I often hear it. “My child has a FULL-RIDE to attend a state university because they have Florida Bright Futures!” Unfortunately, this is a common misconception.
Each year, Florida seniors have to decide which college they will attend by May 1, and the Bright Futures Scholarship monies will play a critical role in their decisions.While Bright Futures will not fully fund the cost to attend a Florida university, it does significantly reduce the cost of college for Florida families.
As Executive Director of Quest for Success for over 25 years, I have worked closely with thousands of local high school students and their families. We tell them early on during high school how they can qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship:
- Meeting SAT or ACT score requirements
- Specific grade point average (using ONLY the five core academic areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, English, World Language)
- Required community service hours
Parents do NOT have to qualify based on income — Bright Futures is awarded strictly on the student’s "merit," rewarding their hard work. What a great way to motivate our young people!
The highest Bright Futures award amount will cover 100% tuition and fees at any Florida state university — roughly $6,800 per year. What is not covered is books, housing or food (room and board). Those costs are about $14,000 per year!
Consequently, a student will never have a “full ride” to attend a state university from their Bright Futures award.
Paying for college is like a “financial puzzle,” and every “piece” is significant.
Sounds confusing? It can be. Throw in a student applying to a private college, either in-state or out-of-state, and things become even more complicated, with in-depth financial information required. Each year, navigating the financial aid process to pay for college becomes just a bit more complicated.
Here are a few key pieces of advice I share with my students/families:
- Start early! I inform my Freshman, Sophom*ore and Junior families as to exactly what the Bright Futures requirements are.
- Prior to the student’s Senior year, I work with those families one-on-one, educating them as to the financial aid policies of the colleges and universities to which their son or daughter may be applying.
- Know well in advance the required financial aid forms from the colleges to which your child is applying (FAFSA, CSS Profile and IDOCS). Make note of when they are due.
- Understand the "direct costs" (tuition, fees, housing, food) that are payable directly to the college or university.
- Be aware that the direct costs to the college are due about 30 days before the start of each semester. You do NOT pay for the full year all at one time.
- You can ask the institution if you can split the direct costs into monthly payments.
- Also understand the "incidental or indirect costs" (books, transportation, parking fees, computer etc.)
- Set a budget for how much money your son or daughter will have going out with friends.
- Proactively communicate with your child, ensuring they understand any limits you may have as to what you can afford to spend on their college education.
Slightly more than 50 percent of all graduating seniors in Florida qualify for Bright Futures. Of the students I work with, over 80 percent qualify. By planning ahead, you can place your child in a strong position to achieve success in their future.
Moving forward, I hope the State Legislature keeps this significant “financial puzzle piece” in place. Families of college-age students are fortunate to have the opportunity for their child to qualify for the Bright Futures to ease the burden of paying for college, while rewarding students' proactive engagement in their future.
Sue Zumstein is Executive Director of Quest for Success. Based at The Village School of Naples, Quest is a community-based organization that provides the resources needed to send hard-working students to four-year colleges and universities.
