Florida Atlantic University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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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: ~66%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1110
- Average GPA: 3.8
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Florida Atlantic University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Benacquisto Scholarship (National Merit Finalists) & Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program)
Average Net Price
$10,735/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$500–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
25 opportunities
9 automatic · 9 hidden gem · 7 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+; ACT 25+ / SAT 1200+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Benacquisto Scholarship (National Merit Finalists) & Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Florida Atlantic is one of those “quiet value” schools that doesn’t always get the spotlight — but the numbers can work in your favor. Admission is accessible, and for in-state students especially, the combination of tuition, Bright Futures eligibility, and institutional aid can bring costs down significantly. This isn’t a place where you need perfect stats to get help.
The tradeoff is that FAU isn’t built around big automatic merit for out-of-state families or flashy scholarship packages. Instead, it rewards steady academic performance and makes the most sense for students looking for a solid, affordable option in Florida. If your goal is minimizing debt rather than chasing prestige, this is exactly the kind of school worth paying attention to.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Florida Atlantic University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1110.
Average net price? About $10,735/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Florida Atlantic University 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) |
$5,976 |
$20,760 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,414 |
$16,414 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$22,390 |
$37,174 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,735 — 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.
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 2026–2027 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.
Sources:
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
If your student is a FL high-GPA test-taker (not National Merit)…
Your “win condition” is a complete file by Jan 15 + strong scores submitted by FAU’s last-score date. Treat scholarships as competitive, not guaranteed.
If your student is a FL National Merit Finalist…
Confirm FAU as first-choice with NMSC by FAU’s stated date and keep FAU’s Jan 15 complete-file rule in mind so processing doesn’t get delayed.
If your student wants Wilkes Honors College…
Make sure your family is comfortable with the Jupiter campus experience (and campus-based scholarship terms) before chasing Honors money.
If your student is Pell-eligible / first-gen…
File FAFSA early (FAU priority is Jan 15) and prioritize cohort-style programs (like Kelly/Strul) that can change the entire bill.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Important: FAU does not publish a GPA/test score grid like some universities. The only truly automatic award is Florida’s Benacquisto Scholarship for National Merit Finalists.
Deadline: To ensure you are processed correctly for Benacquisto, submit a complete admission application (including SSAR and official test scores) by January 15.
⚖️ Stacking Reality at FAU (what parents should assume):
- Benacquisto is its own lane. If your student qualifies, it typically becomes the “primary” package because it’s built to cover full cost of attendance (not just tuition).
- Most institutional merit is “best one wins,” not additive. Families should expect FAU to apply the single strongest institutional award rather than stacking multiple FAU merit awards on top of each other.
- Outside scholarships can trigger adjustments. If total aid goes above your student’s Cost of Attendance, FAU may reduce certain university grants/scholarships to stay within COA limits.
- Parent move: If you’re near a full package (Benacquisto + Bright Futures + outside awards), email Financial Aid and ask: “If we add an outside scholarship, what changes first?”
This isn’t a “gotcha” — it’s how most universities manage over-awards. The win is simply knowing to ask before you accept/assign outside scholarships.
Automatic
FAU 100 / Spirit of Atlantic Scholarship (Resident: Tier 1)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1410 SATFlorida-resident incoming freshmen with a minimum 4.0 GPA and one of the qualifying test scores. Scholarship review uses the strongest single test sitting on file.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Important context for families: FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions merit scholarships are typically not stackable with each other — you'll receive the single tier your profile qualifies for, not a combination. This tier still layers with Bright Futures, department-specific scholarships, and outside awards up to your total cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship application needed. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (total value approximately $20,000). Renewal generally requires maintaining good academic standing and full-time enrollment; check the FAU financial aid site for the current renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident freshmen who meet or exceed the Tier 1 academic band — a 4.0 GPA plus 1410 SAT, 32 ACT, or 101 CLT. Because this is automatic, the deciding factor is simply having those numbers finalized before your admission review closes. Get the strongest test sitting on file by the priority deadline.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic Scholarship (Resident: Tier 2)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1340 SATFlorida-resident incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.9 GPA and one of the qualifying test scores. Scholarship review uses the strongest single test sitting on file.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Important context for families: FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions merit scholarships are typically not stackable with each other — you'll receive the single tier your profile qualifies for, not a combination. This tier still layers with Bright Futures, department-specific scholarships, and outside awards up to your total cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship application needed. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (total value approximately $8,000). Renewal generally requires maintaining good academic standing and full-time enrollment; check the FAU financial aid site for the current renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident freshmen who meet or exceed the Tier 2 academic band — a 3.9 GPA plus 1340 SAT, 29 ACT, or 96 CLT. Because this is automatic, the deciding factor is simply having those numbers finalized before your admission review closes. Get the strongest test sitting on file by the priority deadline.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Onlyidentity
International President's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15 (Fall) / August 15 (Spring)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
⚠ Reserved for admits studying at FAU on an F-1 or J-1 international student visa.
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~Limited funding each cycle. winners/yr🎓 All UndergradMust hold F-1 or J-1 visa at admission, present a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, submit SAT/ACT/CLT scores, and demonstrate English proficiency per FAU standards. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Great news: this award generally layers with other institutional and outside aid, up to your total cost of attendance. FAU coordinates packaging on the back end, so if you also earn a department-specific award or bring in an outside scholarship, the financial aid office will fit everything together — the President's Scholarship is not automatically bumped just because another award arrives.
💡
Strategic Detail
Freshmen may receive the award for up to four years; transfers up to three years. Scholarship consideration is automatic with a complete admission file — no separate application. Test scores and English proficiency documentation are required for review, so treat these as part of the scholarship packet even though they're technically admission requirements.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: This is FAU's headline merit award for international freshmen and transfers on F-1 or J-1 visas. In practice, admits who bring a 3.5+ GPA, solid SAT/ACT/CLT scores, and clean English-proficiency documentation are the ones who land it. Funding is finite each cycle, so applying inside the priority window (not the late regular window) genuinely improves your odds.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic Scholarship (Resident: Tier 3)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1270 SATFlorida-resident incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.85 GPA and one of the qualifying test scores. Scholarship review uses the strongest single test sitting on file.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Important context for families: FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions merit scholarships are typically not stackable with each other — you'll receive the single tier your profile qualifies for, not a combination. This tier still layers with Bright Futures, department-specific scholarships, and outside awards up to your total cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship application needed. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (total value approximately $4,000). Renewal generally requires maintaining good academic standing and full-time enrollment; check the FAU financial aid site for the current renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident freshmen who meet or exceed the Tier 3 academic band — a 3.85 GPA plus 1270 SAT, 27 ACT, or 90 CLT. Because this is automatic, the deciding factor is simply having those numbers finalized before your admission review closes. Get the strongest test sitting on file by the priority deadline.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic Scholarship (Resident: Tier 4)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SATFlorida-resident incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.7 GPA and one of the qualifying test scores. Scholarship review uses the strongest single test sitting on file.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Important context for families: FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions merit scholarships are typically not stackable with each other — you'll receive the single tier your profile qualifies for, not a combination. This tier still layers with Bright Futures, department-specific scholarships, and outside awards up to your total cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship application needed. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (total value approximately $2,000). Renewal generally requires maintaining good academic standing and full-time enrollment; check the FAU financial aid site for the current renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident freshmen who meet or exceed the Tier 4 academic band — a 3.7 GPA plus 1200 SAT, 25 ACT, or 83 CLT. Because this is automatic, the deciding factor is simply having those numbers finalized before your admission review closes. Get the strongest test sitting on file by the priority deadline.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 1)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1410 SATNon-Florida incoming freshmen (US citizen or permanent resident) with at least a 4.0 GPA and one qualifying test score. Review uses your strongest single test sitting.
✚
Stacking & Combining
FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions scholarships are typically not stackable with each other, so plan on receiving this single tier as your primary FAU merit line. It still layers with department-specific awards and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance, and the HOOT component (if included) is bundled into this line rather than counted as a separate stack.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship form. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (approximate total value $40,000). Renewal generally requires good academic standing and full-time enrollment. Includes the HOOT Scholarship component (approximately $6,815 per year of non-resident tuition credits). Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida freshmen who are US citizens or permanent residents and meet the Tier 1 band — a 4.0 GPA plus 1410 SAT, 32 ACT, or 101 CLT. Automatic at admission, so your strongest test on file at review time is what matters.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 2)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1340 SATNon-Florida incoming freshmen (US citizen or permanent resident) with at least a 3.9 GPA and one qualifying test score. Review uses your strongest single test sitting.
✚
Stacking & Combining
FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions scholarships are typically not stackable with each other, so plan on receiving this single tier as your primary FAU merit line. It still layers with department-specific awards and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance, and the HOOT component (if included) is bundled into this line rather than counted as a separate stack.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship form. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (approximate total value $32,000). Renewal generally requires good academic standing and full-time enrollment. Includes the HOOT Scholarship component (approximately $6,815 per year of non-resident tuition credits). Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida freshmen who are US citizens or permanent residents and meet the Tier 2 band — a 3.9 GPA plus 1340 SAT, 29 ACT, or 96 CLT. Automatic at admission, so your strongest test on file at review time is what matters.
Automatic
Spirit of Atlantic Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 3)
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1270 SATNon-Florida incoming freshmen (US citizen or permanent resident) with at least a 3.85 GPA and one qualifying test score. Review uses your strongest single test sitting.
✚
Stacking & Combining
FAU's general Office of Undergraduate Admissions scholarships are typically not stackable with each other, so plan on receiving this single tier as your primary FAU merit line. It still layers with department-specific awards and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance, and the HOOT component (if included) is bundled into this line rather than counted as a separate stack.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded automatically at admission — no separate scholarship form. Paid across Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters (approximate total value $4,000). Renewal generally requires good academic standing and full-time enrollment. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida freshmen who are US citizens or permanent residents and meet the Tier 3 band — a 3.85 GPA plus 1270 SAT, 27 ACT, or 90 CLT. Automatic at admission, so your strongest test on file at review time is what matters.
App Requiredgeographic
State University System of Florida Grandparent Waiver
📅 Deadline: Apply by FAU's freshman priority deadline; submit grandparent-residency documentation as early as possible
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
⚠ Only non-Florida freshmen with a Florida-resident grandparent qualify — the FL connection is the entire mechanism.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT👥 ~Approximately 10 waivers per year for new first-year students. winners/yrNon-Florida freshman with a grandparent who is a legal resident of Florida (per Florida Statute 1009.21). Requires a 3.5 GPA and 1330 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT plus documentation confirming the grandparent's Florida residency.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a tuition waiver, not a cash scholarship, so it works differently from most stack decisions. It brings your non-resident tuition rate down to the Florida resident rate — a very large hidden dollar-value benefit — and can still combine with FAU merit scholarships, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your total cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to FAU by the freshman priority deadline. Notify FAU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions that you'd like to be considered for the Grandparent Waiver and submit documentation confirming your grandparent's Florida residency (as required under Florida Statute 1009.21). Waivers are awarded first-come, first-served each cycle within FAU's annual allocation.
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Strategic Detail
Authorized under Florida Statute 1009.21. Waives the non-resident portion of tuition and fees for up to 4 years, so eligible students are billed at the Florida resident rate. FAU allocates a limited number of these waivers each year for new first-year students — the general freshman page lists approximately 10 slots, so early documentation matters. Renewal requires continued good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-Florida incoming freshmen who post a 3.5 GPA plus a 1330 SAT, 29 ACT, or 96 CLT — and can document a Florida-resident grandparent. FAU's general freshman scholarships page lists roughly 10 waivers available each cycle for new first-year students, so applying early and getting the residency documentation in quickly is genuinely the difference between qualifying and losing the slot to timing.
* 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.
Automatic Merit FAQ
📌 Pro Tip: Florida “Recalculated GPA” can look different than your transcript GPA.
Florida public universities typically focus on core academic courses (English, math, science, social science, and world language) when reviewing academics.
So your student’s “all-courses” GPA may be higher (or lower) than the GPA used in admission/scholarship reviews — especially if electives are boosting the transcript.
Parent move: If you’re unsure, compare your student’s core-course GPA to FAU’s middle-50% range — not just the overall transcript GPA.
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.
Sources:
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.
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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
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/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Targeted programs that can materially cut costs. Most require a short app, audition, or proposal.
Full RideAutomatic
Benacquisto Scholarship (National Merit Finalists)
📅 Deadline: Name FAU as first-choice college with NMSC by May 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because Benacquisto is designed to cover full cost of attendance for eligible students, additional aid may reduce other institutional need-based components or be limited by cost-of-attendance rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount varies because full cost of attendance depends on FAU's annual published budget, housing choice, meal plan, and related allowances. Covers Fall and Spring semesters for up to 4 years or 8 semesters, or until undergraduate degree is awarded.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: This is restricted to Florida-resident National Merit Finalists who complete the first-choice college process. It is extremely valuable, but it is not available to the general FAU applicant pool.
Full RideApp Required
Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: February 27, 2026 (2026-2027 cycle); window opens in fall/early spring
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance cohort scholarship
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Approximately 24 annually (largest cohort to date as of 2025-2026). winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because this is a full-cost cohort program, other aid may be coordinated within the package rather than added on top as extra cash value.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to FAU for Fall 2026, verify eligibility as a Florida-resident, first-generation, Pell-eligible first-time-in-college student, and complete the separate Kelly/Strul application by the posted deadline, including essay and interview steps. Commit to 30 credits per year and on-campus living for all four years.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Students at Wilkes Honors College (Jupiter campus) are not eligible. Scholars must commit to living on the Boca Raton campus all four years and completing at least 30 credit hours per academic year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: This is one of FAU's biggest hidden-gem opportunities, but it is highly restricted. Winners are a cohort of approximately 24 high-achieving Florida first-generation, Pell-eligible freshmen who complete the application well and interview strongly.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships (FAU Battalion)
📅 Deadline: National cycle varies annually; campus-based scholarships may be rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition or room and board plus stipends
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Army ROTC funding can be highly valuable and may include stipend components, but coordination with other institutional aid varies. Families should confirm how ROTC funding interacts with FAU aid before counting awards twice.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national or campus-based Army ROTC scholarship process, complete medical and fitness clearance, and commit to the required military service obligation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Service-based funding linked to FAU attendance and Army ROTC participation. It is included as a hidden gem because FAU students can access it through the ROTC pathway, even though the funding is not standard institutional merit.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is not general scholarship money. It is for students who meet academic, physical, medical, citizenship, and leadership standards and are willing to accept the military service commitment.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Education Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring abroad early November; Summer abroad early March; Fall abroad early June
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award is often stackable with departmental or other travel funding, up to trip cost or cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Be a degree-seeking FAU student participating in an approved study abroad program (FAU Exchange, Faculty-led, approved Direct Enrollment partner, or Affiliate third-party provider), then complete the scholarship application and one-page personal statement submitted to goabroad@fau.edu by the applicable term deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Program must be at least 1 week for summer or at least 8 weeks for a semester. Applications reviewed by a committee of FAU faculty, administrators, and Deans.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who already have an approved study abroad plan and submit complete applications that connect the experience clearly to their academic or career goals.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Global Education Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 1-February 10 · 📢 Results: By February 28
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stackable with other travel or departmental support, subject to program funding limits and cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Enroll in designated BSW or MSW Social Work study abroad coursework and apply through the Sandler School of Social Work's Executive Administrative Assistant during the posted application window.
💡
Strategic Detail
Contact the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work's Executive Administrative Assistant for application details.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is a niche major-specific travel award. It is best for Social Work students who plan ahead for the designated global coursework and complete the process on time.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
OURI Undergraduate Research Grant
📅 Deadline: October 15 for Spring/Summer funding; March 15 for Summer/Fall funding
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually stackable with other research or departmental support for the same project, subject to program rules.
📄
How to Apply
Develop a faculty-mentored research project, prepare a short proposal, and submit the application with mentor confirmation by the applicable cycle deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Individual projects eligible for up to $600 in funding; group projects eligible for up to $1,200. Funds must be applied to tangible research expenditures. Any equipment or supplies purchased remain FAU property after project completion.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is a low-dollar but practical credential-builder. Students with feasible faculty-backed projects and clear, timely proposals have the best shot.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
SURF — Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
📅 Deadline: Opens November 15; Faculty application due January 15 · 📢 Results: Mid/late March
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with some research support, but program rules may cap overlapping summer research funding.
📄
How to Apply
Work with an FAU faculty mentor on a 10-week summer research plan. The faculty member must submit the application via SurveyMonkey Apply by January 15. Students should have a mentor identified before the deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$4,000 total per project: $3,100 supports the student researcher; $900 for materials, supplies, or faculty discretionary use. Application must be submitted by the faculty member, not the student. In partnership with Schmidt College of Science and College of Engineering and Computer Science, additional SURF fellowships may be awarded if funding is available.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong project design, faculty support, and a clear plan for summer research output. Priority given to lower-division students (freshman/sophomore) and AA Transfer Juniors, with at least one award per college.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Johnson Scholarship (Students with Disabilities)
📅 Deadline: May 15
✓ Renews
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually stackable with other aid, subject to cost of attendance and fund-specific rules.
📄
How to Apply
Register with FAU Student Accessibility Services, complete FAFSA, and submit the Johnson Scholarship Application with transcript, personal statement, and two letters of reference to SAS by May 15.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
Amount varies; number of recipients not fixed. Renewal application available separately. Contact Ashley Ciccolini Erickson for questions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Florida-resident undergraduate students with documented disabilities who are registered with SAS, submit complete documentation early, and meet the fund requirements.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Pathways Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apply junior year; window set by Graduate College
Non-Renewable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically stackable with other merit or departmental aid, subject to graduate and combined-program policies.
📄
How to Apply
Gain official acceptance to a combined or advanced-standing graduate degree program, then submit the Pathways Scholarship application through the FAU Graduate College during junior year.
💡
Strategic Detail
Distributed in two increments of $1,000 — one during the first graduate semester and one during the last. Managed by the FAU Graduate College. Contact gradscholarships@fau.edu for details.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: FAU undergraduates officially accepted into approved combined or advanced-standing graduate programs who apply during junior year, maintain continuous enrollment, complete the undergraduate program within four years, and complete a minimum of three graduate credits during senior year.
* 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.
Disclaimers: Amounts and criteria above come from current FAU pages and program briefs. If a program listed “varies,” we published the most specific official figure or range available; when FAU does not publish a dollar amount (e.g., Johnson Scholarship funds vary by year), we leave it as “Varies.” Application windows can shift year-to-year — always verify the current cycle on the linked FAU page.
Other targeted opportunities (no fixed $ published)
- Marching Owls (Athletic Bands) participation scholarships — audition/placement required.
- School of Music donor/departmental awards (audition/portfolio + faculty recommendation).
- Alumni Association & leadership/service endowments (e.g., Mica; Pat Breman) via Scholarship Universe.
Hidden Gems — FAQ (scholarship-specific)
Kelly/Strul: how many awards?
FAU public announcements show cohorts around two dozen scholars per year; it’s highly selective.
Education Abroad: what are the real deadlines?
Spring abroad apps are due in early November; summer abroad in early March. Submit early to avoid capacity caps.
OURI Grants vs. SURF: which pays more?
OURI Grants fund up to $600 (indiv.) / $1,200 (group) during the academic year; SURF is a competitive summer package of $4,000.
ROTC: tuition vs. room & board — which should we pick?
Many cadets choose the room & board option so they can stack other tuition-restricted aid (e.g., Bright Futures or institutional tuition credits).
Johnson Scholarship: is there a hard deadline?
Yes — FAU SAS lists a May 15 intake date for the coming year; the State University System notes applications are due by early May. File FAFSA before you submit.
Sources:
https://kellystrulscholars.fau.edu/
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/scholarships
https://www.fau.edu/global/goabroad/pdf/eascholarshipflyerupdated2024.pdf
https://www.fau.edu/sw-cj/scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/ouri/undergraduate-grants/
https://www.fau.edu/ouri/surf/
https://www.fau.edu/sas/resources/scholarships/
https://www.fau.edu/engineering/cege/pdf/joint-bsms-pathways-scholarship-cege.pdf
🎖️ 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.
📍 Parent Warning: Wilkes Honors College is on the Jupiter campus.
FAU can feel commuter-friendly in Boca, but Wilkes is a separate campus experience.
Before your student chases Wilkes-specific scholarships, make sure your family is comfortable with the Jupiter location, housing expectations, and day-to-day lifestyle.
Simple check: “Are we choosing FAU… or choosing the Jupiter Honors campus?” That one question prevents a lot of surprise later.
App Required
Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Wilkes Honors admission by February 13 · 📢 Results: Decisions begin in early April
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Very small cohort each year. winners/yrFlorida-resident incoming freshmen admitted to Wilkes Honors College who are invited through the Scholars Day process. Continued residence at the Jupiter Honors campus for all four years is a condition of the award.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award coordinates carefully with Bright Futures, Benacquisto, and any outside merit aid — the goal is to close the tuition/room/board gap up to a defined package cap. In practice, that means outside scholarships won't necessarily add on top dollar-for-dollar; FAU's financial aid team will rebalance so the Flagler covers what's not otherwise met.
📄
How to Apply
Step one: earn admission to Wilkes Honors College by February 13. Step two: submit the Flagler Scholarship application by February 20. Step three: sit for two rounds of virtual interviews — first round in mid-March, finalist round in late March. If chosen, you commit to living on campus at the Jupiter Honors campus for all four years.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Worth over $72,000 across four years: up to $7,500 per semester (Fall and Spring) toward on-campus room, board, and any tuition remaining after Bright Futures, plus funding for four summer enrichment programs. Florida residents only. On-campus living at the Jupiter Honors campus is required for all four years — this is a residential award, not a commuter one.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A very small cohort of Florida student leaders who are admitted to Wilkes Honors College and show up strong in two rounds of virtual interviews. The winning profile is a genuine on-campus community-builder — students who visibly want the residential Honors experience, not just the sticker price of the award.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 1)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1410 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award combines an FAU 100 component with the Honors College Scholarship line and stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU coordinates packaging on the back end so nothing double-counts.
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Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this academic tier — no separate application needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident Wilkes Honors admits who meet FAU's published academic thresholds for this tier (min 4.0 GPA plus 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT). If you clear those numbers and get the Wilkes Honors acceptance, this award is essentially automatic — no separate scholarship form.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 2)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1340 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This layer stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU's packaging rules coordinate everything on the back end, so a big outside win might reshape the mix — but it won't automatically shrink this line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this academic tier — no separate application needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident Wilkes Honors admits who meet FAU's published academic thresholds for this tier (min 3.9 GPA plus 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT). If you clear those numbers and get the Wilkes Honors acceptance, this award is essentially automatic — no separate scholarship form.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Resident: Tier 3)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1270 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This layer stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU's packaging rules coordinate everything on the back end, so a big outside win might reshape the mix — but it won't automatically shrink this line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this academic tier — no separate application needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida-resident Wilkes Honors admits who meet FAU's published academic thresholds for this tier (min 3.85 GPA plus 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT). If you clear those numbers and get the Wilkes Honors acceptance, this award is essentially automatic — no separate scholarship form.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 1)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1410 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This layer stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU's packaging rules coordinate everything on the back end, so a big outside win might reshape the mix — but it won't automatically shrink this line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this academic tier — no separate application needed. Includes the HOOT Scholarship component, which covers 6 credits per year of non-resident tuition. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida Wilkes Honors admits (US citizens or permanent residents) who post at least a 4.0 GPA plus 1410 SAT / 32 ACT / 101 CLT. The out-of-state amounts are larger because they help close the non-resident tuition gap.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors / HOOT Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 2)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1340 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This layer stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU's packaging rules coordinate everything on the back end, so a big outside win might reshape the mix — but it won't automatically shrink this line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this academic tier — no separate application needed. Includes the HOOT Scholarship component, which covers 6 credits per year of non-resident tuition. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida Wilkes Honors admits (US citizens or permanent residents) who post at least a 3.9 GPA plus 1340 SAT / 29 ACT / 96 CLT. The out-of-state amounts are larger because they help close the non-resident tuition gap.
Automatic
Wilkes Honors College Scholarship (Non-Resident: Tier 3)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1270 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This layer stacks with Bright Futures, department awards, and outside scholarships up to your cost of attendance. FAU's packaging rules coordinate everything on the back end, so a big outside win might reshape the mix — but it won't automatically shrink this line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Qualifying test scores: 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT. Awarded automatically when you're admitted to Wilkes Honors College at this tier. Heads up: the drop from Tier 2 ($8,000) to Tier 3 ($1,000) is intentional and reflects FAU's published scholarship grid — this tier is a recognition-level award rather than a substantial cost offset for non-residents. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Florida Wilkes Honors admits (US citizens or permanent residents) who post at least a 3.85 GPA plus 1270 SAT / 27 ACT / 90 CLT. The out-of-state amounts are larger because they help close the non-resident tuition gap.
* 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 reflect FAU’s “complete file by Jan 15” rule for automatic consideration; Flagler runs on an invitation timeline in February after HC admission. Amounts/tiers mirror the Wilkes grid and may be updated annually by FAU — verify the current cycle on the Honors site.
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.
Sources:
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 University has a very “South Florida” set of strengths — programs built around real hiring pipelines (healthcare, engineering/tech) and real geography (coastal/marine research). If your student wants a school that’s big enough to offer serious labs and clinical placements, but still feels more affordable and accessible than Florida’s most selective flagships, FAU’s best-known pockets are where families tend to get the most value.
Nationally Known Strength:
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Marine Science, Aquaculture & Ocean Engineering access) — Harbor Branch is widely known for hands-on marine research, aquaculture innovation, ocean engineering, and ocean/eco-health work. The big parent win: this is one of the few Florida options where undergrads can realistically plug into “real ocean science” facilities and projects (not just classroom marine biology).
- Nursing (Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing): A standout on campus with strong licensure outcomes and clinical opportunities tied to South Florida’s hospital systems. If your student wants a direct-to-career major, this is one of FAU’s most dependable pathways.
- Engineering + Tech (AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science): FAU’s engineering and computer science programs emphasize applied, “job-ready” areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering. The practical upside is access to research labs and specializations that match what employers are hiring for right now.
- Marine Science / Ocean Engineering (Coastal, lagoon, and aquaculture focus): Beyond Harbor Branch itself, FAU’s coastal location and ocean engineering emphasis make it a legit option for students interested in marine ecosystems, aquaculture/food systems, robotics, and environmental tech.
- Neuroscience + Biomedical Research (Brain Institute ecosystem): FAU has a visible neuroscience and brain-research footprint through its Brain Institute network — a good signal for students who want research exposure tied to health, behavior, aging, and brain-related disease topics.
🔗 Official Florida Atlantic University Links
Use FAU’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line for families looking at FAU:
- No automatic merit grid: Unlike schools like Alabama or Arizona, FAU doesn’t hand out set awards just for hitting a GPA/test score combo.
- One true guarantee: Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists get the Benacquisto Scholarship, which covers the full cost of attendance.
- Everything else is competitive: The International President’s Scholarship (for international students) and most freshman/transfer awards are limited and go to a select group.
- Hidden gems: Transfer and first-gen scholarships (like Link2FAU and Johnson Scholars) can quietly save thousands if you apply early through Scholarship Universe.
- Honors option: The Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter gives top students small classes, research, and faculty mentoring — almost like a private liberal arts school at public prices.
For Florida families who want to keep costs down without going out of state, FAU can be a smart pick. The key is applying by January 15, filing FAFSA on time, and knowing which scholarships are guaranteed versus competitive.
💡 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
.
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