Bright Futures Scholarship: A Guide to Florida’s Main Merit-Based Aid Program

Introduction

The Bright Futures Scholarship program is Florida’s largest undergraduate scholarship program, awarding more than $660 million annually to high-achieving Florida high school graduates. As one of the broadest and most generous state-funded scholarship programs in the country, Bright Futures offers students substantial financial aid to help cover the costs of attending eligible public or private colleges and universities in Florida.

The Basics of Bright Futures

Award Levels

There are three main award levels within the Bright Futures Scholarship program:

Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS)

• A highest-level award that currently provides 100% of tuition and fees at a public postsecondary institution or an equivalent amount at a participating private institution
• Requires a 3.5 weighted GPA in college prep courses and the top 11% national ACT/SAT score range

Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS)

• Provides 75% of tuition and fees at a public postsecondary institution or an equivalent amount at a private institution
• Requires a 3.0 weighted GPA in college prep courses and a top 20% national ACT/SAT score range

Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV)

• Provides 75% of unweighted standard tuition rate at a Florida public postsecondary career center, Florida College System institution, or state university
• Awarded based on meeting academic criteria for career education or obtaining industry certifications

All award levels may be used up to 110% of the credit hours required for a first undergraduate baccalaureate degree or equivalent.

Renewability

To renew Bright Futures awards each academic year, students must:

• Complete 24 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of coursework during the fall/spring terms with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for FAS/FMS and 2.5 for GSV
• Complete at least 12 of those credit hours per semester (full-time status)

Students may maintain eligibility regardless of the number of credit hours completed if their GPA meets the renewal level. Credits from test scores do not count toward renewal requirements.

Qualifying for Bright Futures

Academic Requirements

To qualify for Bright Futures funding, students must complete a college-preparatory academic core curriculum in high school. Specifically:

• 4 English (3 with substantial writing)
• 4 Math (Algebra I level and above)
• 3 Natural Science (2 with substantial lab)
• 3 Social Science
• 2 World Language (sequential, in the same language)

Prospective scholars may substitute two math credits for a computer science credit. Check brightfutures.org for approved dual enrollment courses.

Test Scores

Students must also meet minimum score criteria on either the SAT or ACT. Here are the current thresholds:

Award Level	SAT Total Score*	ACT Composite Score
FAS	1290	29
FMS	1170	25

*SAT Total score is the sum of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math section scores.

The top 11% (FAS) and 20% (FMS) ranges vary each year based on Florida high school graduates’ performance on the ACT/SAT. Ranges are set annually in late spring.

Application Process

To apply for Bright Futures funding, students submit an online application after high school graduation. Deadlines are August 31st after graduation year for fall college enrollment and August 31st of senior year for spring college enrollment.

The application will populate automatically if students create a Student Hub account through floridashines.org. Guidance counselors submit final high school transcripts with state-calculated GPAs and confirm course completion after graduation. No separate essays or recommendations are required.

Award Amount & Maintaining Eligibility

Now that we’ve covered the qualifying criteria let’s discuss how Bright Futures scholarship amounts are calculated and the renewal requirements once in college.

Calculating Your Scholarship Amount

Bright Futures award levels provide either 100% (FAS) or 75% (FMS/GSV) of tuition and fees at Florida public colleges/universities.

For the 2022-23 academic year:

• The average tuition & fees at Florida public universities is $6,380 per year
• The average tuition & fees at Florida public state colleges is $3,070 per year

FAS would cover $6,380 at a university or $3,070 at a college. FMS/GSV would cover 75% of those amounts, around $4,785 at a university or $2,300 at a college.

Students may use Bright Futures to cover the full cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses, if they qualify for additional need-based aid.

Maintaining Eligibility in College

As mentioned in the introductory section, Bright Futures renewal criteria include:

• Completing 24 credit hours per academic year (fall/spring)
• Maintaining a cumulative 2.75 GPA for FAS/FMS or 2.5 GPA for GSV
• Completing at least 12 hours per term (full-time status)

Credits from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, etc., do not count toward renewal requirements. Summer term coursework is not factored into the GPA or credit hour calculations either.

Students should work closely with their college advisors if they have any difficulty meeting renewal standards. Extenuating circumstances allowances exist on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bright Futures just for Florida residents?

Yes, the Bright Futures Scholarship is only available to Florida high school graduates who complete the college-prep academic requirements and meet test score thresholds. Residency in Florida is determined by submitting a Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes form to the college.

What if I don’t meet all of the renewal requirements?

Colleges have discretion for granting one-time renewals if students fall slightly below eligibility standards. For example, completing only 22 credit hours instead of 24 or obtaining a 2.7 GPA instead of 2.75. However, students risk losing future eligibility if renewal criteria continue to be unmet. It’s important to communicate with advisors about any difficulties.

Can I use Bright Futures to attend private colleges in Florida?

Yes, the Bright Futures Scholarship can be used at eligible private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Florida. The award amounts may be less than the full tuition and fees charged by private institutions, as they are capped at the average tuition/fee rates of Florida’s public colleges/universities. Check with the private college’s financial aid office on exact award amounts.

What if I take a year off before starting college?

Students have up to 5 years after high school graduation to enroll and activate their Bright Futures award eligibility. This allows for a 1-year gap or delay in postsecondary enrollment. Awards cannot be transferred between institutions, and funding is only available for 110-130 attempted credit hours, depending on the award level.

Can I use Bright Futures for summer terms or study abroad?

No, Bright Futures awards may only be used during the traditional fall and spring semesters. Summer terms and study abroad programs are not covered by the scholarship. Students must self-pay for these additional educational opportunities. However, summer coursework and credits do count toward renewal requirements.

Conclusion

The Bright Futures Scholarship provides Florida students with a substantial opportunity to earn a college degree without the burden of debt. By understanding eligibility criteria and maintaining academic performance, scholars can maximize their awards throughout their undergraduate studies. Communicate regularly with college and high school advisors about the application process and renewal standards.