Scholarship Options
The University of North Florida offers scholarships to undergraduate freshmen (first-time-in-college) and transfer students. We are committed to helping students finance their college education. Whether you are seeking a scholarship based on academic achievements or financial need, we offer various options!
Please Note: Scholarship options, award amounts and criteria are for new students starting in Summer or Fall 2025 and are effective for the 2025-2026 aid year. These awards are not stackable with other UNF scholarships, including non-resident tuition waivers, and are subject to change without notice.
- Florida Resident Merit-Based (Freshmen)
- National Merit Scholarship (Freshmen)
- Florida Need-Based Scholarships (Freshmen)
- Jacksonville Commitment (Freshmen)
- Florida Pre-Collegiate A.A. (Freshmen)
- Florida Transfer Student Scholarships
- First Generation (Freshmen and Transfers)
- Non-Florida Resident Merit-Based Waivers (Freshmen and Transfers)
- Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship
Florida Resident Merit-Based (Freshmen)
The University of North Florida is committed to helping students invest in their college education. Incoming first-year students who exhibit outstanding academic achievements are automatically considered for the following scholarships based on the stated criteria:
| Name | Amount (per year) | GPA | SAT | ACT | CLT* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President's Platinum | $5,000 | 4.1 | 1330 | 29 | 95 |
| President's Gold | $4,000 | 3.9 | 1260 | 27 | 89 |
| President's Silver | $3,000 | 3.7 | 1200 | 25 | 83 |
| Provost's Award | $2,000 | 4.5 | 1060 | 21 | 67 |
| Dean's Award | $1,000 | 4.2 | 1060 | 21 | 67 |
*The CLT is the Classic Learning Test
How do I apply for these scholarships?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by January 15.
When and how will I know if I've received a Florida Resident Merit-Based (Freshmen) scholarship?
Can I submit new test scores to qualify for a higher scholarship?
Yes! We will use the standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, CLT) we have on file at the time you are admitted to determine your initial scholarship eligibility. Any updated test scores received through 1/15/2025 will automatically be reviewed by UNF and, if applicable, your current award will be upgraded at that time.
National Merit Scholarship (Freshmen)
Requirements
- National Merit Scholar Finalist and must list UNF as number one with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) by May 1, 2025
- Florida residents: must be a Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar
- Information is effective for freshmen students starting in the 2025-26 academic year
Award Details
Full Cost of Attendance (COA) is covered for four years (based on annual enrollment of 30 credit hours and living on campus or off campus, not with a relative — see detailed breakdown below), plus Florida residents receive an additional $5,000*.
Estimated award amounts:- Florida Residents: Up to $29,841 per year ($119,364 over four years)
- Non-Florida Residents: Up to $39,241 per year ($156,964 over four years)
Additional Benefits
In addition to a full Cost of Attendance award package, National Merit Finalists will also receive:- Priority consideration for housing in the brand-new Honors Residence Hall
- Guaranteed admission to the Hicks Honors College
- One-time Study Abroad Scholarship available through the Hicks Honors College
- Access to an academic mentorship through the Hicks Honors College
- Guaranteed paid summer internship each summer (up to three summer terms):
- One internship is in undergraduate research
- Two internships may be in either undergraduate research or corporate/government internships; corporate internship examples include: Mayo Clinic, CSX, Johnson & Johnson, Florida Blue, Brooks Rehabilitation, Crowley Maritime Corp, Landstar Systems, Inc., Fidelity Information Services, Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
- Pre-med students also receive $1,700 toward MCAT Pearson testing
The following is a comparison of the Cost of Attendance and the total amount awarded by the National Merit Scholarship:
| Category |
Florida Resident |
Non-Florida Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $6,390 | $20,790 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Housing | $6,988 | $6,988 |
| Food | $4,822 | $4,822 |
| Transportation | $3,029 | $3,029 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,412 | $2,412 |
| Total | $24,841 | $39,241 |
|
The chart below shows an example of how awards may be stacked to equal full cost of attendance (or full COA + $5,000 for qualified students). Actual award packages will vary, including the name and dollar amount of awards, based on several factors such as eligibility for need-based grants, private or non-UNF scholarships awarded to a student, housing plans, etc. |
||
| Category |
Florida Resident |
Non-Florida Resident |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition/Fees Waiver | $6,390 | $6,390 |
| Out-of-State Tuition/Fees Waiver | N/A | $14,400 |
| Bright Futures Academic Scholar | $6,390 | N/A |
| UNF Foundation Terry Award | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| UNF Presidential Platinum | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| UNF Enrollment Services Scholarship* | $7,061 | $8,451 |
| Total | $29,841 | $39,241 |
*Due to federal regulations, students receiving the Federal Pell Grant cannot have award packages that exceed their Cost of Attendance (COA). Therefore, students who have been awarded a Federal Pell Grant will not be eligible for the additional $5,000 award.
Florida Need-Based Scholarships (Freshmen)
UNF Community Engagement Scholarship
Who is eligible for the UNF Community Engagement Scholarship?
In order to qualify, students must:
- Be a Florida resident and graduate from a high school in one of the following counties:
- Duval
- Clay
- Nassau
- St. Johns
- Putnam
- Flagler
- Submit a FAFSA
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
- Complete 30 credit hours per academic year
- Meet SAP criteria
Consideration will be given to students who are involved with a community-based organization, such as:
- Take Stock In Children
- Gear Up
- Jax Pal
What amount is the UNF Community Engagement Scholarship?
You can receive up to $2,000 per year for up to four years.
How do I apply for the UNF Community Engagement Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. To be considered, you must have a completed application and submitted all admission materials (e.g. transcripts, test scores) by January 15.
UNF Osprey Access Scholarship
Who is eligible for the UNF Osprey Access Scholarship?
In order to qualify, students must:
- Be a Florida resident and graduate from a Florida T-1 High School
- Pell eligible
- 3.7 high school GPA
- Submit a FAFSA
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
- Complete 30 credit hours per academic year
- Meet SAP criteria
What amount is the UNF Osprey Access Scholarship?
You can receive up to $3,000 per year for up to four years.
How do I apply for the UNF Osprey Access Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. To be considered, you must have a completed application and submitted all admission materials (e.g. transcripts, test scores) by January 15.
Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Scholarship
The University of North Florida offers scholarships to Duval County students who are taking the initiative to get the best possible score on their standardized tests by participating in the University of North Florida Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Program.
We know you have many choices for your college education and UNF would like to encourage talented students in Duval County to stay in the local area for their higher education experience.
Who is eligible for the Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Program?
Students in the Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Program are eligible to receive the UNF Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Scholarship if they complete these criteria:
- Attend a free UNF test preparation session.
- Take a UNF campus tour, either through a UNF Welcome Center event or participate in one of our regular weekday campus tours.
- Apply and be admitted to UNF as a first-time-in-college freshman.
- Prepare for the financial responsibility of attending college by...
- Participating in a UNF financial aid workshop at your high school, or
- Sit in on a University-sponsored event with a financial aid component, including a test prep session.
- Must be eligible for the Federal Pell grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Please Note: Scholarships are awarded on a funds-available basis and qualifying does not automatically result in an award offer.
How much is the Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Program award?
$4,000 total = $1,000/year for four years
How to apply for the Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Program?
There is no separate application process for the Rising Scholars Osprey Test Prep Scholarship. Admitted students who meet the criteria are automatically considered for this scholarship.
Jacksonville Commitment (Freshmen)
Thousands of Duval County public school students who have the desire to further their educational goals may fear they lack the resources to continue their academic careers beyond high school. The University of North Florida offers The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship to eligible students who meet the academic standards required for admission to the University.
Who is eligible for The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship?
Students eligible for The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship must:
- Be admitted to the University of North Florida.
- Be a recent Duval County public high school graduate with a standard high school diploma.
- Be a Florida resident for tuition purposes.
- Submit an error-free FAFSA. The 2025-26 FAFSA is now open.
- Be eligible for the Pell Grant as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
How much does The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship provide?
UNF has committed to providing funding to help with the cost of a University education for eligible students. The scholarship award is valued at $24,000 over four years.
How to apply for The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by January 15.
If you have further questions about the Jacksonville Commitment scholarship program, please contact unfscholarships@unf.edu.
Jacksonville Commitment FAQs
-
Is there a waiting list?
The program can only accept a certain number of students each academic year. Once that maximum is reached, students may be added to a wait list and will be notified if space opens up and they are awarded a scholarship. -
How do other scholarships and financial aid affect The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship?
Students may receive certain other types of financial aid that could impact their eligibility for the Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship. -
Are international students eligible for these awards?
If a student is eligible for in-state tuition as determined by Florida’s residency for tuition purposes guidelines, then they will also be eligible for The Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship assuming that all of the other requirements are met.
Florida Pre-Collegiate A.A. (Freshmen)
Who is eligible for the Florida Pre-Collegiate A.A. scholarship?
In order to qualify, students must:
- Be a Florida resident
- Have completed an Associate in Arts (A.A.) via dual enrollment by high school graduation, from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution
- Have a 3.0 GPA (A.A. dual enrollment coursework GPA, not high school GPA)
What amount is the Florida Pre-Collegiate A.A. scholarship?
You can receive up to $2,500 per year for up to three years.
How do I apply for the Florida Pre-Collegiate A.A. scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by January 15.
Florida Transfer Student Scholarships
SWOOP Transfer Scholarship
Who is eligible for the SWOOP Transfer Scholarship?
In order to qualify for the SWOOP Transfer Scholarship, students must:
- Have an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida State College (FSC) institution
- Have a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA — Priority given to students with a 3.5 transfer GPA or higher
- Awarded on a funds-available basis
How much is the award?
The SWOOP Transfer Scholarship award is $3,000 per year for up to two years.
How do I apply for the SWOOP Transfer Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by January 15.
Enrollment Services (ES) Need-Based Transfer Scholarship
Who is eligible for the ES Need-Based Transfer Scholarship?
In order to qualify for the ES Need-Based Transfer Scholarship, students must:
- Have an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida State College (FSC) institution
- Have a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA — Priority given to students with a 3.5 transfer GPA or higher
- Submit a FAFSA and be eligible for the Federal Pell grant
- Awarded on a funds-available basis
How much is the award?
The ES Need-Based Transfer Scholarship award is $3,000 per year for up to three years.
How do I apply for the ES Need-Based Transfer Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied, been admitted, and have a FAFSA on file by January 15.
First Generation (Freshmen and Transfers)
The University of North Florida participates in Florida's First Generation Matching Grant Program. Over 300 UNF students were awarded First Generation scholarships in 2007 during its first year, thanks to UNF fundraising efforts and an appropriation from the Florida Legislature.
Who is eligible for the First Generation Scholarship?
In order to qualify students must:
- Be a Florida resident
- Have parents who have not completed their bachelor's degrees
- Submit a FAFSA that demonstrates financial need
- Be enrolled in at least six credit hours, in a degree seeking major
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 UNF GPA.
How much is the First Generation Scholarship award?
The award amounts vary.
How to apply for the First Generation Scholarship?
Students are notified of their award at the beginning of the fall term via UNF email. Once awarded, new students must sign and complete an online affidavit that is accessible in the requirements section of myWings. Scholarship renewal criteria requires students to complete all hours attempted and is contingent on continued funding.
Non-Florida Resident Merit-Based Waivers (Freshmen and Transfers)
First-Time-in-College/Freshman Applicants
Non-Florida residents and international students may be eligible for an out-of-state fee waiver based on the following criteria:
| Name | Estimated Value (Based on 30 credits) |
GPA | SAT | ACT | CLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Coast* | $13,718 | 3.9 | 1300 | 28 | 92 |
| Atlantic** | $10,000 | 3.7 | 1230 | 26 | 86 |
| Sunshine** | $6,000 | 3.5 | 1160 | 24 | 79 |
*First Coast award waives 100% of the out-of-state portion of tuition
** Atlantic and Sunshine awards waive a partial amount of the out-of-state portion of tuition
How much might your cost be with each waiver?
| Florida Resident | Non-Florida Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $6,389 |
| Non-Resident (Out-of-State) Tuition | $13,718 | |
| Out-of-State Financial Aid Fee | $686 | |
| Subtotal | $6,389 | $20,793 |
| Waiver Value | $13,718 | |
| Net Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $7,075 |
| Florida Resident | Non-Florida Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $6,389 |
| Non-Resident (Out-of-State) Tuition | $13,718 | |
| Out-of-State Financial Aid Fee | $686 | |
| Subtotal | $6,389 | $20,793 |
| Waiver Value | $10,000 | |
| Net Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $10,793 |
| Florida Resident | Non-Florida Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $6,389 |
| Non-Resident (Out-of-State) Tuition | $13,718 | |
| Out-of-State Financial Aid Fee | $686 | |
| Subtotal | $6,389 | $20,793 |
| Waiver Value | $6,000 | |
| Net Tuition & Fees | $6,389 | $14,793 |
Additional course fees may be assessed. Amounts are yearly, based on 30 credit hours. You can also view additional information about cost of attendance.
How do I apply for these tuition waivers?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by January 15.
Undergraduate Transfer Applicants
|
Award amount$6,000* |
Award amount$8,000* |
Award amount$10,000* |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Transfer Level |
Minimum High school GPA |
Minimum |
Minimum |
Minimum |
|
Lower level |
3.0 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
|
Mid-level |
N/A | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
|
Upper level |
N/A | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
- Covers up to 30 hours per year (prorated based on credit)
- Partial waiver, applied only to the out-of-state tuition
- Qualifying Transfer GPA based on transferable hours
How do I apply for these tuition waivers?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have applied and been admitted by April 15.
Please see the following link for more information about these waivers:
Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship
Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship
| Name |
Estimated Value |
GPA | SAT | ACT | CLT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latin American and Caribbean Freshman* | $1,000 | 3.4 (high school) |
1130 | 23 | 75 |
| Latin American and Caribbean Transfer* | $1,000 | 3.4 (transfer) |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
- Students who receive the LAC scholarship will be be classified to receive in-state tuition in addition to the $1,000 yearly scholarship (visit our LAC Scholarship FAQ webpage for more information).
- The LAC scholarship requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits each year and a 3.0 GPA for renewal.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Priority consideration will be given to students who have been admitted and meet stated criteria by January 15.
We are unable to offer any additional new awards for the 2025-2026 Aid Year at this time.