Florida Bright Futures Scholars enrolled less than half time may only be funded if they are enrolled in the remaining courses to finish their degree (a memo from an student success coach must be submitted) or if they are being disbursed the last remaining hours of Bright Futures eligibility.
FAQs Related to Types of Aid
No. The National Recognition Program is only available during the fall and spring terms.
Yes, students may request a copy by submitting a written request in person or via e-mail at: sfascholarships@ucf.edu. Students will need to pick up the documentation in person.
Documents that are required to be submitted to the donor will be done so either by fax or mail; original documents are not returned to the students, however, copies may be obtained.
These scholarships are awarded to entering high school graduates by Undergraduate Admissions to recognize outstanding academic performance.
Students may receive funding for up to five years from high school graduation for a maximum of 120 semester hours toward the completion of the first baccalaureate degree. Extended hours of funding are available to FAS and FMS students enrolled in a single program of study requiring more than 120 hours by completing the form Application for Extended Hours of Eligibility and mailing to the address available on the form.
A maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one-term extension (Double majors and minors are not considered). A letter (on letterhead) from the department verifying the number of hours required for the degree must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.
Eligible students must enroll in at least 6 non-remedial undergraduate credit hours each term to receive Bright Futures funding.
Exceptions are granted for:
- Eligible students who have less than 6 credit hours of remaining eligibility (this is done automatically at UCF)
- Eligible students who need less than 6 credit hours to graduate. These students must submit a letter (on official letterhead) from their student success coach. The letter should be sent to the attention of the Bright Futures Department and should state:
- Student’s name & UCFID/PID
- Name of course(s) needed for graduation
- Name of the undergraduate degree to be received
Graduate level hours may be approved by the student’s student success coach if the graduate level hours will count toward the undergraduate degree completion requirements. These students must submit a letter (on official letterhead) from their student success coach. The letter should be sent to the attention of the Bright Futures Department and should state:
- Student’s name & UCFID/PID
- Name of the graduate course(s)
- Name of the undergraduate degree these courses will count toward
A student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in order to receive Bright Futures funding for each term.
#___ of credit hours enrolled X $212.28 = $ ___ FAS award amount
As a National Merit Scholarship recipient, you are required to complete at least 24 UCF credit hours and earn a UCF G.P.A. of at least a 3.2 at the end of the spring semester. Please note: National Achievement and National Recognition Program recipients are required to meet the same requirements as National Merit recipients.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal and letter stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The appeal must be submitted prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away from UCF. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and render a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
Yes. The 2023-24 academic year includes the summer 2023 term. Any FAS or FMS student eligible for 2023-24 may receive summer funding, provided the student meets all enrollment criteria.
Yes. A FAS scholarship recipient who qualifies for one semester of graduate study funding may have the one semester be the summer term.
The award amount will be calculated based on the undergraduate tuition rate of $212.28.
Yes. Florida Bright Futures Scholars who meet graduate funding requirements, may use the summer as the one semester of graduate study funding. If the student does not wish to be funded for the summer term, please send an email to finaid@ucf.edu to request it in writing.
Yes, federal regulations require students who receive financial assistance through additional sources to notify their financial aid department of their award.
Yes, provide the check with your signature, to the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Your check will then be deposited into your student account for regular disbursement.
The waiver award will not be replaced.
The Pegasus Scholarship Program includes National Merit, National Achievement, National Recognition Program and the Pegasus Scholarships. In addition, we have several Transfer Scholarships that are awarded based on high academic achievement. They include the Ralph C. Boston, Articulated Honors to Honors, Cultural Diversity, High Academic Achievement, All Florida Academic First Team, All Florida Academic Second Team, and the Director’s Special Achievement.
The Transfer Scholarship program includes the Ralph C. Boston, Articulated Honors to Honors, Cultural Diversity, High Achievement, All Florida Academic First Team, All Florida Academic Second Team and Direct Connect.
Yes, provide the check with your signature, to the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Your check will then be deposited into your student account for regular disbursement.
Medallion Scholars will receive an award amount equal to 75% of tuition and applicable fees. The tuition and applicable fees for 1 credit hour is $159.21.
($212.28 X 75% = $159.21 the current rate for Medallion Scholars)
There are many different ways to begin searching for scholarships such as online search engines like FastWeb.com. Other ways to begin searching include checking with your college and or department, visiting your financial aid department, speaking with an advisor, and visiting the UCF Scholarship Listing.
Please utilize the Access 2 Opportunities (A2O) scholarship system each January to submit a General Application.
Scholarship appeals should be submitted online through the State Programs and Scholarships Appeal Form. If the online appeal form cannot be completed, paper forms with all supporting documentation can submitted to the University of Central Florida, Office of Student Financial Assistance, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Millican Hall Room 107, Orlando, Florida, 32816-0113 or faxed to 407-823-5241.
The Office of Student Financial Assistance has a highly trained staff able to answer all financial aid questions including scholarship appeals. You also have the option of scheduling an appointment with a financial aid counselor by calling 407-823-5285. The main customer service phone number is (844) 376-9160 or email finaid@ucf.edu.
Yes. Grade and hours information will be reported for all students funded during the summer. If a student took transient hours, the grades and hours earned at the other institution must be reported to UCF by August 12 in order to be reported systematically. After this date, students would have to complete the Bright Futures Renewal Re-Evaluation Form in order for the grades and hours to be reported to OSFA.
If a student has an opportunity to restore the Bright Futures award, the grades from the summer term may be used to meet restoration requirements. UCF will report these hours systematically and the student will not have to apply for restoration.
Students who receive need-based aid such as grants, work study, or loans may have their awards reduced if the addition of the scholarship exceeds their financial need or their cost of attendance.
Non-Florida Residents may apply for scholarships if they meet the requirements for the awards. It is also recommended that Out of State Students check with their state’s Department of Education.
No, we may re-evaluate your aid package to determine if you have been fully awarded according to your eligibility. If you have been offered a scholarship through Undergraduate Admissions, you may contact their department to determine if a review of your award may be possible.
Florida Bright Futures awards are not considered definite until the state has notified UCF of students’ official eligibility. The initial amount is based on enrollment in 14 credit hours and will be adjusted to reflect your actual hours of enrollment each semester once the Drop/Swap and Add period has ended.
Florida Prepaid is handled through the Student Accounts Office and is applied directly to the student’s account. When the Bright Futures is disbursed, it will be applied to any institutional charges on the student account, and any left-over credit will be refunded to the student.
Applicable fees include activity and service fees, health fees, athletic fees, financial aid fees, capital improvement fees, transportation fees (SUS only), technology fees and tuition differential fees.
Academic Scholars will receive an award equal to 100% of tuition and applicable fees. The tuition and applicable fees for 1 credit hour is $212.28.
Applicable fees include activity and service fees, health fees, athletic fees, financial aid fees, capital improvement fees, transportation access fees, technology fees and tuition differential fees.
Yes. Students will be disbursed an award if enrolled with a minimum of 6 credit hours.
A maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one term extension (double majors and minors are not considered). A letter (on letterhead) from the department verifying the number of hours required for the degree must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal Form and letter stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The appeal must be submitted prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and render a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
These scholarships are awarded to entering high school graduates by Undergraduate Admissions to recognize outstanding academic performance.
A maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one-term extension. (Double majors and minors are not considered). A letter (on letterhead) from the department verifying the number of hours required for the degree must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.
No. The National Merit Scholarship is only available during the fall and spring terms.
These scholarships are awarded to entering high school graduates by Undergraduate Admissions to recognize outstanding academic performance. There is no separate application for this scholarship program. When you apply for admission to UCF, you are automatically considered.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal and letter stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The appeal must be submitted prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away from UCF. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and render a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
A maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one-term extension. (Double majors and minors are not considered) A letter from the department verifying the number of hours required must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.
The Directors Special Achievement Scholarship is a nonrenewable one year (two semesters) award.
No. The Pegasus Scholarship is only available during the fall and spring terms.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away from UCF, stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and make a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
A maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one-term extension (double majors and minors are not considered). A letter (on letterhead) from the department verifying the number of hours required for the degree must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.
These scholarships are awarded by Undergraduate Admissions to entering high school graduates to recognize outstanding academic performance.
No. The Provost Scholarship is only available during the fall and spring terms.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal Form and letter stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The appeal must be submitted prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and render a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
Transfer Scholarships are only available for students graduating with an AA degree from a Florida public state college who transfer directly to UCF for the fall semester. There is a separate application for this scholarship program. Students can obtain an application at any Florida public state college. Visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for additional information.
A maximum of 4 terms or until graduation, whichever is less.
Possibly. You must submit a Scholarship Appeal and letter stating the reason(s) that you need the time away from UCF. The appeal must be submitted prior to the term(s) that you plan to be away. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review your request and render a decision. If you leave UCF without asking for the time off, you will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon your return. Extenuating circumstances are the exception.
- You must complete and sign the Scholarship Appeal Form.
- You must submit a letter describing in detail the circumstances supporting your appeal. Your written statement must include a description of the problem/incident indicating dates and time period involved, as well as the impact on your academic performance.
- The FAFSA for the academic year you are requesting reinstatement must be on file at the time your appeal is submitted.
The Scholarship Committee chaired by the Executive Director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The committee is composed of senior faculty and staff from throughout the university.
You will be notified by email of the committee’s decision within 48 hours.
You must submit your appeal, along with documentation, in sufficient time for the appeal to be reviewed before the next scheduled meeting. Incomplete applications and requests for additional documentation will cause delays. Please plan accordingly in case you experience a delay in your scholarship appeal. You will be responsible for any late charges.
You have the right to resubmit a denied appeal if you have new information with corroborating documentation.
Supporting Documentation includes, but is not limited to, divorce decrees, death certificates, and letters from doctors, counselors, advisors etc. Written statements from a professional should reference your name, diagnosis, dates of treatment and length of time for healing. Include any statements (on company letterhead) from third-party persons (e.g. clergy, employers, medical professionals, etc.) who can verify your extenuating circumstances. Report of incident/s, such as a police report, insurance damage report, and bill/s for services related to emergency, obituary, etc. Please note that failure to corroborate your circumstance may result in your appeal being denied for lack of documentation.
No. If you lose your scholarship it cannot be reinstated even if you bring your GPA up during a subsequent semester. Summer grades and hours earned after the spring evaluation may not be used to meet renewal requirements.
You may file a scholarship appeal which must be received in the Office of Student Financial Assistance no later than June 30th of the year that the cancellation occurred.
No, all attempted coursework for the period under review will be counted when evaluating renewal requirements.
Yes. Renewal requirements for the various scholarship programs will vary. You can review the renewal requirement for the Florida Bright Futures program on the UCF Financial Aid Web site under Bright Futures Renewal Eligibility.
No. AP classes from high school cannot count toward renewal requirements.
No. Grade forgiveness for a class taken after the renewal period is not considered when determining eligibility.
If your donor requires financial need verification, please submit the documents to our department in order for your information to be verified and returned to the donor.
Please allow at least 10 business days for processing unless the donor is requiring information that requires we process after drop, swap and add.
Sessions A, B, C, and D offered during the summer term.
Yes, high school graduates eligible for either Florida Academic Scholars or Florida Medallion Scholars may receive funding when enrolled in classes as a degree-seeking student during the summer.
No. Renewal will be based on grades and hours earned for the fall and spring terms. However, grades and hours reported to the Florida Department of Education include students’ cumulative GPAs.
Yes. Repayment obligations remain the same regardless of the term funded.
No. For Florida Academic Scholars, only 100% of tuition and applicable fees will disburse in summer terms.
Florida Academic Scholars and Florida Medallion Scholars, who enroll in at least six credit hours in the summer term, may be eligible to receive Bright Futures Scholarship funding.
These scholarships are awarded to entering out of state high school graduates by Undergraduate Admissions to recognize outstanding academic performance. There is no separate application for this scholarship program. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.
Any combination of UCF-sponsored non-resident waiver awards will cover up to the waiver award amount or the non-resident fee amount, whichever is less.
As an out of state student your scholarship is comprised of two portions, a scholarship portion and a waiver portion. The scholarship portion of your award will serve for deferment purposes, and your waiver will be applied directly towards your tuition, but will not serve as a deferment. Only students who are enrolled full-time will receive the waiver.* The waiver will be applied the week after the add/drop period has ended.
*The only exception to the full-time enrollment requirement is granted to students during their graduating semester. Please refer to the Required Hours section on the Program Requirements page for additional information.
Yes. If you want to Co-Op or intern, you must let us know in writing which term you plan to Co-Op or intern prior to that term. We will defer your scholarship until you return as a full-time student the following term.
No, the scholarship is not available for use during the summer semester. It is to be used during the fall and spring semesters only.
No, the scholarship is not available for use during the summer semester. It is to be used during the fall and spring semesters only.
#____of credit hours enrolled x $159.21= $____FMS award amount.
The scholarship committee is scheduled to meet the second week of each month. Meeting dates are subject to change as deemed necessary by the committee chair. Completed appeals submitted by the last day of the month will be reviewed at the next month’s meeting.