Student Support Resources
Paying for school does not have to feel like a maze. If you follow the right order, it gets a lot simpler. Start with FAFSA® to open the main doors, then check Florida programs, and finish by stacking scholarships. This page is built to help you move quickly, avoid common mistakes, and keep your costs as low as possible.
State & Federal Funding
Want the quickest route with the fewest headaches? Use this order: FAFSA® first, then Florida programs, then scholarships. That simple sequence is where most students pick up the most support—and it helps you avoid last-minute surprises.
Federal Aid
This is the big one. One FAFSA® can unlock grants, work-study, and other support—and many schools use it to decide extra aid too. If you are not sure where to start, start here.
- Submit early so you do not lose time (or options)
- Gather your basics first so you can finish in one sitting
- Know what is free money vs. what must be paid back
- If you get a verification request, handle it quickly
Florida Aid
Florida has programs that can seriously cut down what you pay. Once FAFSA® is in motion, use these official links to check what you qualify for, see what is required, and stay on top of deadlines.
- Use official Florida sources so you get the real requirements
- Check Bright Futures early—some steps take time to complete
- Explore state grants and who they are meant to support
- Keep deadlines on your radar so nothing slips
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships are one of the best ways to lower your bill—because they do not have to be paid back. The trick is not applying to everything. Apply to the right ones, keep your materials ready, and hit deadlines early.
- Make a short list you can actually finish (and finish well)
- Save your basics once: resume, transcript, and a strong short essay
- Double-check what the award covers (tuition, fees, books, housing)
- Stick with verified programs and official sources
Compare Schools & Costs
Before you commit, make sure you are getting real value. A school name is not the same thing as a good outcome. College Scorecard lets you compare costs, graduation rates, and typical earnings in one place.
- Look at total cost, not just tuition
- Check graduation and retention rates
- Compare similar schools side-by-side
- Use the data to ask smarter questions before enrolling
Career & Training Paths
A strong career can come from more than one path. If you are looking at certificates, apprenticeships, or shorter training programs, these tools help you pick a direction that fits your time, budget, and the job market.
- Explore careers by interest, pay range, and location
- See what training leads to real jobs
- Use apprenticeships to earn while you learn
- Turn “not sure” into a clear next step