Florida Bright Futures Scholarship ?

[tinkfan4ever]

I am moving to Florida and was excited that they offered a good scholars scholarship for high school students. What are the rules for residency in order to qualify? We are planning on being there for all the kids to do high school there (all 4 years). Someone mentioned to me that they had to already be in the system. I can't seem to find anything about residency (months, years in order to qualify). Thanks!!!

 

[GoofysOnlyGirl]

Don't hold me to this but I think the only requirements is to attend a Florida High School, and for the full scholership, attend a Florida Public University/Community college. If you decide to go to a private college/out of state school you get what would be equal to the in state school tuition at that time. I am not sure how long you would have to live in Florida though, but if your children go all four years I think you are definently safe. Also if you are planning on aiming at the 100% scholership start your freshmen/sophmore year on the community service hours and get them out of the way.

 

[Golf4food]

It isn't as good a deal as it used to be, and they keep stripping it down more and more each year it seems. Still better than paying entirely out of pocket, but it no longer covers "everything" like it used to. It is even worse if you go to a private school - you get nowhere near the equivalent value.

 

[ScorpioJeni]

Don't know if you checked out the official information but here is a good site:
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/

As some of PP have stated it does not cover all fees and each year the portion of tuition that is covered gets smaller.

 

[SideshowBob]

Do I have to be a Florida resident to be eligible for state-funded student financial aid?
All state-funded student programs except the Rosewood Family Scholarship Program require recipients to be Florida residents. To meet residency requirements, students must maintain residency for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term of the academic year for which aid is requested. Each postsecondary institution is responsible for making residency determinations.

 

[TEENEE]

The Florida resident part of bright futures is easy. My ds is a hs senior and we have found that at least one university only considers you a Fl resident if you have lived in the state for at least 12 months.

Bright Futures has 3 tiers of scholarships depending on your childs GPA, SAT or ACT scores and volunteer hours. We didn't know that the volunteer hours could be earned all through high school. The hours can be counted starting the first day of 9th grade.

 

[Decorated_Dust]

I have the highest tier of Bright Futures, and I am so happy with it! I problem is that I go to a private school and it only covers a little more than $4000.

I think you only have to be a resident for a year. Also, does anyone know if they still offer FRAG? I know not everyone gets it, but I'm wondering if that is an option as well.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I would not hold my breath or count on Bright Futures. Right now with FL struggling financially, Bright Futures may be getting an overhaul. The legislature is meeting now and this is one program that may be revamped. Instead of going to everyone that gets a 3.0 and certain SAT/ACT, it could very well become needs base (rumored).

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180732461175669.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editdlbrightfuturespnjan07,0,5543517.story

Buying Florida Prepay is still a good bet though. And if Bright Futures is still around or back around, you can use both.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

If you decide to go to a private college/out of state school you get what would be equal to the in state school tuition at that time.

You have to go to a Florida college. That is the incentive.

https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/admin/SAWELIGPSI_ByProg.asp?ByProg=BF