Florida State Scholarships: What’s Automatic, What’s Not, and What Parents Miss

Florida State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~25%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 30–33
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1340–1450
  • Average GPA (HS): ~4.4 (core; middle 50% 4.2–4.6)

Source: FSU Admissions/Institutional Research (Class of 2028 profile).

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

FSU at a Glance

🏆 Full Ride opportunity: Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists receive the state-funded Benacquisto covering in-state full cost of attendance at FSU.
Average Net Price
$14,903
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit (OOS)
Up to OOS tuition waiver (~$14.4K/yr)
Admission-based consideration; no extra app
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 4.2–4.6 • ACT 30–33 / SAT 1340–1450
Based on recent recipient & admitted-student patterns*
Superscore Policy
ACT: Yes • SAT: Yes
Used for admission & scholarships
Key Deadlines
Scholarship/Admission: Dec 1 • Test score update: Jan 1 (EA FL: Dec 1) • FAFSA: December
Use earlier of admission/scholarship
Honors College
Yes • Competitive • Separate app (by Dec 1)
Perks: honors housing, priority reg, advising
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive/State: Yes (Benacquisto)
Check stacking & fee exclusions
Residency & Waivers
ACM (grad-only); OOS fee waivers limited/competitive
No undergrad reciprocity; OOS waiver ≈ full OOS fee
– Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on award text + past recipient data + student profile stats. Numbers can shift with applicant pool and funding.

FAQ

Is FSU test-optional for fall 2026?
No. Florida’s state university system requires SAT/ACT/CLT. FSU uses superscoring (highest section scores across dates) for admission and scholarship review. Limited exceptions exist (e.g., specific state policies), but plan to submit scores.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT?
ACT 30–33; SAT 1340–1450. Average core GPA ~4.4 (middle 50% 4.2–4.6).

What’s the average net price?
~$14,903 (IPEDS). Remember, net price varies by family income; see our Net Price & SAI guide.

Does FSU offer reciprocity or OOS waivers?
Florida participates in Academic Common Market at the graduate level only; no undergrad reciprocity. FSU offers competitive nonresident (OOS) tuition waivers—if awarded, you pay in-state tuition/fees.

Sources:
https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/scholarships
https://financialaid.fsu.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/BSP.pdf
https://tuition.fsu.edu/cost-estimates-fall-2025-spring-2026
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cost-of-Attendance-2025-26-For-Website.pdf
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/report-your-data/faq-average-net-price
https://admissions.fsu.edu/residency/oos-waiver
https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/how-to-get-into-florida-state-university-fsu/
https://www.collegeraptor.com/scholarships/Florida-State-University-FL–134097/National-Merit-Finalist-Benacquisto-Scholarship–360946/

💰 Cost of Attendance at Florida State University (2025–2026)

📊 These are the estimated costs before any aid for full-time undergraduates living on campus.
Type In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (est., 30 credits) ≈ $6,470 ≈ $23,150
Housing & Meals (annual) ≈ $14,020 ≈ $14,020
Total (billed by FSU) ≈ $20,490 ≈ $37,170

We’re showing only the items you typically pay directly to FSU (tuition, fees, and on-campus housing & dining) so families can see the real check you’ll write. Other estimated costs not billed by FSU include books & supplies (~$1,000), transportation (~$2,360), and personal expenses (~$4,660). These vary by student.

🔵 Residency & OOS Waivers: Florida offers no undergraduate reciprocity (e.g., WUE/MSEP). However, FSU grants competitive non-resident tuition waivers to strong applicants—if awarded, you’ll pay the in-state rate for tuition & fees. The Academic Common Market applies mainly to graduate programs.
📉 Average Net Price: Families who received aid reported an average net price of about $14,903 per year (NCES data). Actual cost varies by income, aid, and scholarships. For details on how net price and SAI work, see our Net Price & SAI Guide.

Notes: Tuition estimates use FSU’s 2025–26 per-credit totals (in-state ≈ $215.55; out-of-state ≈ $771.66) × 30 credits. Housing & meals reflect the 2025–26 undergraduate on-campus average (~$8,420 housing + $5,600 meal plan = $14,020).

FAQ — Cost of Attendance at FSU

Does FSU charge different tuition for specific majors?
No. FSU uses a flat per-credit rate for all undergraduate majors. However, some colleges (like Business or Engineering) may have small additional course or lab fees.

What if my student lives off campus or at home?
Living off campus can reduce total billed costs since you’ll only pay tuition and fees directly to FSU. The university’s estimated housing and meal numbers won’t apply, but families should still budget for rent and groceries separately.

Are out-of-state tuition waivers automatic?
No. Non-resident waivers at FSU are competitive and awarded to high-achieving applicants or National Merit Finalists. If selected, the waiver brings tuition down to the in-state rate.

Why is the net price lower than the total cost?
The net price reflects what families actually pay on average after scholarships and grants. It’s based on federal data showing typical aid packages for students who receive need-based or merit-based assistance.

Does the cost change each year?
Yes, modestly. Tuition rates are set by the Florida Board of Governors and may increase slightly each academic year. Housing and meal plan rates can also vary by dorm or dining option.

Sources:
https://tuition.fsu.edu/cost-estimates-fall-2025-spring-2026
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cost-of-Attendance-2025-26-For-Website.pdf
https://admissions.fsu.edu/residency/oos-waiver
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/report-your-data/faq-average-net-price
https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/how-to-get-into-florida-state-university-fsu/

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (Florida State University)

⚠️ Honest heads-up: FSU does not publish a public merit chart. Most awards are limited and holistic, so there’s no guaranteed “score X → award Y,” especially for non-residents.
Scholarship Award Amount (per year) Eligibility (benchmarks) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
University Freshman Scholarship ~$2,400–$4,800 ~4.3+ weighted GPA, top 10% rank, and 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT No Yes A small share of admits meeting the top academic band; often overlap with Honors admits. Dec 1 (apply by)
Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Covers the non-resident tuition differential Non-residents in roughly the top 5–10% (~4.3+ GPA and 1450+ SAT/32+ ACT) No Yes Rare; typically high-achieving non-residents (often Honors/STEM/Arts). Dec 1 (apply by)
National Merit Finalist Package Full OOS waiver + freshman scholarship + housing support National Merit Finalist; list FSU as first choice with NMSC No Yes Qualifying Finalists who complete all NMSC reporting steps on time. NMSC deadlines (FSU first-choice by May 1)

Note: Benchmarks above reflect typical recipient profiles. FSU’s awards are holistic and funding-limited; actual selections vary each cycle.

FAQ: Automatic Scholarships at FSU

Do I need to apply separately?
No. All three listed awards are tied to the general admission application—there’s no extra scholarship form. National Merit does require completing NMSC’s designation steps.

What GPA counts—weighted or unweighted?
FSU recalculates a weighted academic core GPA. The 4.3+ figures shown here are weighted; unweighted GPAs in the high 3.9s are typical for recipients.

Does FSU superscore test results?
Yes. Both ACT and SAT are superscored across test dates, and those combined scores are used for admission and scholarship review.

Are there fixed cutoffs?
Not exactly. While 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT is common among awardees, FSU emphasizes holistic review. Meeting the band is necessary but not always sufficient.

What deadlines matter most?
Dec 1 is the priority date for admission and scholarship consideration. For National Merit Finalists, you must also designate FSU as your first choice with NMSC by May 1.

Sources:
https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/scholarships
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/BSP.pdf
https://admissions.fsu.edu/residency/oos-waiver
https://tuition.fsu.edu/cost-estimates-fall-2025-spring-2026
https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/how-to-get-into-florida-state-university-fsu/

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These scholarships are highly selective. Most require a separate application or are limited to students in specialized programs. Strong grades alone aren’t enough—you’ll need leadership, service, or National Merit status to be in the running.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholars Program Full cost of attendance + $12K enrichment Top 1–2% of applicants, Honors invite Yes Yes ACT 34+/SAT 1500+, 4.4+ GPA, ~25 students each year Dec 1
Department Waivers (OOS) Partial or full out-of-state tuition High-achieving STEM, Arts, or Business majors No Yes Top non-resident admits with strong academics Dec 1 (priority)
Benacquisto Scholarship Full cost of attendance (stackable with Bright Futures) Florida resident + National Merit Finalist No Yes National Merit Finalists who name FSU as first choice May 1 (NMSC first-choice designation)
CARE Summer Bridge Full tuition, housing, and books Florida resident, first-gen, Pell-eligible Yes Yes First-gen low-income Floridians admitted to CARE Dec 1
Bright Futures (Florida only) 75%–100% tuition ACT/SAT scores, GPA, and 100+ service hours Yes (via state) Yes Florida residents meeting state GPA/test/service cutoffs Aug 31 (after graduation; state deadlines)
FSU Foundation Scholarships (FS4U) Varies by donor or department Incoming or current students Yes Varies Applicants who apply early and match donor criteria Varies (most Feb–Mar)

Note for parents: The Presidential Scholars Program is FSU’s most competitive award, with only about 25 students selected each year. Deadlines matter—December 1 is the cutoff for this and most top-tier awards. Encourage your student to complete the general app early and check their email frequently for special invitations.

Disclaimer: Award amounts, eligibility, and renewal rules are based on the latest FSU and state information. Exact criteria may change yearly depending on funding and applicant pools.

FAQ: Flagship Scholarships at FSU

How many students actually get the Presidential Scholars award?
About 25 each year — it’s FSU’s single most selective program, reserved for the very top of the applicant pool.

Does the Benacquisto Scholarship stack with Bright Futures?
Yes. Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists can combine Benacquisto with Bright Futures, often covering the full cost of attendance.

When is the true cutoff for being considered?
December 1 is the hard deadline for Presidential and CARE. For National Merit Finalists, you must also designate FSU as your first choice with NMSC by May 1.

Is Bright Futures automatic if I meet the GPA and test requirements?
Not quite — students must also complete 100+ community service hours and submit the Florida Financial Aid Application by the state’s deadline (typically August 31 after graduation).

What about FS4U donor scholarships?
FS4U has its own portal. Deadlines vary, but most are due in February or March. Awards depend heavily on matching the donor’s criteria.

Sources:
https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/scholarships
https://financialaid.fsu.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/BSP.pdf
https://fsu.academicworks.com/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards aren’t always advertised up front—but they’re real, and they add up. Most live in FS4U or are tied to majors, talents, or specific backgrounds.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
First Generation Matching Grant (FGEN) $200–$3,000 / yr FL resident; first-gen; FAFSA-verified financial need; CARE participants prioritized No Yes First-gen Floridians who file FAFSA early and meet need thresholds Oct 15 (FS4U cycle)
Deeb Scholarship (Adopted/Orphaned Students) ~$1,000 (one-time) Adopted or orphaned; documentation required; min 2.5 GPA Yes No Students who meet status + submit March–May application window Mar 1–May 31
Marching Chiefs Color Guard Scholarship $1,250 High skill in Marching Chiefs Color Guard; audition/participation required Yes Varies Color Guard members selected by program/association Varies
Manley R. Whitcomb Scholarship (Band) $5,000 Well-rounded sophomore/junior band student(s) in Music Yes Varies Band students with strong achievement/merit in the program Dec 1
College of Music Undergraduate Scholarships $1,000 up to full tuition Accepted Music majors; audition required Yes Yes Strong audition ratings and faculty recommendations Dec 1 (best consideration)
Seminole Club Endowed Scholarships $500–$2,500 (typical) Residency in club’s area; criteria vary by club Yes Varies Applicants who apply to their local club and/or via FS4U Often Jun 6 (varies by club)
Also worth a look (amounts vary; apply via the noted links/units):
  • FS4U departmental awards (e.g., iSchool scholarships like Cecil P. Beach or Sol & Beverly Hirsch Endowment). Most units use a Feb 15 priority date.
  • Marching Chiefs Majorette/Feature Twirler scholarships; additional need-based Chiefs support available through the Director of Bands.
  • Charles E. Carter Scholarship (College of Music; arranging/composition for winds).
Heads-up: When official pages listed “varies,” we published the best available ranges or typical amounts and deadlines. Always confirm in FS4U or with the program.

FAQ: Hidden Gem Scholarships at FSU

Is the First Generation Matching Grant automatic?
No. Filing FAFSA early is required, but funds are limited. CARE students often have priority.

Do Marching Chiefs awards require a Music major?
No. Chiefs scholarships (e.g., $1,250 Color Guard) are open to all participants; Music majors also access College of Music awards via audition.

How competitive is the $5,000 Manley R. Whitcomb award?
Highly competitive; usually awarded to standout sophomores/juniors in the band program. Apply/confirm by Dec 1.

Where do I apply for Seminole Club scholarships?
Through FS4U and directly with your local alumni club. Deadlines vary, but many clubs close around early June.

Can the Deeb Scholarship stack with Bright Futures or Benacquisto?
Yes. Deeb (~$1,000) is campus-based and generally stackable, provided total aid doesn’t exceed the cost of attendance.

Sources:
https://fsu.academicworks.com/
https://financialaid.fsu.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/scholarships
https://music.fsu.edu/resources/scholarships
https://marchingchiefs.fsu.edu/members/scholarships/

🎓 Honors at Florida State University

Why it matters: Admission to the FSU Honors Program unlocks FSU’s top merit awards (including Presidential Scholars) plus perks like priority registration, Honors housing options, and dedicated research funding.

First-year applicants are considered for Honors when they apply to FSU by the December 1 priority date and indicate interest in Honors. Selection is holistic (curriculum rigor, GPA, leadership/impact).

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholars Program $42,000 over 4 years + $12,000 enrichment; OOS students also receive a full OOS tuition waiver Admitted to Honors; exceptional academics + leadership/impact (top ~1–2% of applicants) Yes Yes ~25 students/year from the very top of the Honors pool Dec 1
National Merit Finalist – Benacquisto Scholarship Covers in-state Cost of Attendance after BF/NMSC; typical total ≈ $16k–$25k/yr (4 years) National Merit Finalist; lists FSU as first choice; full-time enrollment; FL residents guaranteed Honors admission No Yes Finalists who complete NMSC steps on time and enroll at FSU May 1
Also available to Honors students (typically after enrollment):
  • Bess H. Ward Travel Grant — one-time support for approved study abroad.
  • Honors Conference Attendance/Presenter Awards — funding to attend/present at academic conferences.
  • Fred May Gadsden County Honors Scholarship — for Honors students from Gadsden County, FL.
Amounts and deadlines above reflect the latest published guidance for first-year entrants. Benacquisto totals vary by Bright Futures/NMSC amounts; always confirm current details with FSU Admissions, the Honors Program, and the Florida Department of Education.

Honors Program FAQ (FSU-specific)

How do I get in the pool for Presidential Scholars?
Submit the FSU application by Dec 1 and indicate Honors interest. Selected Honors applicants receive the supplemental Presidential Scholars prompts; ~25 are chosen.

I’m an out-of-state Presidential Scholar — what’s my real tuition cost?
Presidential Scholars who are non-residents receive a full out-of-state tuition waiver in addition to the scholarship and $12k enrichment fund.

Does being a National Merit Finalist guarantee Honors?
For Florida residents, yes — Finalists who list FSU as first choice by May 1 are guaranteed Honors and receive Benacquisto (covers in-state COA after BF/NMSC).

Can Benacquisto and Bright Futures both apply?
Yes. Benacquisto fills in after Bright Futures and the NMSC award to reach the in-state COA. The exact amount changes with BF credits each term.

When do travel/conference grants kick in?
After enrollment. Honors travel and conference awards (e.g., Bess H. Ward; Presenter/Attendance awards) are applied for during the academic year via Honors.

Sources:
https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/scholarships
https://financialaid.fsu.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://fsu.academicworks.com/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/BSP.pdf

✨ What FSU Is Known For

Florida State feels familiar — big enough to offer explosive opportunities, yet tight-knit enough to make students feel seen. From high-impact research to performance arts, FSU excels across a spectrum of programs that leave a legacy both statewide and nationally.

🎓 Signature Program to Know:
College of Criminology & Criminal Justice is nationally recognized — its faculty ranked No. 1 in the nation for research productivity by the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. That’s not just local impact, that’s national leadership.
  • Nursing — Doctor of Nursing Practice is ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities (U.S. News, 2024)
  • Law, Real Estate, and Medicine Graduate Programs all rank No. 1 among Florida public universities — with Law at #38 nationally overall (U.S. News, 2025)
  • Internship & Alumni Network — FSU is top-13 nationally for public-university alumni networks and internships (Princeton Review)
  • Study Abroad — FSU ranks #11 nationwide among universities for study-abroad programs (U.S. News)
  • Public Value & Student Life — Ranked Top 10 Public University and Top 2 in Florida for student life, criminal justice, and business (Niche, 2025)
  • Interior Architecture & Design — One of the nation’s oldest and most sustainable-focused programs; top-3 in CollegeRank’s 2022 interior design list

✅ Final Thoughts

Florida State is one of those schools where the glossy brochures don’t tell the whole story. Automatic aid is limited, and most real scholarships are tied to competitive selection or Honors. But if your student is in the very top slice of applicants—or earns National Merit—FSU can suddenly feel much more affordable.

Think of it this way: for the average strong student, FSU may look pricey. For the extraordinary few, the door opens wide. That’s why it’s worth applying early, making sure every piece of the application shows academic depth, leadership, and impact. If FSU is on your kid’s list, set expectations honestly—but also keep the door open to the big wins.

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