Florida State University (FSU) offers a wide range of prestigious scholarships for first-year students, including the Benacquisto Scholarship, National Merit Awards, Presidential Scholars, and more. Florida State University Scholarships offered by the Office of Admissions at Florida State University are awarded automatically to accepted first-year students based on academic merit. Selection is highly competitive and considers factors such as a rigorous high school curriculum and strong test scores, with most recipients earning no grades below a B.
Some Florida State University Scholarships are exclusive to Florida residents, while others are open to out-of-state or international students. To be considered for the majority of scholarships, students must apply for admission by 15 October 2025.
University/ Institution Details
- Name: Florida State University (FSU)
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida, USA
- Ranking: Top 20 public universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)
- Programs: Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
- Duration: 4 years for most undergraduate programs
Study Areas
FSU offers over 275 degree programs, including:
- Business & Management
- Engineering
- Arts & Humanities
- Health Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- Social Sciences
- Natural & Physical Sciences
- Education
- Law & Public Policy
Florida State University Scholarships
🎓 National Merit Finalist Scholarships
Florida Residents – Benacquisto Scholarship
- Must be a National Merit Finalist and list FSU as first-choice by May 1
- Covers full in-state cost of attendance minus Bright Futures and NMSC stipend
- Award ranges from $16,000–$25,000/year
Out-of-State Residents – National Merit Award
- Must be a National Merit Finalist with FSU as first-choice
- Worth about $75,776 over 4 years
- Includes full out-of-state tuition waiver, $16,000 Vires Scholarship, and $2,000 NMSC stipend
🏅 Merit-Based Scholarships
| Scholarship | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars | $42,000 + $57,776 tuition waiver | Honors Program invitees after interview |
| Vires Scholarship | $16,000 | High academic achievers (auto-considered) |
| Mores Scholarship | $12,000 | Strong academics despite socioeconomic hardship (auto-considered) |
| Partner Promise | $12,000 | From specific FL high schools |
| IB Diploma | $8,000 | IB diploma recipients |
| Sunshine Award | $4,000 | Holistic application standouts |
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
| Waiver Type | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Waiver | $57,776 over 4 years | High academic achievement |
| Talent Waiver | $28,888 over 4 years | Based on audition, portfolio, or interview (Fine Arts) |
| Grandparent Waiver | 100% out-of-state waiver | Grandparent must be a FL resident + test score in 89th percentile |
| FL High School Waiver | N/A | Attend 3 years of FL high school & apply within 2 years of graduation |
đź’ˇ Special Programs with Scholarships
| Program | Value | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| QUEST Scholars | $6,000 + $2,000 experience fund | First-gen or underserved; participate in CARE & QUEST Experience |
| Illuminate Scholars | $6,000 + $2,000 experience fund | Pell-eligible students in special support program |
| Service Scholars | Renewable aid | Community service focus |
| ROTC / Athletics | Varies | Contact specific departments |
đź’° Other Opportunities
- FS4U portal: Search and apply for FSU Foundation scholarships.
- Bright Futures: State-funded scholarships for FL residents based on high school achievement.
- Southern Scholarship Foundation: Free housing based on need and merit.
Florida State University Scholarships Benefit
Florida State University scholarships offer various financial benefits depending on the award. Some key scholarships include:
- Benacquisto Scholarship: Covers full in-state cost of attendance (up to $25,000/year)
- Out-of-State National Merit Award: Worth around $75,776 over four years
- Presidential Scholars: $42,000 + out-of-state tuition waiver
- Vires Scholarship: $16,000
- Mores Scholarship: $12,000
- IB Diploma Scholarship: $8,000
- Sunshine Award: $4,000
Benefits Not Included
- Application fees (unless waived)
- Personal expenses (clothing, electronics, travel)
- Study abroad program costs (unless funded separately)
- Visa and immigration processing fees
- Health insurance (unless provided through another source)
Abertay University Scholarships 2025-26 in UK
Eligibilities
To be eligible, students must:
- Be admitted as a first-year student for summer or fall 2025
- Meet academic excellence criteria (GPA, test scores, curriculum rigor)
- Be a National Merit Finalist (for Benacquisto and National Merit Awards)
- Have graduated from a U.S. high school (for some awards)
- Meet Florida residency (for state-based awards)
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment for renewal
Required Documents
- Completed FSU application for admission
- High school transcript
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/IB as required)
- Proof of National Merit status (if applicable)
- Residency verification (for FL residents or Grandparent Waiver)
- FAFSA (for need-based aid and Pell Grant support)
Florida State University Scholarships Application Process
- Apply for admission at FSU Admissions Portal by December 1, 2024
- No separate application is needed for most scholarships
- Submit FAFSA for need-based scholarships
- National Merit Finalists must list FSU as their first-choice by May 1, 2025
- Some scholarships, like the Presidential Scholars Program, require an interview after Honors Program application
Tips for Successful Application
- Apply early, preferably before December 1
- Maintain a strong GPA and take challenging coursework
- Submit test scores if competitive (even test-optional students may benefit)
- Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
- If eligible for National Merit, confirm finalist status and select FSU as your top choice
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
While costs can vary based on lifestyle, average monthly expenses include:
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (shared) | $600–900 |
| Food | $300–500 |
| Transportation | $50–100 |
| Health Insurance | $150–200 |
| Personal Expenses | $100–200 |
| Total | $1,200–$1,800 |
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Choosing FSU means more than a degree—it’s a gateway to opportunity. You’ll benefit from world-class education, generous financial support, and access to research, leadership, and service programs like UROP, QUEST, and Illuminate. FSU’s scholarships are renewable, flexible, and tailored to recognize a variety of talents and needs. The university’s strong alumni network, vibrant campus life, and sunny Florida location add even more value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for FSU scholarships?
A: No. Most scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission application.
Q2: Can international students receive scholarships at FSU?
A: Yes. Out-of-state tuition waivers and merit-based scholarships are available for high-achieving international students.
Q3: Is the FAFSA required for all scholarships?
A: No, but submitting the FAFSA is strongly recommended for need-based scholarships and programs like Illuminate and QUEST.
Q4: What GPA is needed to renew my scholarship?
A: Most scholarships require maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment (15 credits/semester).
Q5: Can I combine multiple scholarships?
A: Yes, in many cases you can stack merit-based awards with Bright Futures or Pell Grants, though some scholarships may adjust based on total funding.
Official Link for More Details and Application
🔗 Florida State University Scholarships 2025 – Official Website
