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As a state school, the University of South Florida (USF) costs a fraction of what you might pay at some private universities — especially if you’re a Florida resident. But it doesn’t always have enough funding to make sure everyone’s needs are met. Because of this, you may want to apply to some of its scholarship programs before taking on any federal or private student debt.
As you can see, attending USF costs more than just tuition. Students also need to factor in housing, a meal plan and books and school supplies.
How much debt do USF students graduate with?
The USF Class of 2016 graduated with an average student debt load of $21,860, according to the Department of Education. That’s more than $15,000 below the national average of around $37,000 for that year. You can cut down your student debt load even further by applying for scholarships, grants and work-study programs before turning to student loans.
Does USF offer a tuition payment plan?
It does’t. However, students who live in on-campus housing can choose to make monthly rent payments rather than covering the cost up front.
USF scholarships and grants
USF offers a handful of grants and scholarships to students. Its grants are generally based on financial need, while scholarships go to students with outstanding academic, talent or athletic capabilities.
USF Green to Gold Grant
The cost of tuition, fees and books — up to the school’s estimated cost of attendance.
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the USF Green to Gold Grant:
Florida resident
Entering freshman
No expected family contribution (EFC)
Complete the FASFA by January 1
Register for at least 12 credits for the Fall and Spring semester
Maintain at least a 2.25 GPA
This need-based grant offers a full ride to full-time Florida residents whose parents don’t have enough income or assets to contribute to your educational expenses. It works in combination with a Federal Pell Grant to cover the total cost of attendance — not just tuition. Recipients can renew the USF Green to Gold Grant for up to four years.
USF Grant
Varies depending on need.
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the USF Grant:
Undergraduate or graduate student seeking a degree
Complete the FASFA by the priority deadline
Enrolled at least half time, according to your program
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
This need-based grant is open to more students than the Green to Gold Grant. You don’t have to be a Florida resident, and graduate students are also eligible. USF prioritizes students with the lowest expected family contribution when distributing this grant — not all students are guaranteed to have their needs met.
First Generation Matching Grant (FGMG)
Matches the amount of Florida state grants you receive.
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a FGMG:
Receive funding from the the State of Florida
Parents did not earn bachelor’s degree or higher
Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate
Florida resident
Eligible for a Pell Grant
Complete the FASFA by the priority deadline
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Maintain at least a 2.25 GPA
This grant matches funding that first-generation college students receive from the State of Florida. It’s a need-based grant — you also must be eligible for a federal Pell Grant. And it’s only available to Florida residents whose parents never completed an undergraduate degree. How much you receive depends on the size of your Florida state grants.
USF scholarships
In addition to grants, USF offers several need- and merit-based scholarships funded by USF or USF Foundation donors. Each has its own specific requirements and can range from as little as $250 all the way up to the full cost of attendance.
You can learn about your USF-funded scholarship options by logging in to your student account and filling out a short questionnaire. Or apply to one of the following USF Foundation-funded scholarships. Typically, the deadline for applications is in January or February.
Altrusa International of Tampa Wilma B. Hogan Foundation Scholarship
Audre Mossberg Memorial Scholarship
C. Brad Haughn Memorial Phi Gamma Delta Scholarship
Carol Bellamy Fellowship in Constitutional Studies
Chip Weiner Uncommon Sense Award
Diane Heighton Alsup Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Don G. Giunta Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Frank and Joan Young Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Gail Baird Entrepreneur Scholarship
Giovanna Zuppa Memorial Scholarship
Marcet Family Memorial Scholarship
Mindy and Neil Grossman STEM Scholarship Fund
Moonlighting Musicians Scholarship
Nathaniel and Barbara Pieper Scholarship
Pat and Frank Harvey Endowed Scholarship
Pete Peterson Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Scott Peeler Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Native Americans
Sigma Nu Fraternity Theta Alpha Chapter Alumni Scholarship
The David and Teresa Sturgill Scholarship
The Dr. Richard F. & Eva L. Pride Endowed Scholarship
The Good Life/Triumph for Change Scholarship
ThusFar Endowed Scholarship
Town & Gown Scholarship
USF FCU Finish Line Scholarship
USF SOL (Status of Latinos Committee) Scholarship
Winn-Dixie Endowed Scholarship Fund for Excellence
Women’s Transportation Seminar WTS Tampa Bay Scholarship
Ann McKeel Ross Scholarship in Visual Arts
Anne Marie Campbell Scholarship
Bank of America East Tampa Scholarship
Berkman Family Scholarship
Betty Castor Scholarship for Global Initiatives
Carolyn House Stewart Scholarship
Crew Tampa Bay Scholarship
Deborah Eaves Endowed Scholarship
Donald & Ruth Anderson Memorial Scholarship in Nursing
Dorthy L. Morgan Endowed Scholarship in Marine Science
Dorthy Warren Burke Endowed Scholarship
Elsie A. Moore Memorial Scholarship
Esther Schneid Memorial Scholarship
Geraldine Twine Endowed Scholarship
Jessica Stands with Girls Endowed Scholarship
Judith Bryan Darsey Scholarship
Linda Blume Award
Martha Hodge Memorial Scholarship
Nancy Schneid Scholarship
National Mah Jongg League Foundation Inc. Scholarship
Ouyang Yu Memorial Scholarship
Pam Iorio Leadership Scholarship
Philip & Ellen Asherman Scholarship
Tampa Palms Women’s Club Scholarship
Triad Foundation & Academy Prep Center of Tampa Scholarship
USAmeriBank Endowed Scholarship
USF Sarasota Manatee Scholarship
USF St. Petersburg Endowed Scholarhsip
Vincent Zecchino, M.D./Dream Givers USA, Inc. Endowed Scholarship Program
Virginia Gregory Endowment in Entrepreneurship
Waller-Witt Endowed Scholarship
Wilma Fowler Scholarship
Dr. Israel “Ike” Tribble Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Juel Hickman Shannon Smith Endowed Scholarship
Ruth & Jerry Bell Endowed Scholarship
USF Black Faculty Staff Association Endowed Scholarship
Wanda Lemons Legacy Fund
Johnson Scholarship
Artia T. Small Memorial Scholarship
Erica G. D. Daley Scholarship
Hon. Les Miller Jr. and Hon. Gwen Miller Scholarship
June Willman Memorial Scholarship
Krystal Evette Robinson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Anne Mifflin Financial Services Scholarship
Lisa Anne Mifflin Public Policy Scholarship
Muir Family Scholarship
Porter Family Scholarship
Robert L. Greene Jr. — Be Great Memorial Scholarship
Salley Family Inspiring Scholars
The Adrien and Ashley Butler Possibility Scholarship
The Bell Family Scholarship
The Frazier Family Scholarship
The Narin Family Scholarship
Wayne Anthony Quinn, PhD Scholarship
USF Latino Scholarship
Are there other scholarships and grants available?
There are. In addition to USF scholarships and grants, students can also apply to federal and state programs. State programs like the Bright Futures Scholarship are generally only available to Florida residents — out-of-state students might be able to find funding from their home state instead. You can apply for federal grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Can’t stretch your grants, scholarships and work-study to cover the full cost of attendance? You might want to consider taking out a student loan. USF advises students to first apply for federal loans by completing the FAFSA.
If you’ve reached your federal limit or otherwise can’t qualify for enough federal funding, consider taking out a private student loan.
Compare private student loan providers
Updated September 21st, 2019
Bottom line
USF offers a variety of need-based grants and merit-based scholarships to help you foot the bill for its cost of attendance. But being a state school, it doesn’t always have the funds to cover everyone’s needs.
No, but students can qualify for work-study through the Federal Work-Study Program. You’re automatically considered when you fill out the FAFSA.
Florida residents are students who have lived in Florida for the 12 months before enrolling at USF. Students with parents who claim them as dependents on their taxes are also considered residents if their parents:
Have lived in Florida for the past 12 months
Bought a home in Florida that they consider their primary residence
Parents that own homes in other states can still count themselves and their children as Florida residents as long as they’ve filed documents with their county clerk establishing their Florida home as their permanent residence.
About 70% of USF students received some type of financial aid during the 2016-2017 academic year, though the majority of that aid comes in the form of student loans.
Anna Serio is a staff writer untangling everything you need to know about personal loans, including student, car and business loans. She spent five years living in Beirut, where she was a news editor for The Daily Star and hung out with a lot of cats. She loves to eat, travel and save money.
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