A scholarship is money received for educational purposes that does not have to be repaid. Generally, scholarships are based on merit. Some scholarships also require that the student demonstrate financial need. Therefore, need-based scholarships require a student to complete the financial aid application process. There are 3 types of scholarships that a student may receive.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions Scholarships: Admitted students are automatically considered for scholarship awards using the material provided in the application for admision to evaluate academic merit. Some scholarships will also require the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible. The vast majority of scholarships are awarded to students entering during the fall semester; however, scholarships are available for spring term entrants on a limited basis. The scholarship values may vary by student based on the academic qualifications of those students who are selected. Some scholarships are renewable and others are one-time awards. If renewable, the renewal criteria will be provided with the announcement of the scholarship. To be considered for any award, freshmen students should be admitted prior to January 1. For those scholarships that consider financial need, please plan to have submitted a FAFSA by the Financial Aid Priority Deadline of March 15. Please visit the Paying for College site and click on Freshman and Transfer Scholarships for more information.
Some academic departments award merit-based funds. These scholarships are awarded directly by the department. Contact the Dean's Office in your College for additional information and application procedures. Graduate students may also contact the Graduate School for information on scholarships.
University Foundation Departmental Scholarships can be accessed at www.uwf.edu/foundation/scholarships.cfm.
Athletic scholarships are awarded by the coach of each individual sport. Contact the Athletics Department for information on scholarship availability.
State of Florida scholarships can be found on the State's website. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Florida Bright Futures - Merit-based scholarship for Florida residents who graduate from a Florida high school. Contact your high school guidance counselor to determine your eligibility. Please click 2011 Florida Legislative/Bright Futures Update for changes effective the 2011-12 year.
Florida Academic Scholars - 2011-12: $101 per credit hour
Florida Medallion Scholars - 2011-12: $76 per credit hour
Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars - 2011-12: $76 per credit hour
We will publish the 2012-12 Bright Futures amounts as soon as they are available (Summer 2012).
State legislation requires that a student complete the FAFSA; valid results must be on file with the school before Bright Futures can be processed. Students are also required to repay the Bright Futures award for any course withdrawal.
For additional information on Bright Futures, please click HERE.
Private scholarships come from various sources. These may be awarded through your high school, local community, employer, or through diligent research on your part. There are several websites that allow you to search for scholarships that you may be eligible for. UWF does not encourage you to ever pay for this service because there are quality sites that are free of charge. Please remember that these searches do not guarantee results, but are simply a tool for you to use.
College Scholarships www.CollegeScholarships.com
Fast Web www.FastWeb.com
Military Scholar www.MilitaryScholar.org
Scholarships.Com www.Scholarships.com
StudentScholarships.org www.studentscholarships.org
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information on this web site is accurate. However, due to frequent changes in Federal and State regulations, and revisions to the University of West Florida operating policies, the information is subject to change without notice.
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