Bright Futures in Florida doesn’t cover tuition. Used to, but no longer. It is either $77 of $103 per credit, depending on your level, which comes out to about $2300 or $3100 per year. Tuition is about $6500 at most schools, and there are other costs and fees. Many people in Florida purchase prepaid tuition plans when their kids are young, so their ‘need’ is met with their own money. There are a few other scholarships associated with all the state schools, but I know a lot of kids who were paying $15000 or more even after BF. Loans are included in ‘meeting need’. Pell and other federal money are included.
Just because it says 95% are getting need met doesn’t mean 95% are getting grants or scholarships or free money. Loans, work study, etc. are part of it, and also determining that a student has no need because anything above the EFC has been covered is also a part of it.