total degree hours. The estimated value here mirrors UNF's own sample chart, which uses about $14,400 per year for a non-resident tuition/fee waiver in the National Merit package example. Actual value tracks tuition, so it will float. Requesting early matters — waivers are limited and awarded first-come, first-served.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Nonresident freshmen who can document a grandparent living in Florida and who meet the higher test-score bar (1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT) — and who submit the waiver request early, while limited waivers remain.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Waivers reduce only the out-of-state tuition portion. Apply by Jan 15 (freshmen) or Apr 15 (others) for priority.
National Merit Finalist Package
| Scholarship |
Award Amount |
Eligibility |
Separate App? |
Renewable? |
Who Actually Wins? |
Deadline |
| National Merit Finalist (UNF) |
Full cost of attendance for 4 years (FL: ~$29,841/yr; non-FL: ~$39,241/yr) |
Finalist+name UNF by May 1 (NMSC). FL: Bright Futures Academic required. |
No (NMSC steps only) |
Yes (4 years) |
National Merit Finalists naming UNF & meeting state rules |
May 1 (NMSC step) |
UNF superscores SAT/ACT/CLT; funds and cutoff bands can change. For National Merit, students must also file regular financial aid (FAFSA) and Bright Futures as required.
FAQs:
- No separate app for these scholarships or waivers; UNF pulls from admissions/test file.
- UNF superscores; only best results before Jan 15 (freshmen) or Apr 15 (nonresidents) count for priority awards.
- Waivers only cut out-of-state tuition; can’t exceed total cost.
Sources:
UNF Scholarship Options – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Academic Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/academic.html
Tuition Waivers – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/reduced-tuition/
National Merit – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/national-merit.html
Dates and Deadlines – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/dates/
🏆 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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
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 the Cost of Attendance.
Sources:
UNF Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
National Merit – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/national-merit.html
Dates and Deadlines – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/dates/
💎 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.
Automatic
Osprey Access Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~Limited funding for qualified partner-school students winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with academic merit scholarships and grants up to the student’s cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF indicates awards can be up to about $3,000 per year for up to four years for qualifying students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Pell-eligible Florida students with high GPAs from selected partner high schools who complete admission and FAFSA by the priority deadline.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
O.U.R. RSCA Grants & Conference Travel
📅 Deadline: Oct 15, Feb 15, Jul 15
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Dependent on annual O.U.R. funding and number of applicants winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds cover project expenses and conference travel and can be used alongside other academic scholarships and stipends.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Office of Undergraduate Research (O.U.R.) portal with a faculty-mentored research or creative project proposal and budget; separate applications for RSCA and travel grants.
Selection criteria: Faculty committee review emphasizing project quality, feasibility, and student preparation.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
RSCA awards provide up to about $1,500 for student costs plus $500 for the mentor; conference travel grants are typically up to $500.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with clear, faculty-supported RSCA projects and strong applications submitted by one of the three annual deadlines.
Automatic
Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Layers with Pell, Bright Futures, other UNF hidden-gem aid, and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance. Non-renewable — paid $500 in Fall and $500 in Spring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $1,000 for one year, split $500 Fall and $500 Spring — non-renewable. This is a behavioral scholarship: UNF is trying to identify high-effort, Pell-eligible Florida students by rewarding those who go through the whole engagement funnel. Note: awarded on a funds-available basis; qualifying doesn't automatically guarantee an offer.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida Pell-eligible freshmen who did the actual work — attended the UNF test prep session, showed up for an in-person campus tour, and sat in on a financial aid workshop. It rewards demonstrated engagement, not just qualifications.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
School of Music Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Typically Mar–Apr audition cycle; dates vary by year
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Contingent on School of Music budget and ensemble needs winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Performance awards generally stack with academic and need-based aid; the total package cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for UNF School of Music ensembles (band, jazz, choir, orchestra) and complete any required scholarship/service award forms by departmental deadlines.
Selection criteria: Faculty evaluation of musical ability, ensemble needs, and continued participation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts depend on ensemble needs, instrument, and student talent; many recipients are expected to perform in multiple ensembles.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music majors, minors, and talented non-majors who audition successfully and participate actively in assigned ensembles.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Strategic Emphasis Waiver
📅 Deadline: Rolling; contact records@unf.edu after admission
✓ Renews
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Not stackable with other statutory tuition waivers — the state rule is one statutory waiver per student. It can coexist with need-based aid and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
After being admitted to UNF, email records@unf.edu to confirm eligibility and start the request process. You need to be a Florida resident for tuition purposes, in an eligible major, and on track to earn at least 60 credit hours toward your first bachelor's degree within two academic years of your initial enrollment at a Florida public postsecondary institution.
💡
Strategic Detail
This isn't a dollar scholarship — it's a Florida state 'buy one, get one' course tuition waiver for upper-division work. Eligible students can take two 3000/4000-level courses for the tuition cost of just one, if the courses are required for their major. It's especially valuable for students packing a heavy upper-division load in the final two years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida resident upperclassmen making steady progress (60+ credits in two years) in specific state-strategic majors — accounting, engineering, education, IT, math, and finance-adjacent tracks.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined by state funding and campus allocation winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Johnson funds supplement aid packages for students with disabilities; typically stackable with Bright Futures, Pell, and institutional awards.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Johnson Scholarship application through the state or UNF process, documenting disability status and financial need.
Selection criteria: State and campus-level review considering disability status, need, and academic standing.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Johnson Scholarship is a Florida-wide program that UNF participates in; award amounts vary by campus allocation and student need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undergraduate students with documented disabilities and financial need who submit strong applications and meet state program criteria.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AAFSA Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of recipients each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Adds on to other institutional and external awards for students engaged in equity and cultural leadership initiatives.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through ScholarshipUniverse, providing information about academic performance, campus involvement, and African-American community service or leadership.
Selection criteria: Committee review emphasizing leadership, service, and academic progress.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA) administers this award; typical amounts range from about $1,000 to $2,000 per year when funding allows.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undergraduate or graduate students demonstrating leadership and service within the African-American community at UNF and beyond.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships (Osprey Battalion)
📅 Deadline: Oct 13, Jan 19, Mar 16 (national boards)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_or_housing_plus_stipend
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set annually by Army Cadet Command winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically pays full tuition and fees or housing plus books and stipend; some UNF or state aid may be adjusted to comply with Army and institutional rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national Army ROTC scholarship process (or campus-based boards) and work with the UNF Osprey Battalion to choose a tuition-and-fees or housing option; contract and maintain Army standards.
Selection criteria: Army ROTC scoring model emphasizing academics, leadership, physical fitness, and interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award packages commonly include full tuition and mandatory fees or a housing allowance up to a set cap per term, along with a monthly stipend and book allowance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students intending to commission who meet academic, fitness, and medical standards and are selected by national or campus ROTC boards.
Automatic
UNF Community Engagement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to layer with Pell, Bright Futures, and other need-based aid up to cost of attendance. Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and complete 30 credit hours per academic year.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $2,000 per year for up to four years for Florida residents graduating from a high school in Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam, or Flagler counties. UNF gives consideration to students involved with community-based organizations (Take Stock In Children, Gear Up, Jax Pal are examples). Must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and complete 30 credit hours per academic year to remain eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida residents graduating from a high school in Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam, or Flagler counties who are demonstrably plugged into community organizations and file the FAFSA on time.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Enrollment Services (ES) Need-Based Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UNF has stated its current scholarship awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships. Federal Pell and outside awards still layer normally up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 per year for up to three years — three full years, which is the longest transfer runway of any UNF transfer award. Requires FSC A.A. degree, Pell eligibility, and at least a 3.0 transfer GPA. Awarded on a funds-available basis.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible Florida State College A.A. transfers with at least a 3.0 GPA — 3.5+ transfers with strong FAFSA need signals get first consideration.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
First Generation Matching Grant
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited by state and donor matching funds each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to complement state and institutional aid, including Pell, Bright Futures, and UNF scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded through a state matching program; award amounts depend on annual appropriations and private matching funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Florida-resident first-generation students with financial need who complete the FAFSA and admissions process early.
Automatic
Jacksonville Commitment
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited to a cohort of local students each year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Works alongside Pell, Bright Futures, and institutional scholarships to provide up to around $24,000 over four years.
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is designed to support local, Pell-eligible students; the four-year value is commonly described as about $24,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible Duval County graduates who complete admission and financial aid steps early.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Deadlines:
– Army ROTC (national): Oct 13, Jan 19, Mar 16; apply early for maximum consideration.
– Most donor/Foundation/need-based: Jan 15 (priority), rolling through May 1.
– O.U.R. RSCA: Oct 15, Feb 15, Jul 15 (3x/year).
– Music: Department cycles, usually Mar–Apr.
– Research/Honors: Most slots filled by Feb 15.
– Check ScholarshipUniverse for current posted deadlines each year.
Sources:
UNF Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
ScholarshipUniverse – https://unf.scholarshipuniverse.com/
O.U.R. RSCA – https://www.unf.edu/ugr/ursca/
Army ROTC – https://www.unf.edu/rotc/
Jacksonville Commitment – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/jacksonville-commitment.html
Osprey Access – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/osprey-access.html
🎖️ 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
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling via ScholarshipUniverse
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA)
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Layers with other UNF Honors awards, need-based aid, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Register in ScholarshipUniverse — Hicks Honors students (incoming or current) in eligible majors will be considered automatically once registered. You must submit the FAFSA (need is determined by UNF Financial Aid) and be a Hicks Honors College student who graduated from a Florida high school and resides in Florida.
💡
Strategic Detail
Endowed by Vulcan Materials Company, the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates. Eligible majors include Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Transportation and Logistics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computing and Information Sciences, and Building Construction — with a special preference for Coastal Environmental Science (Biology) or Coastal and Port Engineering. Amount is not published; award tracks demonstrated need and available endowment income.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Hicks Honors students from Florida high schools in a listed major who demonstrate financial need through FAFSA — with additional preference for students concentrating in Coastal Environmental Science or Coastal and Port Engineering.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Honors College Fellows Awards
📅 Deadline: Rolling via ScholarshipUniverse
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of Fellows funded each cycle winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Fellows Awards are designed as supplemental Honors funding — they typically layer with your President's/Dean's merit scholarship, Bright Futures, and outside aid, as long as total funding stays within your UNF cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Register in ScholarshipUniverse and follow the Symposium Canvas application instructions. Prepare a project proposal — research with a faculty mentor, conference travel to present research, a career-focused internship, or Honors in the Major requirements. You must be a current Hicks Honors College student in good standing.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts vary by proposal; historical Hicks Honors documentation has funded Fellows Awards at roughly $500 per term (about $1,000 per academic year), but the current Hicks page doesn't publish a fixed dollar figure. Renewable as long as the student stays in Honors good standing and pursues an approved project.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active Hicks Honors students with strong GPAs and a well-defined proposal (backed by a faculty mentor when possible) for research, conference travel, or a career-focused internship.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling via ScholarshipUniverse; timing varies by program
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Limited Honors study abroad awards each cycle winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies to approved UNF-led study abroad program costs and layers with Bright Futures, Pell, other Honors awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance and program budget.
📄
How to Apply
Register in ScholarshipUniverse and follow the Symposium Canvas application instructions. You'll need proof of acceptance to a UNF study abroad or university exchange program and evidence of Honors degree progression.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors students can be funded for up to two semesters abroad through UNF-led programs or UNF exchanges. A minimum 3.20 UNF Institutional GPA is required to receive funding for a second trip. Award amounts aren't published — they vary by destination, program length, and available Honors funding. Before applying, Hicks asks students to also apply for external awards they may qualify for (Gilman for Pell-eligible students, Phi Kappa Phi for 3.75+ GPAs, Freeman Asia for Asia-bound students).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active Honors students with clear academic goals for global study and proof of acceptance to a UNF study abroad program or exchange — with strong performance signaling readiness for a second trip.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling — dean's discretion
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Dean's discretionary Honors award that layers with other UNF Honors aid and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Discretionary scholarship awarded by the Dean of the Hicks Honors College to recognize meritorious achievement. There's no application form — recognition comes from within the Honors ecosystem. Amount is not published and varies by recipient and available funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Hicks Honors students the Dean notices — those with genuinely standout achievements: high-impact research, national recognition, leadership within the Honors community, or exceptional academic milestones.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marnie Jones Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling via ScholarshipUniverse
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Small number of recipients each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time Honors award that can be combined with automatic UNF merit, Bright Futures, and outside awards, subject to the cost-of-attendance cap on total aid.
📄
How to Apply
Register in ScholarshipUniverse as a Hicks Honors student and complete the Marnie Jones application, documenting your UNF-affiliated community engagement or service work. Preference goes to students in the College of Arts and Sciences; past recipients may reapply.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Named for the first Director of the UNF Honors Program (1993-2001). This is a one-year Honors scholarship for students engaged in UNF-affiliated community engagement or service work — current recipients may be considered again in future years. Dollar amounts aren't published on the Hicks page; historic funding has typically been in the $1,000-$2,000 range.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Hicks Honors students with a real track record of UNF-affiliated community service — with quiet preference for College of Arts and Sciences majors.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Is admission automatic? No. You must apply to Hicks Honors separately after UNF admission.
Does Honors add time? No. All seminars and projects fit a standard degree plan.
What are the deadlines? Closed May 1; future awards generally use February 15.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes—Honors students can access special research, travel, and project funds.
Sources:
Hicks Honors College Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/hicks/honors-scholarships.html
ScholarshipUniverse – https://unf.scholarshipuniverse.com/
Application/awards – https://www.unf.edu/hicks/apply-to-the-honors-college.html
⭐ 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.
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.
💡 Comparing Florida college offers? See our guide:
How to Compare Florida College Offers (Public vs Private + Bright Futures)
.
If you’re new to Florida financial aid, start with the
Florida College Aid Series overview
.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
