How To Get Free College in Florida

Attending college can lead Florida residents to fantastic careers. However, the cost of college tuition can sometimes make earning a degree challenging. Fortunately, grants, scholarships, and education programs are available to help students access free college in Florida.

Below, we'll discuss how Florida students can reduce tuition costs and possibly complete a degree program debt-free. We'll also explore tuition-free online colleges in Florida, along with some frequently asked questions that can help round out your knowledge of free college in the state.

Is Community College Free in Florida?

Community college in Florida is not inherently free for all students; however, opportunities are available to reduce the cost to zero for some Florida residents. The key to getting free community college is taking advantage of grants, scholarships, and other financial aid.

For example, high school seniors can pursue the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). This program grants eligible students funds for postsecondary education at Florida schools. Available scholarships include:

• Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS): award equal to 100% of tuition and related fees
• Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS): award equal to 75% of tuition and related fees

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is one of many great ways to get all or most tuition covered. Next, we'll discuss who qualifies for free college in Florida.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Florida?

Eligibility requirements for free college in Florida depend on the specific opportunities a student pursues. However, common requirements include the following:

• Florida residency
• U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizenship
• Florida high school diploma or equivalent
• minimum GPA and ACT/SAT/CLT test scores
• enrollment in a degree or certificate program at an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary institution
• full-time or half-time enrollment

These are just a few requirements Florida students might encounter when applying for free college opportunities. Now, we'll look at ways to attend a Florida college debt-free.

What Is the Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant?

The Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant is a program for Florida undergraduate students attending eligible private Florida colleges and universities. The Legislature in the General Appropriation Act determines the annual amount awarded annually.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the ABLE Grant starts with meeting Florida's general requirements to receive state aid. Students must also:

• be a Florida resident
• have U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizenship (citizenship questions should be directed to the financial aid office)
• not be in default of any federal or state grant, loan, or scholarship
• have no previous bachelor's degree

Eligible Majors

The ABLE Grant requires students to be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible Florida college or university. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term.

Most majors are eligible for ABLE Grant funds. However, students enrolled in programs that lead to a degree in theology or divinity are not eligible.

How To Apply

Students interested in applying for the ABLE Grant should meet the application procedures established at their Florida college or university. Details should be available at the school's financial aid office.

Individuals who qualify for the grant and want to renew their application should have a minimum institutional cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. They must also earn the equivalent of 12 credit hours for each term in an academic year that an award is received.

Consulting the postsecondary institution for additional information regarding grant renewals is recommended. Now that you know about the ABLE Grant, let's look at other ways to make college more affordable.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Many opportunities exist for Florida students to make higher education affordable. The following tips can help you reduce college costs.

• Apply for federal financial aid options like grants, loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Participate in your employer's tuition assistance program to have some or all of the funds you pay upfront for college courses or continuing education credits reimbursed.
• Research and apply for scholarships from non-profits, academic institutions, private businesses, religious organizations, and other entities.
• Consider military education discounts and programs for current and veteran service members and their families, including the GI Bill, ROTC scholarships, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

Whether you receive a Pell Grant or take advantage of the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program, reducing the cost of college in Florida is possible. Now, let's explore some schools in Florida offering tuition-free experiences.

Tuition-Free Colleges in Florida

Students eager to attend a Florida college or university at a lower price can choose from several options, including the ABLE Grant and Bright Futures Scholarship Program. But the opportunities don't end there. Below, we've listed some great tuition-free colleges to consider in Florida.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers several waivers for prospective and current students. Some common ones are listed below.

• The Free Seat Program waives one bachelor's degree course for U.S. Armed Forces veterans, active-duty members, and other nontraditional students.
• The Programs of Strategic Emphasis Waiver gives undergraduate Florida students a waiver for 50% off tuition and fees for courses required for specific majors like civil engineering, physics, information technology, finance, and special education.
• The Grandparent Waiver gives eligible non-Florida residents entering as freshmen Florida resident tuition if they have a grandparent living in the state.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida also offers reduced-cost and free tuition opportunities.

The Dependent Tuition Remission Program covers in-state tuition costs for one spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child of university employees per academic year. The Employee Tuition Program waives tuition costs for up to six credit hours per semester for USF employees. The university also offers the Free Seat Waiver Program and Programs of Strategic Emphasis Waiver.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers tuition and fee waivers and exemptions to save students money. They include the following:

• Dual-enrolled high school students taking a class at FSCJ that counts toward high school graduation don't pay tuition and fees
• Homeless students could be exempt from paying tuition and fees for a requested term, according to Florida statute 1009.25 (f).
• Full-time state employees may be eligible for tuition and fee waivers for up to six credit hours.

FAQs About Free College in Florida

Many students receive help with college costs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 55% of all undergraduates in the 2019-20 academic year received federal student aid, and 23% received state aid. If you're interested in low-cost or free college in Florida, learn more with these frequently asked questions.

Can I Go to College for Free in Florida?

Yes, it's possible to go to college for free in Florida. The Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) pays 100% of eligible college students' tuition and fees. You can also receive waivers and exemptions from state universities and colleges.

How Long Do You Have To Be a Florida Resident To Receive Free Tuition?

Residency requirements for free tuition vary by program. For instance, the Bright Futures Scholarship Program allows high school students to acquire a diploma from an out-of-state school while temporarily living with a parent or guardian outside the state.

What Are the Best Scholarships in Florida?

The best Florida scholarships align with your academic and financial needs. Some to consider include:

• Florida First Responder Scholarship Program
• Minority Education Teacher Scholarship
• Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship
• Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program
• Rosewood Family Scholarship