Florida Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

There are several Florida student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Florida, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Florida can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Florida Student Loan Programs

Florida does not have any specific student loan programs available to its students. Remember, all students are eligible for Federal student loans - you just need to fill out the FAFSA and apply for the loan.

However, there are limits to how much you can borrow (which might be why you're here).  

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Florida Scholarship Programs

Florida has several scholarship programs available to Florida students. You can learn more at the Florida Department of Education.

Benacquisto Scholarship Program

The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a merit scholarship for 2013-14 Florida high school graduates and thereafter who receive recognition as a National Merit® Scholar. Eligible scholars will receive an award equal to the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student minus the sum of Bright Futures and the National Merit® award.

You can learn more about the Benacquisto Scholarship Program.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

The Bright Futures Scholarship program provides an award amount equal to 100% of tuition and applicable fees at a public postsecondary institution, or comparable amount at a nonpublic institution.

There are a lot of requirements, from SAT scores, to community service hours. You can learn more about the program here: Bright Futures Scholarship Program. 

Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program

The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship (MMB) provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who meet scholastic requirements, demonstrate financial need, and attend Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University.

Each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines and student eligibility.

You can learn more about the Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program.

Florida Farmworker Scholarship Program

The Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship (FFSS) Program is a need-based merit
scholarship that provides financial assistance to a maximum of 50 eligible students who
are farmworkers (or children of farmworkers), as defined in section 420.503, Florida
Statutes. Students who attend a public postsecondary institution will receive an award
equal to the amount required to pay tuition and specified fees.

You can learn more about the Florida Farmworker Scholarship Program.

Florida Grant Programs

Florida has several grant programs that Florida students are eligible for. You can learn more at Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

ABLE (Access To Better Learning and Education) Grant

The Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students enrolled in degree programs at eligible private Florida colleges or universities.

You can learn more about the ABLE Grant Program here.

First Generation Matching Grant Program

The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, and are enrolled in eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Eligible students have a parent(s) who has not earned a baccalaureate or higher degree.

Participating institutions determine application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility and award amount. This program is available at Florida state universities and Florida colleges (public community colleges).

Learn more about the First Generation Matching Grant Program here.

Florida Resident Access Grant Program

The William L. Boyd, IV, Florida Resident Access Grant Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible private, non-profit Florida college or university. Each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines and student eligibility.

Learn more about the Florida Resident Access Grant Program here.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Program is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled in participating postsecondary institutions.

Lear more about the Florida Student Assistance Grant Program here.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Florida resident, check out our Florida Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Florida residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Florida, check out the Florida 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.