📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 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.

Average Federal Net Price: $14,903 — 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.

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.

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.

• 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).

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.

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.

• 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.

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.