Hi,
I am an incoming freshman attending University of Florida. I was coming to the process with the mindset that I’m going to have to take out some loans during my undergrad, as my family income is only made by one parent- and to put it lightly, they wouldn’t be able to contribute. However, my financial aid package from UF, according to the website, with my Bright Futures (in-state scholarship) is almost 15k a year…Which is enough for room, housing, and maybe even FOOD… I am concerned because my hopes are high but I feel this is too good to be true. I even called the financial adviser and he said these grants are completely accurate and can be used for anything involving the university. Is there some sort of loophole I’m missing? Are they going to give me less for the next 3 years? (the grants are every year.)
You’d have to say what the grants and scholarships are for us to know if the are true, but they probably are. Whether they are for one year or renewable would be spelled out in the grant/scholarship.
the grants are: The pell grant (5,165) Douglas Turner Grant (4,014) and a FL assistance grant (2,610). My bright futures is (2,310)
The Pell and Fl assistance are need based so you will have to apply every year, but if your financial situation stays about the same, the money will be there in future years. I don’t know the Turner grant, so ask if it is renewable.
BF will pay by the credit ($2310 is an estimate of 30 credits per year x $77 per credit) and you’ll get it as long as you continue to qualify. You could get more if you take more than 15 credits per semester or less. You have to take at least 12 credits. I’m pretty sure it ends after 8 semesters. You can’t use it in the summer.
I think you should ask for even more! The Pell, FL Asst, and BF are not grants from UF, (don’t know about Turner), so see if UF has any more money. Did you get work study? If so, you may not need any loans. You have a low EFC and may qualify for more grants.
Congrats.
Nope, no loopholes. 
The Turner grant is a UF-funded program is awarded for undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional need. It’s renewable each year (make sure you complete FAFSA each year). It does require that you complete 12 credit hours a semester, keep a 2.0 GPA, etc. The amount awarded could change each year, based on your changing financial situation, but if things stay about the same, you can expect about the same amount each year.
Congrats and Welcome to the Gator Nation!