The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a lottery-funded scholarship that rewards Florida high school graduates who demonstrate high academic achievement and enroll in an eligible public or private post-secondary educational institution within three years of high school graduation. It is the umbrella program for three state-funded scholarships: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars. These awards are determined based on academic achievement in high school, ACT and/or SAT scores, and fulfillment of certain course requirements. The FAFSA is no longer required in order to receive this award.
The amount of each specific award is based on the number of credit hours for which a student registers each semester and the value of each credit hour will be determined by the State on an annual basis. Initial eligibility must be at least 6 credits. For the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the Florida Academic Scholars received $211 per credit plus a $300 book allowance per term and recipients of the Florida Medallion Scholars received $158 per credit.
Barry University Financial Aid Office will include an estimated award for the year based on 15 credits of enrollment each semester (i.e. estimated FL Academic Scholars $6930 for the year -- $3465 fall and $3465 spring). At the end of the drop period of each term, the Financial Aid Office will review and update the awards for all students based on the actual number of credits a student is enrolled. Enrollment will also be reviewed at the completion of each term and adjustments will be made at that time as required. Please note that any adjustment to your Bright Futures award may affect your bill with Barry University. A student will be required to reimburse the State of Florida Department of Education for the funds reduced due to dropped or withdrawn after the funds have disbursed.
Florida residents must have their high school guidance counselor submit their information and authorization form to the Florida Bright Futures Program at the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee. As an incoming first-year student, eligibility is determined based on performance throughout high school. For further requirements contact your high school guidance counselor, or visit the Bright Futures Program website Students must also complete and sign the Florida Residency Affidavit to verify their Florida resident status.
Effective Access to Student Education Grant (EASE)
This program provides tuition assistance to full-time students from Florida attending private, independent colleges and universities located in the state.
Students who have been residents of Florida for other than educational purposes for at least twelve consecutive months may be eligible for the grant. This program provides approximately $2,841 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations. To apply for the EASE complete and sign the Florida Residency Affidavit.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
The amount of this grant may be as high as $1,700.00 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply. These funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply for the FSAG complete and sign the Florida Residency Affidavit.
Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
This need-based scholarship is awarded to students of Spanish culture who were born in, or who have a natural parent who was born in, Mexico, or a Hispanic country of the Caribbean, Central or South America regardless of race. Students apply as a high school senior and must have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0. The student must enroll full-time, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and meet Florida residency requirements. Students need to complete and submit the Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application to the State of Florida Department of Education. Students must also complete a FAFSA.
Florida Pre-Paid College Plan
Barry University accepts Florida Pre-Paid College Plan as a form of payment toward tuition. Florida Pre-Paid pays out at a state tuition rate per credit hour. For details visit: https://www.myfloridaprepaid.com
Additional State Programs
Students from Barry can also participate in the following grants: Minority Teacher Education Scholarship, and Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans. Information on these programs can be obtained from the high school guidance counselor, Barry University financial aid counselor, or by contacting the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Florida department of Education at 305-697-9453 or visiting their website.
State Grant Programs Outside Florida
Incoming students from the District of Columbia and Vermont, should know that their state grants are "portable." Students from these states who qualify, based on financial need, can use these grants to attend a college or university outside their state. These grants can, therefore, be applied towards a student's cost of education at Barry University. Students should contact their State Department of Education for further details, since there may be a deadline for application.