Florida Atlantic University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~66%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1090–1280
- Middle 50% GPA (HS): 3.68–4.31
Source: Florida Atlantic University Office of Admissions (Summer/Fall 2024 profile). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
FAU at a Glance
FAQ
Is FAU test-optional for fall 2026?
No. FAU requires ACT, SAT, or CLT scores for admission. They superscore ACT and SAT for admission; scholarships consider scores received by deadlines.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT?
22–27 ACT / 1090–1280 SAT (Admissions Snapshot).
What’s the average net price?
$9,711 (NCES/IPEDS). Net price varies by family income; see our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does FAU offer reciprocity or OOS waivers?
Florida ACM applies to graduate programs only. FAU offers the SUS Grandparent Waiver for qualifying OOS students and the non-resident HOOT tuition credit.
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/finaid-nms/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/national-merit-scholars/scholarships-and-tuition/
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/how-to-apply/admissions-requirements/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/florida-atlantic-university/admissions
https://www.fau.edu/iea/documents/pdf/cds/cds-2024-2025.pdf
💰 Cost of Attendance at Florida Atlantic University
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $5,976 | $20,760 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,414 | $16,414 |
| Total | $22,390 | $37,174 |
Why only these two lines? We include the items you actually pay the university (direct/”billable” costs): Tuition & Fees and on-campus Housing & Meals. Other items (books, transportation, personal expenses) are real, but they’re estimates and paid to third parties. FAU’s 2025–26 estimates for those are: Books/Supplies ≈ $1,288; Transportation ≈ $2,390–$3,170; Personal ≈ $5,020. You’ll see those in FAU’s full COA page.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: Florida participates in the Academic Common Market at the graduate level only (no undergrad ACM). Out-of-state freshmen may look at the SUS Grandparent Waiver or FAU nonresident tuition credits where applicable.
CSS Profile: Not required for standard undergraduate aid at FAU (file the FAFSA). If you’re comparing schools that do require CSS, here’s our walkthrough: CSS Profile Guide.
FAQ — Understanding FAU’s Cost of Attendance
Why does the table only include tuition and housing?
Because those are direct, billable costs that families actually pay to FAU. Other categories—like books, transportation, and personal expenses—are indirect costs that vary from student to student and are paid to outside vendors, not the university.
How much does the full “official” cost of attendance include?
FAU’s 2025–26 official COA adds roughly $1,288 for books, $2,400–$3,100 for transportation, and about $5,000 for personal expenses. When combined, the full nine-month estimate is roughly $31,000 for in-state and $46,000 for out-of-state students before aid.
What’s the difference between sticker price and net price?
The sticker price is what FAU charges before any aid. The net price is what families actually paid after scholarships and grants—currently around $10,735 per year, per NCES data. It’s the better measure of real affordability.
Can out-of-state students qualify for tuition breaks?
Not through the Academic Common Market at the undergraduate level. However, some students may qualify for the Florida Grandparent Waiver or special nonresident tuition waivers awarded by FAU for academic merit or financial need.
Does FAU require the CSS Profile?
No. Only the FAFSA is required for need-based aid consideration. The CSS Profile is not part of FAU’s undergraduate financial aid process.
Are meal plans and housing required for freshmen?
Yes, first-year students living on campus must select from approved residence halls and meal plans. Costs vary by housing type and meal tier; the figures above reflect standard first-year averages.
Does FAU offer payment plans?
Yes. FAU provides term-based installment plans so families can spread tuition and housing payments across the semester. There’s a small setup fee, and you must enroll before the payment deadline each term.
Will tuition or housing go up next year?
It’s possible. Florida’s Board of Governors reviews fees annually, and housing and dining rates are subject to change. Always check FAU’s tuition and housing pages for the most current figures when budgeting.
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/other/cost-of-attendance/
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cost-of-Attendance-2025-26-For-Website.pdf
https://www.fau.edu/housing/rates/
https://www.fau.edu/housing/pdf/2025-2026-firstyear-rates.pdf
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/florida-atlantic-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/florida-atlantic-university-1481/paying
https://scholarships360.org/colleges/florida/florida-atlantic-university/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Deadline: To ensure you are processed correctly for Benacquisto, submit a complete admission application (including SSAR and official test scores) by January 15.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benacquisto Scholarship (National Merit Finalists) | Covers full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, personal, travel) | Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists and name FAU as their first-choice college | No — awarded automatically through state coordination | Yes — up to 4 years with continued eligibility | Top Florida high school students who achieve National Merit Finalist status (≈1% of seniors nationwide) | Jan 15 (admission app + scores) |
Automatic Merit FAQ
Does FAU weight GPAs for this award?
Yes. FAU follows Florida’s standard recalculated weighted GPA for scholarship consideration, but for Benacquisto the determining factor is National Merit Finalist status rather than GPA bands.
Is superscoring used?
FAU superscores both the ACT and SAT for admission. For Benacquisto, your eligibility depends on achieving National Merit Finalist status via the PSAT, not ACT/SAT cutoffs.
How strict is the deadline?
Very strict. FAU requires a completed admission application — including the SSAR and official test scores — by January 15. Missing this date means you will not be certified for Benacquisto at FAU.
How do cutoffs work?
Unlike other schools’ automatic merit charts, there are no GPA/ACT/SAT thresholds here. The only cutoff is National Merit Finalist designation, which is set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/finaid-nms/
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/national-merit-scholars/scholarships-and-tuition/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/benacquisto-scholarship/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/benaquisto-scholarship
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/how-to-apply/admissions-requirements/
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/how-to-apply/deadlines/
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/faq-freshmen/
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/resources/p/policies/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive scholarships)
Beyond Benacquisto, FAU offers a limited pool of selective merit scholarships. These are not guaranteed — even if you meet the stated GPA or test thresholds, awards go only to a “select group” of admitted students. Families should view these as competitive honors rather than automatic benefits.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International President’s Scholarship | $6,000/year (renewable up to 4 years freshman; 3 years transfer) | International students (F-1 or J-1 visa) with GPA ≥ 3.5, SAT/ACT/CLT scores, and English proficiency | No — considered automatically with admission | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA & full-time enrollment | Top international admits; funds are limited, so not every qualified student receives it | Fall: Jan 15 • Spring: Aug 15 (priority) / Oct 15 (final) |
Priority Deadline: Submit a complete admission application by January 15 for fall entry to maximize your chances. International students applying for spring should meet the August 15 (priority) or October 15 (final) deadlines.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
How many International President’s Scholarships are awarded?
FAU does not publish exact numbers, but notes that funding is limited. Even strong international applicants may not receive it if funds run out.
What’s the critical deadline?
For fall applicants, January 15 is the priority deadline. For spring international admits, the deadlines are August 15 (priority) and October 15 (final). Meeting these is essential since late files are not reviewed for competitive awards.
Who actually wins these awards?
Among international students, those with GPAs above 3.5, strong standardized test scores, and documented English proficiency are considered. Selection favors the very top tier of admitted applicants.
Can these awards stack with Benacquisto?
No. Benacquisto already covers the full cost of attendance for Florida resident National Merit Finalists. If you qualify, it replaces institutional merit awards. See our guide on National Merit Scholarships for more detail.
How can students improve their odds?
Since no extra application is required, your admission file has to stand out. Submitting a polished activities list or brag sheet to recommenders, and working from our Essay Toolkit if essays are required elsewhere, can help you present the strongest case overall.
https://www.fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/finaid-nms/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College (Wilkes — Jupiter)
FAU’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College offers its own competitive scholarships for first-year students on the Jupiter campus. These sit apart from Boca-based Admissions awards and have their own criteria and timelines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship | Up to $7,500/semester + 4 summer programs; total value >$72,000 over 4 yrs | FL resident; admitted to Wilkes HC; live on campus 4 yrs; leadership record | Yes — invite-only app + two interview rounds | Yes — 8 semesters with required participation | Very small cohort of top FL student leaders | Admitted to HC by mid-Feb; Flagler app due late Feb (varies by year) |
| Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 1) | $6,000/yr (total $24,000 over 4 yrs) | 4.00 GPA & 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT | No — automatic with HC admission | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 FAU institutional GPA | Top FL residents admitted to HC | Jan 15 (complete file) |
| Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 2) | $3,500/yr (total $14,000 over 4 yrs) | 3.90 GPA & 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT | No | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 GPA | Strong FL residents admitted to HC | Jan 15 |
| Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 3) | $3,000/yr (total $12,000 over 4 yrs) | 3.85 GPA & 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT | No | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 GPA | Solid FL residents admitted to HC | Jan 15 |
| Wilkes Honors / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 1) | $10,000/yr (total $40,000 over 4 yrs) | 4.00 GPA & 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT | No | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 GPA | Top non-resident admits to HC | Jan 15 |
| Wilkes Honors / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 2) | $8,000/yr (total $32,000 over 4 yrs) | 3.90 GPA & 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT | No | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 GPA | Strong non-resident admits to HC | Jan 15 |
| Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 3) | $1,000/yr (total $4,000 over 4 yrs) | 3.85 GPA & 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT | No | Yes — maintain ≥3.0 GPA | Baseline tier for non-resident admits to HC | Jan 15 |
Honors College Scholarship FAQ
Where did Benacquisto (National Merit) go?
We list Benacquisto once in the Automatic section to avoid duplicate records. If you’re a Florida National Merit Finalist and list FAU as first choice by May 1, the state program covers full cost of attendance. See our guide: National Merit Scholarship.
What dates actually matter for Honors money?
January 15 — complete file for automatic Wilkes merit consideration. Mid-February — be admitted to HC to be eligible for a Flagler invitation. Late February — Flagler application due; interviews follow.
Are the Wilkes merit tiers guaranteed if I meet the GPA/test lines?
No. The tiers are published dollar amounts tied to competitive selection. Meeting a tier makes you competitive, not guaranteed; awards go to the strongest admitted applicants until funding is allocated.
Do Honors awards stack with main-campus FAU merit?
Plan for the single highest institutional award to apply. Benacquisto (if eligible) replaces institutional awards entirely.
https://www.fau.edu/honors/future-students/financial-flagler/
https://www.fau.edu/honors/future-students/academic-scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/honors/future-students/scholars-day/
https://www.fau.edu/honors/current-students/financial-aid-scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/honors/documents/honorscollegescholarshippolicy102020.pdf
https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Florida Atlantic isn’t just a generalist university — certain programs have earned national and state recognition. For Florida parents who prefer to keep their student in-state, these rankings matter when weighing FAU against other public options like UF, FSU, or UCF.
- Nursing (BSN): FAU’s undergraduate nursing program is ranked #130 nationally (U.S. News 2025) and consistently lands in the Top 5 in Florida. Why it matters: clinical placements span South Florida’s major hospital systems, boosting licensure pass rates and job placement.
- Business (BBA): Ranked #147 nationally by U.S. News (2025). Within Florida, FAU’s business school is mid-tier (behind UF/FSU/UCF, but ahead of several regional peers). Why it matters: strong ties to South Florida’s finance, real estate, and hospitality industries create internship pipelines.
- Computer Science (BS): Ranked #193 nationally (U.S. News 2025). Within the Florida State University System, FAU sits in the upper-middle tier for CS. Why it matters: the Miami–Boca–Palm Beach corridor is a fast-growing tech hub, giving graduates practical job pathways.
- Engineering: Graduate Engineering is Top 100 public nationally (U.S. News 2025, publics ~#91). Within Florida, FAU’s engineering programs fall just behind UF, UCF, and FIU but ahead of many smaller state peers. Why it matters: strong research labs in biomedical, AI, and cybersecurity feed into undergrad research opportunities.
- Marine Science & Oceanography (Harbor Branch): Not ranked in U.S. News undergraduate tables, but Harbor Branch is considered a statewide leader for oceanography and aquaculture. Within Florida, it’s one of the few programs giving undergrads hands-on access to coral reef, aquaculture, and marine robotics research facilities.
Parent takeaway: Within Florida, FAU is strongest in Nursing, Engineering, and Marine Science. For families who want to stay in-state, FAU often ranks just behind UF/FSU/UCF but ahead of many regional campuses — making it a solid choice without out-of-state tuition.