The starting point
DRAFT: UWF publishes a transparent GPA/test merit grid (up to $32,000 total for out-of-state students), plus three named full-ride competitions, and its merit awards stack with Bright Futures and private scholarships up to direct costs.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 5 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship (Academic Excellence, Nautilus, and Argonaut Awards)
$8,000-$16,000 total (FL/AL) or $8,000-$32,000 total (out-of-state); $2,000-$8,000/year · Published range
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: 3.70+ cumulative weighted (tiers at 3.70-3.79, 3.80-3.99, 4.00+) · SAT: 1160+ (tiers at 1160-1250, 1260-1390, 1400+) · ACT: 24+ (tiers at 24-26, 27-30, 31+)
Eligibility: CLT 79+ accepted (tiers at 79-88, 89-100, 101+); certain subject-area subscores also required; complete application file by Dec. 1, 2025; summer/fall 2026 entrants only
Renewal: Generally, a 3.00 cumulative UWF GPA is required for renewal. Renewable UWF scholarships require continuous, full-time enrollment of 12+ credit hours, excluding summer, at UWF with good academic standing. Students must also complete at least 24 credit hours per academic year. Once lost due to academics, a scholarship will not be reinstated if GPA improves. Applicable for eight consecutive semesters (fall and spring only).
Other terms: Page says awards are 'based on GPA and test scores' but also that 'Eligibility is not a guarantee of an award,' so this is not marked automatic. Scholarship coverage excludes summer terms. Awarded students notified in December.
https://uwf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-and-financial-aid/awards-and-scholarships/freshman-scholarships/
Pace Presidential Scholarship
Full ride (tuition, mandatory fees, meal plan, on-campus housing, $800/semester book stipend, plus up to $1,500 experience) · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Florida residents only; select students invited to President's Scholarship Competition; complete application file by Dec. 1, 2025
Renewal: Renewal criteria section applies: generally 3.00 cumulative UWF GPA, continuous full-time enrollment, 24 credit hours per academic year, eight consecutive semesters.
Other terms: Works in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures; 'The award will not exceed direct costs.' Students who don't win keep their original Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship.
https://uwf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-and-financial-aid/awards-and-scholarships/freshman-scholarships/
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
Full tuition and mandatory fees + meal plan + on-campus housing + $800/semester textbook stipend + up to $1,500 experience · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: National Merit Finalist standing
Renewal: Renewal criteria section applies: generally 3.00 cumulative UWF GPA, continuous full-time enrollment, 24 credit hours per academic year, eight consecutive semesters.
Other terms: Recipients are named UWF Top Scholars.
https://uwf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-and-financial-aid/awards-and-scholarships/freshman-scholarships/
Ask before you decide
- Which entering-year policy and residency category apply to us? What are the admission and scholarship deadlines?
- What grades and credits are required to renew, and for how many terms?
- How would other school awards or outside scholarships change the offer?
Recorded stacking policy: UWF merit awards stack with Bright Futures, private scholarships, and federal funds. The Admissions Merit Scholarship is applied first to direct costs (tuition/fees, on-campus housing, meal plans); Bright Futures applies to tuition and fees; private/federal funds cover any remaining balance and excess is disbursed to the student. The need-based UWF Financial Aid Scholarship, however, cannot be stacked with Admissions scholarships, and the Pace Presidential award is capped at direct costs.
Our unanswered questions / Family notes
