FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
-
The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant, work-study, and federal loans, and it's also used by states and many colleges for awarding additional aid.
-
Launch & Availability:
-
The FAFSA form for the 2025–26 academic year launched early—students could start submitting around November 14, 2024, following beta testing, with full availability soon after.
-
-
Federal Deadline:
-
Submit your FAFSA by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on June 30, 2026.
-
-
Correction Deadline:
-
Corrections or updates to your FAFSA are accepted until 11:59 p.m. CT on September 12, 2026.
-
-
State & Institutional Deadlines:
-
Many states (including Florida) and colleges also have priority or early deadlines. Meeting them is crucial for eligibility for limited or state-specific aid. Even after those pass, you can still submit by the federal deadline.
-
** Tip**: File your FAFSA as early as possible after it opens—some aid is first-come, first-served.
Bright Futures Scholarship (Florida)
-
A merit-based scholarship program for Florida residents—funded through the Florida Lottery—that includes awards such as:
-
Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Covers 100% tuition & applicable fees
-
Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Covers 75% tuition & fees
-
Other vocational pathways like Gold Seal CAPE and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars also exist.
-
-
Award Requirements (e.g., FAS):
-
Minimum weighted GPA (e.g., 3.50 for FAS), required service or work hours, specified HS coursework, and SAT/ACT/P.E.R.T. scores (unless eligible via AP Capstone for Class of 2026+).
-
-
Application Deadline:
-
Submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)—used for Bright Futures—by August 31 following high school graduation. Missing this cutoff disqualifies eligibility.
-
-
New AP Capstone Pathway:
-
Starting with the Class of 2026, students who complete the AP Capstone diploma may qualify for FAS without SAT/ACT scores, provided GPA and service/work hour requirements are met.
-