I’m wondering if the new change to that scholarship in Florida to offer NMFs OOS cost of attendance has really opened up at a lot more options to those who really would have only considered UCF before? Since I am expecting my daughter will end up a NMF and we had been heavily researching UCF due to all they offer NMF students, I am now torn because I assume I should also now look into UF, USF, etc? We live in Maine so when we get down there to tour I need to make the most of it and know which schools are serious contenders. I know this change in that scholarship (is it called Benaquisto?) is new this year but for anyone who has compared these schools already, I would love your input.
For what it is worth, my daughter would be some sort of pre-med major. What I have read about the Burnett Honors College at UCF is really appealing and as a parent, I like the fact that Orlando is a little more accessible to the airport too. However, I assume if there is a chance she could go for free to the other schools as well that we need to investigate?! thoughts?
@FrozenMaineMom , as an NMF, your D can go for free COA to certain of the FL schools, including UF, FSU, UCF, USF. The extension of the OOS NMF award (Benacquisto) was only signed a few months ago but is effective for students entering fall of 2018. My OOS son will be a recipient at FSU as a freshman this fall. You should absolutely look into UF and FSU, at the least. Miami is also an option because though private the Benacquisto will give your D about $22,000 there and Miami will stack their other merit awards on Benacquisto. She could, for example, get $23,000 President award from Miami and then Benacquisto and have near full tuition. Or she could get one of the 100 full tuition Singer Scholarships to Miami and then Benacquisto would pay room and board. You should definitely check it out.
The difference between Benacquisto and the current UCF NMF award is that Benacquisto is perhaps more subject to defunding over the next 4 years, as the Florida Legislature could always limit or even defund the program in an economic downturn. But the schools know this is an issue. Ask each school how they would handle it. For example, FSU will honor the Benacquisto award for my son if the FL govt ever changed the program. While we are on FSU, I cannot recommend it enough. It has a great honors program and is a much different vibe and campus feel than UF. UF may be higher ranked, but that will bring with it a lot more premed competition in classes where your D will need high grades. Feel free to PM me if you have any FSU questions.
Thank you so much vistajay for the information!! Although I know I probably need to spend the time to visit each of these schools before she decides, I wish I could find something that really compares each to each other so I do not have to spend the time or money on the ones that she might be able to rule out…wishful thinking I guess 
My daughter will be at UCF- Honors college and Burnett Medical Scholar as OOS NMF. UCF is setting aside the $ in case Benacquisto isn’t extended to oos going forward. There’s also guaranteed housing/ honors housing has apartment style/own bedroom/ full sized beds/ no meal plan requirement. Honors college allows full year registration which is amazing!
@LRSTL314, Do you mind posting your daughter’s stats/ECs? My son (rising senior) is a likely OOS NMF and is interested in the Medical Scholars Program. Also, do you know how many students were accepted into the BMS program?
Sorry for the delay.
1/376
4.0 uw
4.508 weighted
1570 SAT
Speech and debate, hosa, nhs, science honor society, Spanish honor society
A student at orientation told me there were 35 bms kids this year.