@FSUdad93 – as always, thanks for the wisdom and the thoughtful response. I agree that they should grandfather kids in if they make a change going forward, but my understanding is they did not do that with Bright Futures when they ran into money issues, and those kids were all in state, so I fear they would in fact strand OOS if they felt it was necessary.
I am also sure, as I’d bet most people on this board are, that OOS demand for this scholarship is going to explode next year, limited only by an applicant’s ability to get into UF, which will become the go-to destination for OOS students who otherwise wouldn’t be interested in the less competitive Florida schools that already have been offering generous awards to OOS NMFs. No doubt Florida schools that currently aggressively recruit NMFs, such as UCF, will shift the costs of their programs to the state. I think the legislature is going to be shocked when they see how many NMFs are in the UF Class of 2023, which will have to be added to the NMFs who will also be attending the 5 five eligible Florida schools. What remains to be seen is how willing the legislature is going to be to fund this when it sees how popular it becomes next year, and whether, if it decides to impose limits, it will do the right thing and grandfather in current participants.
Also, I respectfully disagree that the student becomes in state once s/he moves to Florida for school. Carefully read the excerpt you included in your post – “Living in or attending school in Florida will not, in itself, establish legal residence. Students who depend upon out-of-state parents for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.” Of course, an argument could be made that if the student is receiving a full COA scholarship s/he is no longer a dependent, but that argument would fall apart if they pull the scholarship, so I don’t think it would be a winner!
Today is the day NMSC starts mailing the $2500 awards I believe (?). Does anyone know if it will show up in the portal before snail mail arrives? We live in a competitive state so I’m not holding my breath, but obviously it would be a welcome surprise. Good luck to all!
@DiotimaDM , I know others have answered this but it was explained to us that Scholars are anyone who receives a NM Scholarship, including the college-sponsored ones. The UCF rep went over the specifics. Congratulations!
My daughter ended up choosing a non-sponsor school, so the only way she can be considered a scholar is if she wins the NMSC $2500 scholarship. Her school does give a scholarship to NMF’s, but they aren’t a sponsor school.
I have become so programmed now to wait for school/program/scholarship news. So here I am anxiously wanting to find out about a $2,500 award that I don’t think will change his financial package at Louisville at all.
Ha ha @LOUKYDAD, if S were to win an NMSC $2500 award I believe his total scholarship package at UTD could go DOWN (UTD NM Scholar official award is $3k spread out over four years) and still I’m interested in whether S got the NMSC award! :))
