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University of Florida scholarships, student loans and grants
How Florida Gators can cover expenses with in-school funding.
Thinking of going to the University of Florida? How much it costs — and how much you’ll go into debt — could be a key factor in your decision. In addition to federal and Florida financial aid, UF offers several institutional financing options for the future Gator.
What do you want to read about first?
How much does it cost to go to UF?
| Cost of attending University of Florida | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees |
|
| Room and board | $10,220 |
| Books and supplies | $850 |
| Transportation | $1,110 |
| Other expenses | $2,650 |
| Total cost for the 2019–2020 academic year |
|
Tuition is only part of the cost of attending UF. Fees, housing costs, textbooks and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up. In fact, UF students graduated with an average student debt load of $23,679 in 2016, according to the Department of Education.
Does UF offer a tuition payment plan?
Not exactly. But if you’re waiting for financial aid to come through, you can defer your payments. You might qualify if you’re waiting on federal or UF financial aid. You likely won’t if you’re waiting for private funding or Direct Loan approval.
Top UF scholarships and grants
Several school-funded scholarships and grants are available to UF students exclusively.
I. Douglas Turner Grant
The I. Douglas Turner Grant program is designed to help undergraduates who are struggling to cover the cost of attending UF. It’s similar to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, but you don’t need to have a federal Pell Grant to qualify.
UF Graduate Grant
The UF Graduate Grant is similar to the I. Douglas Turner Grant, except it’s only available to graduate students who are struggling to cover the cost of attendance. You don’t need to meet federal financial need standards to qualify — that’s up to UF to determine based on its own application system.
UF Micro Grant
The UF Micro Grant program is designed for undergraduate students who have fallen behind on school payments. It’s a one-time grant that gets students back on their feet. Micro Grant recipients are required to meet with an academic adviser and take an online financial literacy course.
Grad-A-Gator Grant
The Grad-A-Gator program is designed to help undergraduates graduate within four years. If money is the only thing holding you back from registering for 15 credits or more, you might qualify for this program. Similar to requirements of the Micro Grant, recipients must complete a financial literacy course and meet with an academic adviser.
Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship
The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship is a state-supported, need-based scholarship intended to help low-income first-generation college students attend UF without having to work or take out a loan.
To qualify, you must submit the FAFSA around the same time as your UF application. To remain eligible, you’ll need to participate in peer mentoring activities and attend career- and life-planning workshops, among other requirements.
Florida College Transfer Academic Scholarship
Two students transferring to UF from a Florida community college are granted this merit-based scholarship each year. To throw your hat in the ring, you must apply by May 1st of the academic year before you intend to attend UF.
UFIC Semester and Academic Year Scholarships
Study-abroad scholarships are available to UF students who want to spend a year, semester or summer in another country. You need acceptance into a program before you apply. Applicants must complete the Study Abroad Scholarship Application and provide two letters of recommendation, an UF academic transcript and a statement of purpose.
Additional need- and merit-based UF scholarships
UF offers several additional scholarship programs available to specific areas of study or financial need.
Are other scholarships and grants available?
Yes. A wide range of both government-funded and private scholarships are available to UF students. These include federal programs, as well as programs funded by the State of Florida, like the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
Like with many state schools, more options are available for in-state students.
Student loans to pay for UF
UF offers two institutional loans for students: a long-term loan and a short-term loan.
UF Long-Term Loan
- Amounts: $500 to $3,500 a year
- Rates: 4% to 9%
- Terms: 10 years
- Eligibility: Demonstrated need after completing the FAFSA, at least half-time enrollment, 2.0+ GPA, at least 75% of attempted credits complete, cosigner age 18+ who isn’t a student or spouse, US citizen or permanent resident, no defaults or owed refunds for past financial aid
The UF Long-Term Loan is designed for students who can’t qualify for enough federal student aid and want to avoid taking out private loans. Interest doesn’t start adding up until six months after you graduate or drop below half time — which is also when repayments begin. UF offers a variety of repayment plans depending on your financial situation.
UF Short-Term Loan
- Amounts: Up to $1,000 if your tuition is paid or deferred, otherwise the amount of your in-state tuition
- Rates: 1% monthly interest rate
- Terms: By the end of the semester or when you receive your repayment source
- Eligibility: At least half-time enrollment as an undergrad or grad student, valid repayment source, no credit holds or negative marks on your credit report
Students who need emergency funding can apply for a short-term loan with UF to cover educational expenses. You must show proof of money coming in to qualify, including scholarships or grants. After you receive those funds or when the semester ends, whichever comes first, your loan is due in full.
Typically, your short-term loan is disbursed two to three days after submitting your application to Student Financial Affairs in S-107 Criser Hall.
Compare private student loans
Bottom line
UF offers several grants, scholarships and even loans when federal and state aid isn’t enough to cover the cost of attendance. Even if you don’t qualify for need-based funding, you’ll find ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Learn more about how UF funding compares to other financing options in our comprehensive guide to student loans.
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