🎓 University of Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub • See Florida state aid
- 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: ~20% overall (Class of 2029 est.)
- Middle 50% ACT: 31–34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1380–1510
- Average HS GPA: 4.5–4.7 (weighted middle 50%)
Source: University of Florida Common Data Set 2024–25 and Admissions Profile (Class of 2028–2029). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
- Florida families trying to figure out how Bright Futures + Florida Prepaid + UF aid actually stack.
- First-gen or low-income Florida students who need to know if UF is realistic (MFOS + Pell + state aid).
- Out-of-state families who need an honest answer on whether UF will meaningfully discount tuition.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UF at a Glance
Last verified: October 14, 2025
Just because UF is your in-state flagship doesn’t mean it’s affordable. Even Florida families often end up piecing together Bright Futures, housing, and leftover costs. UF’s merit and waiver programs can make a huge difference—if you know where to look.
This guide breaks down what scholarships actually unlock, which students tend to win them, and how to combine Florida’s state aid with UF’s top merit awards to keep total costs low.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No. UF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT for admission and scholarships, and it superscores both tests. (UF Admissions 2025)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 31–34; SAT 1380–1510 (UF CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $11,740 in-state (College Scorecard 2025).
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Grandparent and Florida High School Graduate waivers reduce non-resident tuition; ACM applies to select graduate programs.
https://admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/cost/
https://admissions.ufl.edu/pdf/Freshman_Profile_Infographic_2025-26.pdf
https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/requirements
https://www.honors.ufl.edu/admissions/lombardi-scholarship–stamps-scholarship/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-florida-out-of-state-tuition-waver
https://ufonline.ufl.edu/tuition/waiver-programs/
https://cfo.ufl.edu/student-financial-resources/current-and-former-students/2025-26-academic-year-tuition-and-fees/
https://education.ufl.edu/student-services/scholarships/
https://internationalcollegecounselors.com/florida-college-updates-2025/
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/whats-up-with-so-many-uf-honors-rejections/3505193505195?page=4
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Florida (2025–2026)
The table below shows direct, billed costs only (what families actually pay UF): tuition/fees and on-campus housing and meals for a full-time undergraduate student in Gainesville.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $6,380 | $30,900 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,615 | $12,615 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $18,995 | $43,515 |
Why only these items? This table includes the amounts families write a check to UF for—tuition, required fees, and on-campus room and board. Other costs like books (~$1,200), transportation (~$1,600), and personal expenses (~$2,200) are real but vary by student and are not billed directly by the university.
By state law, you must complete 9 credit hours during a summer session at a Florida state university to graduate. When looking at the “Total Billed” cost above, remember to factor in the cost of at least one summer stay in Gainesville (housing and meals). While Bright Futures usually covers the tuition portion of summer, the “living costs” are often an unexpected freshman-year expense.
🧪 Sample Cost Scenarios (How families actually “stack” UF)
These are illustrative examples (not promises). They’re meant to help parents think in real-world “stacks,” because UF scholarships can feel opaque until you see what usually does the heavy lifting.
Sticker: In-state direct billed (~$18,995)
Likely stack: Bright Futures covers a large share of tuition/fees; housing remains the big cost.
Parent takeaway: UF becomes affordable when housing is planned (meal plan, off-campus, living at home, etc.).
Sticker: In-state direct billed (~$18,995)
Likely stack: Benacquisto + Bright Futures can cover up to full COA (a true “full ride” setup for many students).
Parent takeaway: This is one of the cleanest, most predictable “full cost covered” paths at UF.
Sticker: In-state direct billed (~$18,995)
Likely stack: Pell + state aid + UF need-based programs (MFOS / FGMG) can close a big chunk of the gap.
Parent takeaway: FAFSA timing matters as much as grades here—late filings are where families lose money.
Sticker: OOS direct billed (~$43,515)
Likely stack: Unless a waiver applies, most OOS families should plan close to sticker price.
Parent takeaway: Build your list assuming full cost—and treat any waiver/award as upside.
Want “UF-like but more generous”? Use the Scholarship Tool to find schools that match your student’s stats and offer more predictable merit.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, UF’s average net price is around $11,740 per year after grants and scholarships for in-state students. Many families pay less through programs like Bright Futures and institutional aid. Learn how Net Price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) affect what you actually pay: Net Price & SAI explained. You can also try UF’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
🧩 Florida Resident “Stacking Map” (Bright Futures + Prepaid + Benacquisto)
Florida is unusual because families can combine state programs in ways that look confusing on paper. Here’s the plain-English version parents usually need:
| If you have… | And you get… | What it usually means (plain English) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Prepaid | Bright Futures (FAS/FMS) | Prepaid helps cover the tuition portion, and Bright Futures helps cover tuition/fees too (and in some setups, families see leftover funds apply toward other allowed costs). The exact “refund” experience can vary by plan type and billing setup—so always confirm with UF’s billing/aid office once you have an award letter. |
| Bright Futures | Benacquisto (National Merit Finalist) | Bright Futures applies first, then Benacquisto is designed to help cover the remaining gap up to the Cost of Attendance (tuition, fees, housing/food, books, etc.). |
| Pell / Need-based grants | MFOS / UF need-based aid | These can be the difference-maker for first-gen/low-income Florida families. The biggest risk is usually timing: file FAFSA early and hit UF’s priority windows. |
Note: Exact stacking and “refund” behavior can vary by program rules, billing timing, and the student’s full aid package. Use this as a planning map, then confirm details once UF posts awards.
- Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): Allows eligible graduate students from participating SREB states to pay in-state tuition for approved programs not offered in their home state.
- Grandparent Non-Resident Waiver: Non-resident freshmen with a Florida-resident grandparent may qualify for in-state rates (limited availability; documentation required).
- Florida High School Graduate Waiver: For out-of-state students who graduated from a Florida high school within the last 24 months; reduces tuition to in-state levels.
Savings example: UF’s out-of-state tuition is about $30,900 vs. $6,380 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $24,500 per year when a waiver applies.
FAQ: Understanding UF Costs
Why is the “net price” lower than the total cost of attendance?
Because net price reflects what families actually pay after grants and scholarships are applied. The $18,995 listed above shows UF’s billed costs before aid; the $11,740 figure represents the average out-of-pocket cost for in-state students once Bright Futures, Pell Grants, and UF need-based aid are factored in.
Do most Florida families pay full in-state tuition?
No. A large share of UF students receive Bright Futures, which can cover 75%–100% of tuition and fees. Combined with federal or institutional grants, many Florida families pay far less than the published $6,380 tuition figure.
Can out-of-state students ever pay the in-state rate?
Yes. UF offers a few tuition-reduction options — most notably the Grandparent Waiver and the Florida High School Graduate Waiver. Each requires specific documentation and has limited slots, but qualifying students can save around $24,000 per year.
Does UF participate in the Academic Common Market?
Only for certain graduate-level programs. Undergraduate majors are not included, so out-of-state undergrads should look to UF’s merit aid or state-level waivers instead.
Are housing and meal costs flexible?
Yes. The $12,615 figure reflects on-campus averages, but total cost varies by residence hall and meal plan. Students living off-campus or with family typically spend less.
Where can I estimate my own cost?
UF’s Net Price Calculator gives a personalized estimate using your household’s income and expected financial aid. It’s the best way to see your likely out-of-pocket cost before committing.
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/cost/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/aid/bright-futures/
https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/international/cost/
https://floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Florida
UF is not built like Alabama or Ole Miss where high test scores reliably trigger big tuition discounts. For most non-resident families, UF is closer to a sticker-price school unless you qualify for a specific waiver (like the Florida High School Graduate or Grandparent waiver) or a rare top-tier scholarship.
Unlike Florida State, which often uses out-of-state tuition waivers to attract high-stats non-residents, UF is consistently ranked high enough that they don’t feel the need to ‘discount’ for OOS students. If you are comparing the two, FSU is almost always the more ‘affordable’ choice for non-residents
If your student is admitted, they’re automatically considered for merit aid, but awards are limited and highly selective. Even students with weighted 4.4+ GPAs and 33+ ACT scores may not receive an award.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarships | $5,000–$10,000/year (varies by tier) | Top academic record; holistic review—no fixed GPA or test score cutoffs | No | Yes (maintain GPA and enrollment) | Very limited; strongest in-state applicants in top percentiles | Nov 1 |
| Benacquisto Scholarship (Florida Residents) | Full Cost of Attendance (tuition, housing, meals, books, fees) | Florida resident; National Merit Finalist; UF listed as first choice on NMSC form | No (automatic via National Merit status) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Top National Merit Finalists who select UF as first choice | By NMSC deadline (spring of senior year) |
Automatic Merit — FAQs (University of Florida)
Does UF have automatic scholarships for GPA or test scores?
No. UF does not guarantee scholarships based on GPA or test scores. All institutional merit is awarded competitively after a holistic review.
What’s the priority deadline?
Submit a completed UF application by November 1 (Early Action) for scholarship consideration. Benacquisto follows the National Merit timeline (usually February–March).
Is Benacquisto automatic for National Merit Finalists?
Yes, for Florida residents who name UF as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Nonresidents are no longer eligible for new Benacquisto awards.
Are these awards renewable?
Yes. Presidential and Benacquisto awards renew for up to eight semesters if the recipient maintains required GPA and full-time enrollment.
Who usually receives UF merit aid?
A small percentage of the highest-achieving admits—typically those in the top 1–2% of the admitted class.
Can UF awards stack with Bright Futures or other aid?
Yes. Bright Futures can stack with UF scholarships and other aid, but your total package generally can’t exceed UF’s published Cost of Attendance. If you receive outside scholarships, UF may adjust other need-based aid to keep you within that limit.
https://admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/academic-scholarships/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/scholarship-universe/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/benacquisto-scholarship
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/bright-futures-scholarship-requirements/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/florida-bright-futures/
https://scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-florida-presidential-scholarships
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UF Presidential Scholarship | ~$5,000–$10,000/yr | Top admitted freshmen; Florida residents prioritized; holistic review (GPA, test scores, rigor, résumé) | No | Yes — 4 years (maintain GPA) | Students with 33+ ACT / 1450+ SAT and ~4.4+ GPA are competitive, but nothing is guaranteed | Nov 1 (UF Admissions priority) |
| Benacquisto Scholarship (Florida Residents) | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, misc.) | Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists and designate UF as first choice with NMSC | No | Yes — up to 4 years (8 semesters) | Florida Finalists; one of the few true “full ride” packages at UF | NMSC spring deadline (typically May 1) |
| UF Foundation & College-Level Scholarships | $500–$5,000 (varies by donor/department) | Admitted undergraduates in specific majors or colleges; may require essays or donor alignment | Yes — separate college application | Varies | Students who apply early, have strong résumés, and match donor intent (e.g., leadership, community service, specific field) | Most open in spring (Jan–Mar) |
• UF Admissions (Presidential): November 1 priority deadline.
• National Merit Finalists (Benacquisto): designate UF as first choice by May 1.
• College & Foundation scholarships: open in spring via the UF Financial Aid Office.
Disclaimer: UF does not publish exact GPA/test cutoffs for competitive merit. Awards are limited, holistic, and funding-dependent. Always verify current details with the UF Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships before applying.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Who decides UF’s Presidential Scholarship tiers?
The admissions office makes the call holistically—considering GPA, test scores, essays, rigor, and leadership. Even perfect-profile students aren’t guaranteed an award. Tiers typically range $5,000–$10,000 per year.
Is the Benacquisto Scholarship really a “full ride”?
For Florida residents who are National Merit Finalists, yes—it covers the entire cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses). It also stacks with Bright Futures.
Do departmental or foundation scholarships matter?
Yes. These awards usually fall between $500–$5,000 and target specific majors or student profiles. Applying early and aligning with donor intent (major, leadership, background) boosts odds.
Can UF scholarships stack with Bright Futures?
Sometimes. Benacquisto stacks with Bright Futures. Presidential and college-level scholarships may reduce other institutional aid. Always confirm stacking rules in your award letter.
What should students prepare to improve their chances?
Use our Essay Toolkit to write stronger UF essays and our Brag Sheet Builder to document leadership and service. These tools help in holistic reviews and donor-matched applications.
Where can I learn more about National Merit awards?
Visit our National Merit Scholarship guide for full details on UF’s Benacquisto package and how to secure it.
https://admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/academic-scholarships/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/scholarship-universe/
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FIS.pdf
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/benacquisto-scholarship
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/bright-futures-scholarship-requirements/
https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/florida-bright-futures/
https://scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-florida-presidential-scholarships