University of North Florida Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Florida aid & Grants
Last Updated on May 22, 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: ~53%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.87
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Treat UNF as a reach and focus on improving GPA or submitting strong test scores. Also build a backup list of schools with guaranteed merit—UNF won’t offer much if your student is below range.
- In the typical ranges: This is a solid match school, but don’t assume meaningful merit aid. Most students in this range get admitted, not heavily discounted—pair it with schools that offer clearer automatic scholarships.
- Well above the ranges: UNF becomes a potential value play, especially with Florida Bright Futures in the mix. Strong students can stack state aid with smaller institutional awards to bring costs down significantly.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of North Florida at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (National Merit Finalist (UNF))
Average Net Price
$10,353/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$13,718/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
20 opportunities
9 automatic · 8 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+; ACT 21+ / SAT 1060+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
National Merit Finalist (UNF)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of North Florida (Read This First)
- Most of the real money for Florida students comes from Bright Futures, not UNF itself—families often overestimate how much the school will add.
- Institutional merit is limited and not guaranteed, even for strong students—this is not a high-auto-merit school.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of North Florida is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1160.
Average net price? About $10,353/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Florida 2026-2027
📅 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.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$6,390 |
$20,790 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$11,810 |
$11,810 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$18,200 |
$32,600 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,353 — 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.
Tuition Discounts & Waivers:
- Florida Bright Futures: Covers most or all tuition for Florida residents who meet GPA/test benchmarks.
- Grandparent Waiver: Out-of-state students with a Florida-resident grandparent can get in-state tuition (up to 110% of degree hours).
- Academic Common Market (ACM): UNF participates at the graduate level. Students in certain majors not offered in their home state may qualify for in-state rates at UNF.
Example: A nonresident paying $20,790 in tuition could see that reduced to the in-state rate of $6,390 if they qualify for a waiver—saving over $14,000 per year.
Who qualifies? Florida residents with strong academics may earn Bright Futures.
Nonresidents can qualify if they have a Florida grandparent or, at the graduate level, through the Academic Common Market.
How much can you save? Waivers can knock more than $14,000 off the sticker price for nonresidents.
Bright Futures can cover nearly all tuition for Florida students.
Is it automatic? Bright Futures requires a state application in high school.
The grandparent waiver and ACM require separate documentation and approval.
Sources:
• University of North Florida Office of Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance (unf.edu/financialaid/coa)
• University of North Florida Common Data Set (Section G — Annual Expenses)
• U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard — Average Net Price (2022–2023)
• Florida Department of Education — Bright Futures Scholarship Program Guidelines
• State University System of Florida Board of Governors — Grandparent Waiver Policy and ACM participation list
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNF reviews every admitted freshman for certain tuition waivers and scholarships. No extra application is required—apply for admission by the priority date and send updated test scores by January 15, 2026 for freshmen. Florida residents typically combine Bright Futures with UNF merit; nonresidents are considered for automatic tuition-reduction waivers.
Florida Resident Merit (Freshmen)
Automatic
President’s Platinum
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.1+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically stacks with Bright Futures and some departmental or external aid, not to exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF confirms it superscores standardized tests for scholarship consideration and uses a published scholarship grid for Florida residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Florida admits whose weighted GPAs and superscored SAT/ACT/CLT meet or exceed the 4.1 and 1330/29/95 benchmarks by the January 15 review date.
Automatic
First Coast Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Waiver reduces only the out-of-state portion of tuition; may be combined with some institutional and external aid but not beyond full tuition and fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF notes that dollar values are estimates based on typical out-of-state tuition; waivers cannot exceed the nonresident surcharge.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top non-Florida residents with strong weighted GPAs and high test scores who meet UNF’s priority deadlines.
Automatic
President’s Gold
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1260 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Often packaged with Bright Futures and other aid; institutional policy prevents total awards from exceeding cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of UNF’s primary Florida resident merit tiers listed in the President’s Scholarship grid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida residents with weighted GPAs around 3.9 or higher and SAT/ACT/CLT scores at or above the listed minimums who meet the priority date.
Automatic
Atlantic Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1230 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies only to the out-of-state surcharge; may co-exist with limited institutional grants or scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
Estimated at about $10,000 per year; UNF cautions that amounts are subject to legislative and tuition changes.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong nonresident applicants whose academics fall into the middle waiver band for UNF’s out-of-state merit grid.
Automatic
Sunshine Waiver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Reduces only out-of-state tuition; can be combined with other aid but not beyond full tuition.
💡
Strategic Detail
Sunshine is the entry-level nonresident waiver; approximate annual value is indicated in UNF’s waiver chart.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Nonresident freshmen who meet the lower waiver thresholds and submit all credentials before the published dates.
Automatic
President’s Silver
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be layered with state Bright Futures awards and certain departmental scholarships within cost-of-attendance rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of UNF’s president-level scholarship packages for in-state freshmen; amounts and bands may be adjusted annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida residents with weighted GPAs and SAT/ACT/CLT scores in the 3.7/1200/25/83 range who meet UNF’s application and test-score deadlines.
Automatic
Provost’s Award
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.5+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually combined with Florida Bright Futures and other aid without replacing them, as long as total aid remains within the cost-of-attendance cap.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF emphasizes that scholarship funds are limited and that meeting criteria does not guarantee an award after the priority date.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida freshmen whose strong coursework yields a high weighted GPA and who meet the baseline standardized test scores.
Automatic
Dean’s Award
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 4.2+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This entry-level president’s scholarship can be used along with Bright Futures and many departmental or outside scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award levels and GPA/test cutoffs can change; UNF advises students to check the latest academic scholarship chart for their entry term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Competitive Florida residents whose weighted GPAs and test scores meet the Dean’s Award band and who apply by the priority date.
Full RideAutomatic
National Merit Finalist (UNF)
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Limited to qualifying National Merit Finalists naming UNF winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full cost of attendance; other UNF awards may be adjusted so as not to exceed COA.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF describes a full-cost-of-attendance package for National Merit Finalists, with slightly different value estimates for Florida residents versus nonresidents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who formally name UNF as their first-choice school and meet Florida or UNF-specific criteria.
* 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.
*Waivers reduce only the out-of-state tuition portion. Apply by Jan 15 (freshmen) or Apr 15 (others) for priority.
National Merit Finalist Package
| Scholarship |
Award Amount |
Eligibility |
Separate App? |
Renewable? |
Who Actually Wins? |
Deadline |
| National Merit Finalist (UNF) |
Full cost of attendance for 4 years (FL: ~$29,841/yr; non-FL: ~$39,241/yr) |
Finalist+name UNF by May 1 (NMSC). FL: Bright Futures Academic required. |
No (NMSC steps only) |
Yes (4 years) |
National Merit Finalists naming UNF & meeting state rules |
May 1 (NMSC step) |
UNF superscores SAT/ACT/CLT; funds and cutoff bands can change. For National Merit, students must also file regular financial aid (FAFSA) and Bright Futures as required.
FAQs:
- No separate app for these scholarships or waivers; UNF pulls from admissions/test file.
- UNF superscores; only best results before Jan 15 (freshmen) or Apr 15 (nonresidents) count for priority awards.
- Waivers only cut out-of-state tuition; can’t exceed total cost.
Sources:
UNF Scholarship Options – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Academic Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/academic.html
Tuition Waivers – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/reduced-tuition/
National Merit – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/national-merit.html
Dates and Deadlines – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/dates/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities run big-name, highly selective scholarship programs. At UNF, there isn’t a flagship award like that. The main exception is the National Merit Finalist package, which is guaranteed for qualifying students. Beyond that, most selective opportunities are handled as donor-funded, departmental, or Honors-based awards—covered in the Hidden Gems section above.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Does UNF have a university-wide competitive scholarship? No—outside of National Merit, UNF does not advertise a single flagship program with extra essays or interviews for all freshmen.
Where should students look instead? Check Hidden Gems: donor-funded Foundation awards, departmental scholarships, and Honors funding often require extra steps—but don’t rise to the “flagship competitive” level.
Can I still combine these with waivers? Yes. Departmental and donor awards usually stack with Bright Futures or nonresident waivers, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Sources:
UNF Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
National Merit – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/national-merit.html
Dates and Deadlines – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/dates/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t the big, automatic waivers—but for the right student, they can quietly cover a lot of costs. Think ROTC, Honors project funds, research/travel awards, and local/need-based programs that stack within your Cost of Attendance.
Automatic
Osprey Access Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA👥 ~Limited funding for qualified partner-school students winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with academic merit scholarships and grants up to the student’s cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNF indicates awards can be up to about $3,000 per year for up to four years for qualifying students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Pell-eligible Florida students with high GPAs from selected partner high schools who complete admission and FAFSA by the priority deadline.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
O.U.R. RSCA Grants & Conference Travel
📅 Deadline: Oct 15, Feb 15, Jul 15
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Dependent on annual O.U.R. funding and number of applicants winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds cover project expenses and conference travel and can be used alongside other academic scholarships and stipends.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Office of Undergraduate Research (O.U.R.) portal with a faculty-mentored research or creative project proposal and budget; separate applications for RSCA and travel grants.
Selection criteria: Faculty committee review emphasizing project quality, feasibility, and student preparation.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
RSCA awards provide up to about $1,500 for student costs plus $500 for the mentor; conference travel grants are typically up to $500.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with clear, faculty-supported RSCA projects and strong applications submitted by one of the three annual deadlines.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
School of Music Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Typically Mar–Apr audition cycle; dates vary by year
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Contingent on School of Music budget and ensemble needs winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Performance awards generally stack with academic and need-based aid; the total package cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for UNF School of Music ensembles (band, jazz, choir, orchestra) and complete any required scholarship/service award forms by departmental deadlines.
Selection criteria: Faculty evaluation of musical ability, ensemble needs, and continued participation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts depend on ensemble needs, instrument, and student talent; many recipients are expected to perform in multiple ensembles.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music majors, minors, and talented non-majors who audition successfully and participate actively in assigned ensembles.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AAFSA Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of recipients each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Adds on to other institutional and external awards for students engaged in equity and cultural leadership initiatives.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through ScholarshipUniverse, providing information about academic performance, campus involvement, and African-American community service or leadership.
Selection criteria: Committee review emphasizing leadership, service, and academic progress.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA) administers this award; typical amounts range from about $1,000 to $2,000 per year when funding allows.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undergraduate or graduate students demonstrating leadership and service within the African-American community at UNF and beyond.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined by state funding and campus allocation winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Johnson funds supplement aid packages for students with disabilities; typically stackable with Bright Futures, Pell, and institutional awards.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Johnson Scholarship application through the state or UNF process, documenting disability status and financial need.
Selection criteria: State and campus-level review considering disability status, need, and academic standing.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Johnson Scholarship is a Florida-wide program that UNF participates in; award amounts vary by campus allocation and student need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undergraduate students with documented disabilities and financial need who submit strong applications and meet state program criteria.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships (Osprey Battalion)
📅 Deadline: Oct 13, Jan 19, Mar 16 (national boards)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_or_housing_plus_stipend
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set annually by Army Cadet Command winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically pays full tuition and fees or housing plus books and stipend; some UNF or state aid may be adjusted to comply with Army and institutional rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national Army ROTC scholarship process (or campus-based boards) and work with the UNF Osprey Battalion to choose a tuition-and-fees or housing option; contract and maintain Army standards.
Selection criteria: Army ROTC scoring model emphasizing academics, leadership, physical fitness, and interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award packages commonly include full tuition and mandatory fees or a housing allowance up to a set cap per term, along with a monthly stipend and book allowance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students intending to commission who meet academic, fitness, and medical standards and are selected by national or campus ROTC boards.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
First Generation Matching Grant
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited by state and donor matching funds each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to complement state and institutional aid, including Pell, Bright Futures, and UNF scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded through a state matching program; award amounts depend on annual appropriations and private matching funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Florida-resident first-generation students with financial need who complete the FAFSA and admissions process early.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Honors Fellows Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Limited Honors Fellows slots awarded each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards supplement other scholarships to help fund research, internships, and conference travel for Honors students.
📄
How to Apply
Submit an Honors Fellows application via ScholarshipUniverse or the Honors portal with a project or experience proposal and participate in required Honors events such as the Symposium.
Selection criteria: Honors committee selection focusing on GPA, proposal quality, and Honors engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors information describes awards of up to $500 per term, or $1,000 per year, for up to four years of Honors participation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current Honors students with strong GPA and well-developed research, internship, or conference plans.
Automatic
Jacksonville Commitment
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited to a cohort of local students each year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Works alongside Pell, Bright Futures, and institutional scholarships to provide up to around $24,000 over four years.
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is designed to support local, Pell-eligible students; the four-year value is commonly described as about $24,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible Duval County graduates who complete admission and financial aid steps early.
* 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:
– Army ROTC (national): Oct 13, Jan 19, Mar 16; apply early for maximum consideration.
– Most donor/Foundation/need-based: Jan 15 (priority), rolling through May 1.
– O.U.R. RSCA: Oct 15, Feb 15, Jul 15 (3x/year).
– Music: Department cycles, usually Mar–Apr.
– Research/Honors: Most slots filled by Feb 15.
– Check ScholarshipUniverse for current posted deadlines each year.
Sources:
UNF Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/
ScholarshipUniverse – https://unf.scholarshipuniverse.com/
O.U.R. RSCA – https://www.unf.edu/ugr/ursca/
Army ROTC – https://www.unf.edu/rotc/
Jacksonville Commitment – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/jacksonville-commitment.html
Osprey Access – https://www.unf.edu/admissions/scholarships/osprey-access.html
🎖️ Honors College
The Hicks Honors College at UNF gives motivated students a smaller, more personalized academic home inside a mid-sized public university. Admission is by application, and the focus is on high-impact learning—research, internships, study abroad, and a strong community of peers.
What a Typical UNF Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.8 or higher*, rigorous coursework, leadership roles in service or activities, and a clear interest in research or global engagement.
*Based on published examples and Honors admissions notes; exact GPA/test ranges not fixed.
Why Honors Matters at UNF:
- Priority access to the brand-new Honors Residence Hall (opening Fall 2025)
- Special funding for research, conferences, internships, and study abroad
- Small, discussion-driven seminars and direct faculty mentorship
- Dedicated advising and early registration each semester
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Honors College Fellows Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of Honors Fellows funded each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds are intended to supplement existing scholarships to support high-impact learning experiences (research, conferences, internships) for Honors students.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a Hicks Honors Fellows application via ScholarshipUniverse with a detailed research, internship, or conference proposal supported by a faculty mentor and participate in required Honors activities such as the annual symposium.
Selection criteria: Honors committee selection based on GPA, proposal quality, and alignment with Honors learning goals.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Program description notes awards typically up to $500 per term, or $1,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years for qualifying Honors students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with strong GPAs and compelling, faculty-backed project or experience proposals.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hicks Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of Honors study abroad awards each cycle winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies to approved UNF-led study abroad program costs and can stack with Bright Futures, Pell, and other aid up to cost-of-attendance and program limits.
📄
How to Apply
Be an active Hicks Honors College student in good standing and apply via ScholarshipUniverse and/or Honors forms with a proposal for a UNF-led study abroad program.
Selection criteria: Honors committee review with emphasis on GPA, program fit, and the quality and feasibility of the proposed study abroad experience.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors materials state the scholarship can support up to two study abroad experiences per student, with the amount varying by destination and budget.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active, high-performing Honors students with well-defined academic plans for global study and strong faculty/Advisor support.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marnie Jones Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Small number of recipients chosen annually winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time Honors-related award that can be combined with President’s/Dean’s awards, Bright Futures, and other institutional aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through ScholarshipUniverse as a Hicks Honors College student, documenting community service and, where applicable, major in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Selection criteria: Committee review emphasizing service, leadership, and academic standing in Honors.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Endowment description cites community service as a key criterion and notes a preference for College of Arts & Sciences majors where applicable.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Service-oriented Honors students, often in Arts & Sciences majors, with strong records of community engagement.
* 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.
Is admission automatic? No. You must apply to Hicks Honors separately after UNF admission.
Does Honors add time? No. All seminars and projects fit a standard degree plan.
What are the deadlines? Closed May 1; future awards generally use February 15.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes—Honors students can access special research, travel, and project funds.
Sources:
Hicks Honors College Scholarships – https://www.unf.edu/hicks/honors-scholarships.html
ScholarshipUniverse – https://unf.scholarshipuniverse.com/
Application/awards – https://www.unf.edu/hicks/apply-to-the-honors-college.html
⭐ College Specialty
Every university has a few areas where it really shines. At the University of North Florida, those strengths line up closely with Jacksonville’s industries and Florida’s natural environment—giving students both hands-on experience and a clear path into careers after graduation.
Flagship Program: Transportation & Logistics — UNF’s Coggin College of Business is nationally recognized for its logistics program, consistently ranked among the top programs in Florida and tied to the state’s largest port city.
- Coastal & Marine Biology: Field-based courses in dolphin biology, coral reef ecology, and coastal systems; considered one of Florida’s strongest regional marine biology options.
- Nursing & Health (Brooks College of Health): Well-regarded statewide for Nursing and Health Administration; strong clinical placement network in Northeast Florida.
- Business (Coggin College of Business): AACSB-accredited, included in Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools list multiple years.
- Music (School of Music): The UNF Jazz Studies program is nationally known, with Grammy-winning faculty and alumni.
Final Thoughts
Navigating college costs can feel like trying to put together a puzzle without the box top. At UNF, the pieces are clearer once you know where to look: Bright Futures for Florida families, automatic waivers for nonresidents, a mix of hidden gem programs like ROTC and Honors funding, and strong majors that connect directly to Jacksonville’s industries. Whether your student is drawn to business logistics, marine biology, or nursing, there’s a way to make the numbers work without getting lost in the fine print.
💡 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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