University Grants & Scholarships

University Scholars
New freshmen applicants for admission who are US citizens or permanent residents and who have demonstrated extraordinary scholarship and aptitude, based on their academic grade point average and SAT scores or ACT scores, are invited to enter USF as University Scholars . Scholars receive a renewable scholarship that pays a substantial portion of the cost of the academic year's tuition for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study at USF. To be considered, applicants for admission must apply no later than November 15 under the Early Action Plan for the following academic year.

Renewal is automatic as long as scholars achieve a grade point average of 3.25 for each semester's work.

University Tuition Grants & Named Scholarships
The University provides tuition assistance to undergraduate students through its Tuition Grant Program. In addition, alumni and friends of the University have provided funds for tuition scholarship programs. Individual scholarships may be intended to benefit students pursuing a particular major or those who have achieved a specific GPA, but all of them require that recipients have demonstrated financial need.

New students interested in applying for the coming Fall semester must file a FAFSA by February 1. Continuing students must complete the FAFSA by March 2.

Athletic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships are offered for inter-collegiate participation in women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf and tennis, and in men's basketball, baseball, soccer, golf and tennis.

Federal Grants

Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Most grant aid is based on some type of need-based eligibility requirement; therefore, you must complete the FAFSA to apply for most grants. Scholarships, on the other hand, are based on performance or excellence in a field of study, sport, etc. Sources of grants and scholarships include Federal, state, private, and institutional funds. Although grants and scholarships are a very desirable source of financial aid, their availability is generally limited.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded based upon the analysis of the FAFSA, cost-of-attendance, and enrollment status (full time or part time). Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree.

The maximum Pell Grant for 2005-2006 is $4,050.00. The maximum Pell Grant award can change each year based upon Congressional funding levels. At this present time the Pell Grant amount for 2006-2007 is not available yet.