A scholarship is money received for educational purposes that does not have to be repaid. Generally, scholarships are based on merit. Some scholarships also require that the student demonstrate financial need. Therefore, need-based scholarships require a student to complete the financial aid application process. There are 4 types of scholarships that a student may receive.

1. University Scholarships
2. State Scholarships
3. Private Scholarships
4. UWF Foundation Departmental Scholarships

University Scholarships

The Financial Aid Office awards scholarships to a limited number of incoming full-time students. All scholarships awarded through financial aid are need-based, therefore, you must complete the financial aid application process. There is not a separate application for scholarships. Financial Aid Office scholarships require that you have a complete financial aid file by March 1, 2008. Scholarship amounts range from $1000-$2000 per academic year and are based upon your entering GPA. Scholarships that are renewable require that you maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in addition to the satisfactory progress requirements of the other financial aid programs.

The Admission's Office awards merit-based scholarships and non-Florida tuition grants to incoming undergraduate students. Most Admission's scholarships do not require a separate application. Awards are made based upon your admissions application. The Admission's Office does award one scholarship that requires a separate application, the $5000 Pace Scholarship. Contact that office directly for additional information and deadlines (http://uwf.edu/admissions/).

Some academic departments award merit-based funds. These scholarships are awarded directly by the department. Contact the Dean's Office in your College for additional information and application procedures. Graduate students may also contact the Office of Graduate Studies for information on scholarships (http://www.research.uwf.edu/).

The Department of Health & Human Services federal scholarship program grant cycle is now available. Program information is available online at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship or by phone: 1-866-867-6856.

Athletic scholarships are awarded by the coach of each individual sport. Contact the Athletics Department for information on scholarship availability (http://uwf.edu/athletics/).

State Scholarships

State of Florida scholarships can be found on the State's website, http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/home/uamain.htm. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

The Bright Futures scholarship is the state scholarship that funds the greatest number of students in Florida. Bright Futures is a merit-based scholarship for Florida residents who graduate from a Florida high school. The value of this scholarship is either 75% or 100% of tuition and fees. Your high school guidance counselor will be able to determine your eligibility based on test scores and coursework completed. The guidance counselor is also responsible for submitting this information to the State and assisting you with the application process.
 
Private Scholarships

Private scholarships come from various sources. These may be awarded through your high school, local community, employer, or through diligent research on your part. There are several websites that allow you to search for scholarships that you may be eligible for. UWF does not encourage you to ever pay for this service because there are quality sites that are free of charge. Please remember that these searches do not guarantee results, but are simply a tool for you to use.

Scholarship Search Engines

    College Scholarships www.CollegeScholarships.com
    Fast Web  www.FastWeb.com
    SRN Express www.SRNExpress.com
    Military Scholar www.MilitaryScholar.org

UWF Foundation Departmental Scholarships

University Foundation Departmental Scholarships can be accessed at www.uwf.edu/foundation/scholarships.cfm

 Scholarship Websites

    AUPHA www.aupha.org
    Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program    
        www.orau.gov/dhsed
   Fund for Veterans' Education www.veteransfund.org
   The Gates Millennium Scholars www.gmsp.org
   Hispanic College Fund  www.scholarships.hispanicfund.org
    Hispanic Scholarship Fund www.hsf.net deadlines vary based on scholarship
    Jewish Educational Loan Fund www.jelf.org
   John Gyles Education Awards   www.johngyleseducationcenter.com
   Lee Baines Memorial Scholarship www.efrwc.org deadline August 1, 2008                  Military Officers Association www.moaacc.org deadline June 15, 2008
    National Scholars Honor Society www.collegehonors.org
    P.E.O. www.peointernational.org
    UWF College of Business www.uwf.edu/cob