State Scholarships, Grants, And Special Programs
51²Ö¿â participates in a variety of state grant programs offered by the state of Florida. To be eligible for Florida state grants, students must verify their (or their parent’s, if the student is dependent) Florida resident status.
In order to be considered a Florida resident, the student (or parent of a dependent student) must demonstrate legal residence in the state of Florida for at least 12 consecutive months, for purposes other than enrollment in an institution of higher education, prior to the student’s initial enrollment. To confirm your residency status, you must complete and  and submit supporting documentation.
Students who will not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can .
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Recipients of the Florida Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars or Florida Medallion Scholars awards can utilize these funds at 51²Ö¿â. The award amount is based on the number of credit hours for which the student enrolls each semester. The value of each credit hour is determined by the state and is subject to change. For 2020-2021, Bright Futures awards were as follows:
- Florida Academic Scholarship: $211 per credit hour + $300 stipend
- Florida Medallion Scholarship: $158 per credit hour
To transfer your Bright Futures scholarship to 51²Ö¿â, you must update your preferred institution with the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). To do so, you may login to access the  or call OSFA Customer Service at 888-827-2004 to transfer the scholarship.
The 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 add/drop period, the Financial Aid Office will review and update the awards for all students based on the actual number of registered credits.
Note: Students must repay the Bright Futures Scholarship award to the institution for any courses dropped or withdrawn after the add/drop period. The student will not be eligible for scholarship renewal until the amount is repaid.
Effective Access to Student Education Grant (EASE)
This program provides tuition assistance to undergraduate students from Florida attending private, independent colleges and universities located in the state. This program provides approximately $3,500 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations. To be eligible for the EASE Grant, a student will:
- Be a Florida resident and a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Not owe a repayment or be in default on a state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program
- Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term
Maximum eligibility time frame for this award is nine semesters.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled at an eligible institution. The amount of this grant may be as high as $2,000.00 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations. Funding is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible for FSAG, a student will:
- Be a Florida resident and a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Not owe a repayment or be in default on a state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program
- Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term
Maximum eligibility time frame for this award is nine semesters.
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.
To be eligible for FSAG, a student will:
- Be a Florida resident and a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Not owe a repayment or be in default on a state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program
- Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term
To transfer your grant to 51²Ö¿â, you must update your preferred institution with the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). To do so, you may login to access the  or call OSFA Customer Service at 888-827-2004.
Florida Pre-Paid College Plan
51²Ö¿â 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:Â .
Additional State Programs
Students from Barry can also participate in the following grants:
- Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
- Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
Information on these programs can be obtained from the 51²Ö¿â Office of Financial Aid, or by contacting the Florida Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance at 888-827-2004, or visiting their .
