Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements
The Bright Futures Scholarship is a prestigious financial aid program designed to support Florida residents pursuing higher education. Established to reward academic excellence, it provides funding for tuition and fees at eligible Florida postsecondary institutions. The scholarship encourages students to strive for academic success and take advantage of opportunities that will shape their futures. By covering a significant portion of college expenses, the Bright Futures Scholarship opens doors for students to achieve their educational and career goals.
Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) / Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) 2024-25
Initial Eligibility Requirements: (As determined by the Florida Department of Education)
Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
2. Graduate from a Florida high school with a standard high school diploma or its equivalent.
3. Complete the 16 college-preparatory courses required for admission to a state university.
4. Achieve the required weighted GPA in the 16 college-preparatory courses per the requirements below.
5. Achieve the required composite ACT® score, Overall Score on the Classic Learning Test (CLT), or combined SAT® score. Tests are accepted through August 31 of the student’s graduation year (or through January 31 for mid-year graduates), per the chart below.
6. Complete the required number of volunteer service hours, paid work hours, or 100 total combined hours per the requirements below.
Type: FAS
16 High School CollegePreparatory Course Credits
- 4 – English (three must include substantial writing)
- 4 – Mathematics (at or above the Algebra I level)
- 3 – Natural Science FMS (two must have substantial laboratory)
High School Weighted Bright Futures GPA
- 3.50
College Entrance Exams by High School Graduation Year (ACT® /CLT®/SAT®)
- 2024-25 Graduates: 29/96/1340
- 2025-26 Graduates: 29/95/1330
Volunteer Service Hours
- 100 hours
Paid Work Hours
- 100 hours
Type: FMS
- 3 – Social Science
- 2 – World Language (sequential, in same language)
High School Weighted Bright Futures GPA
- 3.0
College Entrance Exams by High School Graduation Year (ACT® /CLT®/SAT®)
- 2024-25 Graduates: 25/84/1210
- 2025-26 Graduates: 24/82/1190
Volunteer Service Hours
- 75 hours
Paid Work Hours
- 100 hours
Note:
The required coursework aligns with the State University System admission requirements found in Florida Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.002. Additional information regarding high school coursework can be found within the Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook. 2 Students must earn the required volunteer service hours, 100 paid work hours, or a combination that totals a minimum of 100 hours.
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Requirements to Receive an Award: (As determined by the postsecondary institution)
- Be evaluated by the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) as meeting initial eligibility requirements.
- Be a Florida resident and U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Enroll as a degree- or certificate-seeking student at a Florida institution in at least 6 non-remedial semester credit hours.
Renewal Requirements: (As determined by grade and hours submitted by the postsecondary institution)
- Students must earn the number of credit hours based on the student’s enrollment type per term.
- The renewal cumulative GPA requirements are outlined in the requirement highlighted below.
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)
Minimum Cumulative GPA (unrounded and unweighted) – 3.0
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)
Minimum Cumulative GPA (unrounded and unweighted) – 2.75
Eligibility requirements are subject to change with each legislative session.
Students are responsible for tracking their application and award status online and ensuring that funding for an academic year is accurate by contacting their institution’s financial aid office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bright Futures Scholarship plays a vital role in making higher education more accessible to Florida students. It not only rewards hard work and dedication but also fosters the state’s future workforce. By easing the financial burden of tuition, it helps students focus on their academic and professional aspirations. Ultimately, the scholarship contributes to building a brighter, more prosperous future for individuals and the state as a whole.
