2008-2009 Freshman Scholarships

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of South Florida offers a number of freshman student scholarships based on academic merit to students planning to enter USF for the first time in the summer or fall semester. These scholarships are available for US citizens, permanent residents and international students. The criteria noted for the various scholarships are used as minimum starting points for consideration; meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements will not guarantee selection.

How to Apply

1. Complete the application for admission to the University of South Florida by the priority date of January 2, 2008. Students who apply for admission and are admitted to USF after this date will only be considered if scholarship funds remain after priority awarding. Your application for admission also serves as your scholarship application.
2. Review your residency classification by checking OASIS. If necessary, please submit an updated residency affidavit by the priority date.
3. Check individual scholarship criteria for additional requirements.
4. Continue to sent updated credentials, including semester transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores.
5. Check the mail! Recipients will be notified by mail and will need to complete a Terms & Conditions form to accept the scholarship offer.

Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our Scholarship FAQ Website for answers to questions about scholarship criteria, selection, terms & conditions, renewal criteria and more.

Contact a Scholarship Coordinator if you have additional questions.
 

For Florida residents | For non-Florida residents

USF Tradition of Excellence Scholarships:

For National Merit Scholars ($48,000) -
Florida resident students designated as National Merit Scholars by the National Merit Corporation will receive $48,000 ($12,000 a year for four years) if USF is designated as their first-choice school, according to National Merit Corporation guidelines. This award includes any stipend or awards made directly to the students by the National Merit Corporation and/or USF. Recipients may receive this award in addition to Florida Bright Futures.

USF Tradition of Excellence Scholarships for National Merit Scholars will also receive the following:

• A laptop computer to use during their tenure at USF. Students who maintain the terms and conditions of their scholarship will be allowed to keep their laptop upon graduation.
• First priority when choosing on-campus housing. Students may choose from a variety of residence halls including: traditional-style, suite-style or an on-campus apartment. Students accepting the invitation to join the Honors College may also choose to live in the Honors Residence Hall.
• A Passport Scholarship in their junior or senior year to support a study abroad trip. This award may be used in conjunction with the funds received by financial aid, academic scholarships or through the Research Scholars program within the Honors College.
• Priority registration. Students in the Honors College receive priority for course registration.

For National Achievement Scholars ($36,000) -
Florida resident students designated as National Achievement Scholars through the National Merit Corporation will receive $36,000 ($9,000 a year for four years) if USF is designated as their first-choice school, according to National Merit Corporation guidelines. This award includes any stipend or awards made directly to the students by the National Merit Corporation and/or USF. Recipients may receive this award in addition to Florida Bright Futures.

For National Hispanic Scholars ($36,000) -
Florida resident students designated as National Hispanic Scholars through the College Board will receive $36,000 ($9,000 a year for four years). To be considered for this award you must submit a copy of your National Hispanic Scholar Certificate by March 1. Recipients may receive this award in addition to Florida Bright Futures.

Note: Recipients of the USF Tradition of Excellence Award for National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Scholars are not eligible for the USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, and USF Scholars Awards.

USF Presidential Scholars Award* ($10,000) -
The USF Presidential Scholars Award provides $10,000 ($2,500 per year for four years) for educational expenses at USF. To be considered for this award, you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.80 (as calculated by USF)
• A 1300+ SAT or 29+ ACT
• Not be receiving one of the above awards

USF Directors Award* ($6,000) -
The USF Directors Award provides $6,000 ($1,500 per year for four years) for educational expenses at USF. To be considered for this award, you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.70 (as calculated by USF)
• A 1210+ SAT or 27+ ACT
• Not be receiving one of the above awards

USF Scholars* ($4,000) -
The USF Scholars Award provides $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years) for educational expenses at USF. To be considered for this award you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.50 (as calculated by USF)
• An 1170+ SAT or 26+ ACT
• Not be receiving one of the above awards

*USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, and USF Scholars Awards:
Students who apply for admission to USF by January 2 and submit credentials by February 1 will be given priority consideration. Students who apply after January 2 will be considered only on a funds available basis.

USF Honors College Scholarship ($2,000) -
Students admitted to the USF Honors College may be awarded a $2,000 scholarship ($500 per year for up to four years) to assist them with the costs of participating in the Honors College. You may receive this award in addition to one of the other first-time-in-college student awards. Recipients of the National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Awards are not eligible for the additional Honors College Scholarship.

Research Scholars ($3,500) -
The USF Honors College invites students who have a 4.0 academic, weighted GPA and at least a 1350 SAT or 32 ACT score to participate in research at USF. This program is designed to encourage students to start participating in research after their first semester.

USF Valedictorian Scholarship ($4,000) -
In order to recognize the academic strength of the top high school students in the state of Florida, USF awards $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years) to Florida resident students graduating as the valedictorian of any regionally-accredited Florida high school with at least 50 graduating seniors. Applicants must also meet all deadlines and admissions criteria. You may receive this award in addition to the USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, or USF Scholars Awards. To be considered for this award, you must submit a completed Florida High School Valedictorian Verification Form by July 1.

Ventures Scholars Scholarship ($2,000) --
USF awards students designated as Ventures Scholars by the Ventures Scholars Program $2,000 ($500 per year for up to four years). You may receive this in addition to the USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, or USF Scholars awards. To be considered for this award, you must provide proof by March 1 of being designated a Ventures Scholar.

History of Achievement Award ($6,000) -
The History of Achievement Scholarship recognizes select students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have achieved above average academic records in high school while facing significant socioeconomic, educational, cultural or personal challenges. This $6,000 award for educational expenses at USF ($1,500 per year for four years) may be offered in combination with the USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, or USF Scholars Award, or either USF Green & Gold Scholarships.

Scholastic Achievement Award ($6,000) -
The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship recognizes select bi- and multilingual students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have achieved above average academic records in high school while facing significant socioeconomic, educational, cultural or personal challenges. This $6,000 award ($1,500 per year for four years) may be offered in combination with the USF Presidential Scholars Award, USF Directors Award, or USF Scholars, or either USF Green & Gold Scholarships.

CLASC Book Scholarship
The CLASC Book Scholarship provides $2,000 ($500 per year for up to four years) and temporary in-state residency for tuition purposes. This scholarship is designed for citizens of Latin American or Caribbean nations (including residents of Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands). To be considered for this award you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.3 (as calculated by USF)
• An 1130+ SAT or 25+ ACT

For further information or questions regarding these scholarship programs contact:

USF Scholarship Coordinator
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave., SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620-6900

E-Mail: scholarship@admin.usf.edu 

Non-Florida Resident Scholarships

USF National Tradition of Excellence Scholarships:

For National Merit Scholars (100% tuition and on campus room and board, current value=$96,644.80) -
Non-Florida resident students designated as National Merit Scholars by the National Merit Corporation, will receive 100% of tuition and on campus room and board if USF is designated as their first-choice school, according to National Merit Corporation guidelines. This award includes any stipend or awards made directly to the students by the National Merit Corporation and/or USF.

USF National Tradition of Excellence Scholarships for National Merit Scholars will also receive the following:

• A laptop computer to use during their tenure at USF. Students who maintain the terms and conditions of their scholarship will be allowed to keep their laptop upon graduation.
• First priority when choosing on-campus housing. Students may choose from a variety of residence halls including: traditional-style, suite-style or an on-campus apartment. Students accepting the invitation to join the Honors College may also choose to live in the Honors Residence Hall.
• A Passport Scholarship in their junior or senior year to support a study abroad trip. This award may be used in conjunction with the funds received by financial aid, academic scholarships or through the Research Scholars program within the Honors College.
• Priority registration. Students in the Honors College receive priority for course registration.

For National Achievement Scholars (100% tuition, current value=$64,324.80) -
Non-Florida resident students designated as National Achievement Scholars through the National Merit Corporation will receive 100% of tuition if USF is designated as their first-choice school, according to National Merit Corporation guidelines. This award includes any stipend or awards made directly to the students by the National Merit Corporation and/or USF.

For National Hispanic Scholars (100% tuition, current value=$64,324.80) -
Non-Florida resident students designated as National Hispanic Scholars through the College Board will receive 100% of tuition. To be considered for this award you must submit a copy of your National Hispanic Scholar Certificate by March 1.

Note: Recipients of the USF Tradition of Excellence Award for National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Scholars are not eligible for the USF Green & Gold Honors and the USF Green & Gold Scholarships.

International Undergraduate Scholars Award (I-USA)

The I-USA Scholarship provides $60,000 ($15,000 annually for four years) for undergraduate coursework at USF. Up to three I-USA Scholarships per year will be offered to high achieving, first-time in college international students with proven leadership, volunteerism and community service. This scholarship is designed for international students whose permanent residence is outside the United States (US citizens, dual citizens and permanent residents or pending permanent residents are not eligible to apply). Recipients may be eligible for an additional award of $500 per year from the USF Honors College. To be considered for this award, you must complete the application by the April 15, 2008 deadline and meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.5 (as calculated by USF)
• Achieve a score of 1350+ SAT (critical reading & quantitative sections only) or 30+ ACT
• Provide proof of leadership, community involvement and academic honors

USF Green & Gold Honors Scholarship ($32,000) -
The USF National Green and Gold Honors Scholarship provides $32,000 ($8,000 annually for four years) for tuition at USF. To be considered for this award, you must meet the minimum requirements:

• Meet the minimum admissions requirements for admission to USF's Honors College, which for Fall 2008 are as follows:

• A high school GPA of 3.80 (as calculated by USF)

• Achieve a score of 1300+ on the SAT or 29+ on the ACT

• Not be receiving one of the above awards
• Be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes

USF Green & Gold Scholarship ($16,000) -
The USF National Green and Gold Scholarship provides $16,000 ($4,000 per year for four years) for tuition at USF. To be considered for this award, you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.50 (as calculated by USF)
• Achieve an 1170+ SAT or 26+ ACT score
• Not be receiving one of the above awards
• Be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes

USF Green & Gold Talent Scholarship ($12,000) - The USF National Green and Gold Talent Award provides $12,000 ($3,000 per year for four years) for tuition at USF. To qualify for this award, you must declare a major within the College of Visual & Performing Arts. The College will determine scholarship recipients and may require an audition or the submission of a portfolio. This scholarship may be received in addition to above awards.

For all USF Scholarships
Students who apply for admission to USF by January 2 and submit credentials by February 1 will be given priority consideration. Students who apply after January 2 will be considered on a funds available basis. Students who are classified as Florida residents at the beginning of the academic year, or who are reclassified as Florida residents, are not eligible for these awards.

USF Honors College Scholarship ($2,000)-
Students admitted to the USF Honors College may be awarded a $2,000 scholarship ($500 per year for up to four years) to assist them with the costs of participating in the Honors College. You may receive this award in addition to one of the other freshman awards. Recipients of the National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Awards are not eligible for the additional Honors College Scholarship.

Research Scholars ($3,500) -
The USF Honors College invites students who have a 4.0 academic, weighted GPA and at least a 1350 SAT or 32 ACT score to participate in research at USF. This program is designed to encourage students to start participating in research after their first semester. Recipients of the National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Awards are not eligible for the additional Honors College Scholarship.

Ventures Scholars Scholarship ($2,000) -
USF awards students designated as Ventures Scholars by the Ventures Scholars Program $2,000 ($500 per year for up to four years). You may receive this award in addition to one of the other freshman awards. To be considered for this award, you must provide proof by March 1 of being designated a Ventures Scholar.

History of Achievement Award ($6,000) -
The History of Achievement Scholarship recognizes select students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have achieved above average academic records in high school while facing significant socioeconomic, educational, cultural or personal challenges. This $6,000 award for educational expenses at USF ($1,500 per year for four years) may be offered in combination with the USF Presidential, USF Directors, USF Scholars, or either USF Green & Gold scholarships.

Scholastic Achievement Award ($6,000) -
The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship recognizes select bi- and multilingual students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have achieved above average academic records in high school while facing significant socioeconomic, educational, cultural or personal challenges. This $6,000 award ($1,500 per year for four years) may be offered in combination with the USF Presidential, USF Directors, USF Scholars, or either USF Green & Gold scholarships.

CLASC Book Scholarship
The CLASC Book Scholarship provides $2,000 ($500 per year for up to four years) and temporary in-state residency for tuition purposes. This scholarship is designed for citizens of Latin American or Caribbean nations (including residents of Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands). To be considered for this award you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.3 (as calculated by USF)
• An 1130+ SAT or 25+ ACT

Note: The above criteria and award amounts may be subject to change.

For further information or questions regarding these scholarship programs contact:

USF Scholarship Coordinator
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave., SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620-6900

E-Mail: scholarship@admin.usf.edu 

Events, activities, programs and facilities of the University of South Florida are open to all without regard to race, color, marital status, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, Vietnam or disabled veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University’s respect for personal dignity. USF is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, specialists and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine.

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