Types of Aid

Florida Memorial University > Admissions > Financial Aid > Types of Aid

There are many types of aid available to help you pay for the costs of tuition and fees at Florida Memorial University. Our Financial Aid Office will work hard to make sure you are informed about the many types of aid available to you and guide you through the process of securing financial assistance.

  • Grants
  • Scholarships
  • Federal Work Study
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • Alternative and Private Loans

Grants

Grants: Undergraduate students who have not received a bachelor’s degree may be considered for the grant programs listed below. A current FAFSA is required.

Federal Pell Grant: This is a grant available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the Federal Methodology Formula. Undergraduate students may receive a Pell Grant award up to $6,895 (2022-2023 academic year, divided evenly over two semesters for full-time enrollment) or $6,495 (2021-2022 academic year). The U.S. Department of Education determines student eligibility. No student will be eligible to receive more than 12 semesters or the equivalent of Federal Pell Grant funding.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program (FSEOG): This is a grant available to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. This award is based on FMU’s annual funding which is limited. FSEOG is awarded to Pell eligible students and awards are made until the fund has been exhausted.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (Teach) Grant Program: The TEACH grant is a federally funded program created by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). The TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 a year in grant assistance to qualified students who plan to become a teacher and meet certain specified requirements. If a student who receives a TEACH grant does not complete the required teaching, the grant must be repaid as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Effective Access to Student Education Program (EASE): Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Program is a state grant that provides tuition assistance to undergraduate, degree-seeking, Florida residents attending an eligible private, nonprofit Florida college or university. 

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Program is a need-based State grant program available to undergraduate, degree-seeking, Florida residents, who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled in participating postsecondary institutions in the State of Florida. 

EASE AND FSAG – Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding

  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.
  • Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
  • Have not previously received a baccalaureate degree.
  • Enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per term at an eligible Florida college or university in a baccalaureate degree program.
  • Meet Florida’s general eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid.
  • Not be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in theology or divinity.
  • Annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), complete and error free.

EASE AND FSAG Renewal Eligibility

  • A renewal applicant must have earned a minimum institutional cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and earned the equivalent of 12 credit hours for each term an award was received during the academic year.
  • Eligibility is determined at the end of the spring semester of each academic year. Credit hours earned during the previous summer may be counted toward the total number of credit hours required.

For more information regarding EASE and FSAG, please visit the State of Florida websites:

Scholarships

FMU Scholarship Opportunities

Florida Memorial University Office of Admissions will review all new and transfer students for academic scholarship eligibility. If a student meets the criteria, the application is forwarded to the Scholarship Committee for review. Selected students are notified by the Office of Admissions. These scholarships are competitive and there are a limited number each year, based on funding. Students must have a valid, processed FAFSA before scholarships are disbursed.

Returning students are considered for need based and academic based awards based on funding. No additional application is needed. Students must meet SAP requirements for consideration, as outlined on our webpage.

New scholarship opportunities are sent weekly to student email addresses so please check your email for scholarship opportunities!

If you have any questions regarding scholarships or scholarship opportunities please contact Scholarship Coordinator, Ariana Connor. 

 

International Fellowships by AAUW

Amount: $20-50,000
Deadline: Annually, August 1-November 15
Description/Eligibility: The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and must have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. Recipients return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, and the arts or scientific fields.

APPLY HERE

 

 

International Peace Scholarship Fund

Amount: $12,500
Deadline: July 31, 2024
Description: The applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Examples of additional resources are personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.

Eligibility:

A woman is eligible for consideration for an International Peace Scholarship if she:

  • Is a woman outside the United States and Canada who is seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
  • Will return to her home country to utilize her education to make a positive impact and foster global peace.
  • Has a full year of coursework remaining and is enrolled and in residence in the U.S. or Canada for the entire school year.
  • Is an international student attending Cottey College.

Please note:

  • Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
  • A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible.
  • A student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
  • Scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships or for practical training if not combined with coursework.

APPLY HERE

 

Fullbright Foreign Student Program in USA

Amount: Varies, February-October 2024
Deadline: Annually July 1st & December 1st for incoming Fall/Spring students
Description: The program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the U.S. at U.S. Universities or other academic institutions.
Eligibility: Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. Please see the country specific websites to find information about the Fulbright program in your home country, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

APPLY HERE

 

Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

Amount: 1st Winner: $5,000 | 2nd Winner: $4,000 | 3rd Winner: $ 3,000 | 4th Winner: $1,650
Deadline: November 30, 2024
Description: 1st Winner: $5,000 | 2nd Winner: $4,000 | 3rd Winner: $ 3,000 | 4th Winner: $1,650
Eligibility: To apply, write about your educational pursuits, life goals, community service, accomplishments, etc. Explain what you will do with the money you save because of this scholarship.

Requirements:

  • Undergraduate or graduate student, college graduate
  • African American or Hispanic/Latino
  • Has student loan or debt
  • Was/is a first generation student

APPLY HERE

 

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

Amount: 1st Winner: $8,208 | 2nd Winner: $8,207
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Description: To apply, tell the organization about your personal experience as a child of a parent with ALS, how this experience has impacted your educational journey, what your financial circumstances are, and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Eligibility:

  • Child of a parent with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Financial Status: Family facing financial hardship
  • Education Level: Current or prospective college student

APPLY HERE

 

Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: July 20, 2024
Description: The Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education as they move forward.
Essay Selection Criteria: Essay | Strength | Ambition | Intent

Eligibility:

  • Student is experiencing hardship from the loss of a close family member
  • Demonstrates financial need in support of their educational pursuits

APPLY HERE

 

Historical Essay Competition

Amount: Up to $3,000
Deadline: September 01, 2024
Description: Submit an essay no longer than 20 pages related to Polish history or Polish-American heritage. The essay must reflect your own research and perspective. You can email this essay to info@polonainstitute.org or by mail to Polonia Institute.

Eligibility:

  • Must be 18 years old or older.
  • Must be a high school senior or older.
  • Must submit an essay that reflects one’s own research and perspective.
  • Essay must be written and submitted in English.
  • Essay must not exceed 20 pages (including bibliography) and should be in 12-point font, double spaced with one inch margins.
  • Pages should be numbered.
  • All essays become property of the Polonia Institute.

APPLY HERE 

 

NSHSS Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship

Amount: $2,000
Deadline: August 15, 2024
Description: Write an essay prompt response of 500-800 words answering the following:

Picture a world where your choices have an impact on the health of our planet. Write some practical steps that students can take to champion sustainability and protect the environment. Explore how these actions can make a difference in combating climate change and preserving Earth’s resources for generations to come. Consider how individual efforts can inspire societal changes towards a greener, more sustainable future.

You may include pictures, videos or media showing your leadership in action. You will need a color headshot suitable for website posing. You will need an academic resume, as well as your current transcripts (official or unofficial).

Eligibility:

  • Member of the NSHSS
  • High School or College student of all levels
  • Passion for conservation, sustainability, environmental policy and/or preservation for the Earth

APPLY HERE

 

Spring 2024 Fastweb Invite a Friend Sweepstakes

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, 2024
Description/Eligibility: You must create a Fastweb account. This opportunity is open to registered Fastweb members who are legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and are at least 16 years old. Fastweb members can invite friends to join Fastweb using a personal referral link. When a friend signs up for Fastweb using the referral link, both the referrer and the friend are entered into the current drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship.

APPLY HERE

 

Niche $25K No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $25,000
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Description: The $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is an easy scholarship with no essay required! Only one entry allowed per person. The winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced in Niche’s e-newsletter and on the Scholarship Winners page.

Eligibility: All high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Please note: Not everyone is eligible for this scholarship. Niche sponsored scholarships and sweepstakes are for people with US citizenship or a valid Visa/US passport only.

APPLY HERE

 

The Diversity in Law Scholarship

Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July 26, 2024
Description: Write an essay answering the question: How will your law degree help your community?
Eligibility: Sutliff & Stout, Injury & Accident Law Firm is proud to sponsor a nationwide scholarship contest for minorities pursuing a legal career.

APPLY HERE

 

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Amount: $35,000
Deadline: October 31, 2024
Description/Eligibility: The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

APPLY HERE

 

Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge

Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Description: Share a short video of how this scholarship can help you reach your educational and professional goals.

Eligibility:

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years old or, if the state or commonwealth has a higher legal age of majority, then that age.
  • The applicant must be a legal resident of the United States.
  • The applicant must have a valid United States Social Security Number.
  • The applicant must be a high school, college or graduate student or planning to enroll within 12 months.
  • The applicant must have created one valid Goodwall profile and submitted an original challenge submission as a video between 30 seconds and three minutes in length.

APPLY HERE

 

Creativity Leads to Success Scholarship

Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 15, 2024
Description: Write a short essay (around 500-1000 words) on a specific topic related to creativity and success. The essay topic may vary, but it’s usually focused on how creativity has helped you achieve success or how you plan to use creativity to achieve your goals.

Eligibility:

  • The applicant must be 18 years or older.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • The applicant must be a high school, college or graduate student.
  • The applicant must be attending college or grad school by Fall 2024.

APPLY HERE

 

Financial Goals Scholarship

Amount: $2,000
Deadline: December 31, 2024
Description/Eligibility: The 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship is a program that is open to residents of the United States who are 18 or older and are planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. Complete the entry form, which includes responding to an essay prompt in 500 words.

APPLY HERE

 

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Deadline: September 30, 2024
Description: The Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship is offered by Digital Responsibility to raise awareness about the risks of texting and driving. To apply, you’ll need to submit a 140-character message about why you won’t text and drive, and the top 10 applicants will be asked to write a 500-to 1,000-word essay on the topic.

Eligibility:

  • Be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level; no age limit.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  • Be enrolled in a college or trade school in the current or upcoming semester.

APPLY HERE

 

Student Transportation Video Contest

Amount: Up to $500
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Description: Record a video explaining the goal behind helping students understand the importance of transportation infrastructure investment in the U.S. economy and quality of life, as well as learn more about the industry and potential career opportunities.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Student Transportation Video Contest, you must be a student currently enrolled at a university (graduate or undergraduate), college, high school, middle school or elementary school in any discipline.

Additionally, the following requirements must be met:

  • The submission must be from a GSBA member high school, if in high school.
  • Only one video entry per school is allowed.
  • A faculty member from the school must sponsor the video submission.
  • The school’s principal must review and sign the contest rules and authorization form.
  • All students appearing in the video must complete and submit signed media release forms.
  • Each video must be 30 seconds to 1 minute in length.
  • Each video must be submitted by the application deadline. No late entries will be considered.
  • Each video must be student-created. No professional writing, editing, or production assistance is allowed.

APPLY HERE

 

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships

Florida Memorial University is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). We encourage our students to visit www.uncf.org and create a profile, complete the general scholarship application, and apply for general and competitive scholarships. Good luck!

 

Noyce Scholarship for FMU Students

To apply for the Robert Noyce Scholarship click here and complete the application.

Please print and submit your completed form to Dr. Marilyn Sherman, Athalie Range Building, Lab 104.

Noyce Scholarship for FMU students.

Federal Direct Student and Parent Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans: Federal Direct student loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid either after a student has graduated or when the student has stopped attending classes at least a half-time (6 credit hours). There are two types of Federal Stafford Student Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. FMU also provides the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and a GRAD-PLUS loan for graduate students. ALL FIRST-TIME BORROWERS AT FMU MUST COMPLETE A MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE AND COMPLETE LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING AT www.studentaid.gov.

Subsidized Direct Loans are:

  • Low interest borrowed funds that must be repaid by the student. Interest is deferred while enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours)
  • Interest-free while you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program (undergraduate or graduate).
  • Borrowed directly from the federal government.
  • To be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, living costs, transportation, and childcare.
  • Payments are deferred for six months after the student graduates or enrolls in fewer than 6 credits. The maximum repayment period is 10 years or longer if consolidated. Loan fees apply. Please see www.studentaid.gov for more information.
  • First time borrowers at FMU are subject to a 30-day hold of their first loan disbursement.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans:

  • Accrue interest while a student is enrolled in school (and during the repayment period).
  • Are borrowed directly from the federal government.
  • Can be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, living costs, transportation, and childcare.
  • Payments are deferred for six months after the student graduates or enrolls in fewer than 6 credits. The maximum repayment period is 10 years or longer if consolidated. Loan fees apply. Please see www.studentaid.gov for more information.
  • First time borrowers at FMU are subject to a 30 day hold of their first loan disbursement.

Federal Direct Student Loan Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Federal Stafford Student Loan, you must:

  • Complete a FAFSA, and all requested documents to complete your file at FMU.
  • Be enrolled in a financial-aid-eligible degree and/or certificate program and taking 6 or more credit hours.
  • Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress per the FMU Policy (as listed on this webpage)

**All FMU** First-time borrowers must complete the Entrance Counseling https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/ and the Master Promissory Note https://studentaid.gov/mpn/

Federal Parent PLUS Loan: The Federal student PLUS/Grad-PLUS loan can be borrowed by parents of dependent undergraduate students or graduate students to help pay for the student’s education. PLUS loans are typically less expensive than private student loans because PLUS loan borrowing terms are regulated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Direct PLUS Loans:

  • Parents must apply annually and will need their FSA ID and password to complete https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/
  • Applications are processed through the Department of Education who will approve or deny the application based on a review of the parent’s credit history.
  • If a parent PLUS loan application is denied, the dependent student usually becomes eligible to borrow up to $4,000 in additional unsubsidized Federal Direct loan funds. This additional loan eligibility cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance minus all other aid (including other loans). Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while the student is in school.
  • Parents must also complete Loan Counseling as well as a Master Promissory Note.

Federal Work-Study
FWS is a need-based financial aid program designed to assist students with employment opportunities on campus or within the community (when available). Students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours) to maintain their eligibility for this program. This is a regular paid position in which a student will receive a bi-monthly paycheck. The FWS earnings are taxable; however, funds are excluded in the need calculation on the FAFSA.