<p>Catria did a fine job on chances, so lets talk financials.</p>
<p>First, make sure you qualify as an in-state student.</p>
<p>[University</a> of Florida - Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/residency/qualifying.html]University”>http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/residency/qualifying.html)</p>
<p>It does require that “the claimant (the student or dependent student’s parent/legal guardian who is claiming residency) to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The student or guardian ‘resident’ must have established and maintained a legal Florida residence at least 12 months before the first day of the semester for which in-state status is sought.”</p>
<p>Next, make sure you qualify for Bright Futures. Try for the “Florida Academic Scholars” level though you should at least qualify for the “Florida Medallion Scholars” level.</p>
<p>[Florida</a> Student Scholarship and Grant Programs](<a href=“Home - Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs”>Home - Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs)</p>
<p>[USF:</a> USFAS - Bright Futures Scholarships](<a href=“http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/other/Bright_Futures.aspx]USF:”>http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/other/Bright_Futures.aspx)</p>
<p>Make sure they accept your community hours (the hours need to be approved by your school). If not, then start working on them as soon as possible. You need 75 hours for the Florida Medallion Scholars and 100 for the Florida Academic Scholars.</p>
<p>In General (it’s slightly different for each school), for the Florida Universities, expect the following cost (all ball parked):</p>
<p>Tuition: $6,300-$6,400 (a year =30 credits)
Room and Board: $9,000
Books and other cost: $5,000</p>
<p>If you’re able to live at home and commute, you will cut down your cost by almost 1/2(room and board). So you should apply to USF/USFSP, in case you want to use that option. It’s also why going to your local CC could make financial sense. </p>
<p>The Florida schools do give need based aid (it varies by school). You can use the net price calculator for each school to get an estimate on your cost (and how much need based aid you may be awarded).</p>
<p>Below is the link to USF’s net price calculator. It’s under “Get Started”.</p>
<p>[USF:</a> University Scholarships & Financial Aid Services](<a href=“http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/]USF:”>http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/)</p>
<p>[USF:</a> USFAS](<a href=“http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/npc/npc.aspx]USF:”>http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/npc/npc.aspx)</p>
<p>Apply to a few of the schools, as you want to see which ones gives you the best aid. You may notice that the better the school (UF/FSU, etc) the more need based aid that’s available.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>