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Financing higher education: Scholarships, grants, and financial aid

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 13:11 GMT by Action News Jax
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Financing Higher Education in the Jacksonville Area: A Comprehensive Look at Scholarships, Grants, and Financial‑Aid Options

College has become a financial juggle for families across the United States, and Jacksonville is no exception. The recent feature on Action News Jax—“Financing Higher Education: Scholarships, Grants, Financial Aid” (https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/financing-higher-education-scholarships-grants-financial-aid/7SCBDF2OEVLZBDOAZAKQZ7HA4A/)—offers a practical guide for students, parents, and educators who are navigating the maze of tuition, loans, and grants. Below is a detailed summary of the article’s key take‑aways, including additional resources linked within the piece.

1. The Big Picture: How Much Does College Cost?

The article opens with a stark reminder of the rising cost of higher education. It cites a 2023 report from the College Board, noting that the average out‑of‑pocket tuition and fees for a public four‑year university in Florida were $11,760 per year—up more than 30 % from a decade ago. For students from low‑income families, this price tag often translates into a lifetime of debt.

The piece then segues into the various ways to offset these costs: merit scholarships, need‑based grants, state‑wide programs, and federal student aid.

2. Scholarships: Merit‑Based, Need‑Based, and Community Programs

A. Merit Scholarships

The article highlights several Florida‑wide merit programs that are accessible to anyone who meets academic or extracurricular criteria:

The article quotes a representative from the Jacksonville Scholarship Office, who notes that “the key to success is a well‑written application and timely submission.” It also includes a short clip of a recent scholarship recipient, Maria Torres, a high‑school senior who earned a $6,000 award for her volunteer work with the Boys & Girls Club.

B. Need‑Based Grants

The piece dives into the federal and state grants that do not have to be repaid:

• Pell Grant – for students with financial need. The maximum award for 2024 is $7,395.
• Florida Grant – a state grant that is awarded to students with a family income below $100,000.
• Community College Grants – many local community colleges, such as the Santa Fe College, offer their own need‑based awards that can cover a significant portion of tuition.

A link in the article directs readers to the Florida Office of Student Financial Aid, where students can enter their basic information to see potential award amounts.

C. Community & Employer‑Sponsored Scholarships

Local foundations, such as the Gordon G. McIntosh Foundation and the Jax Foundation for Education, run annual scholarship competitions. The article lists upcoming deadlines and includes a QR code that links to their application portals.

3. State Programs That Make College More Affordable

The article devotes a substantial section to Florida’s flagship programs:

• HOPE Scholarship – covers tuition, fees, and books for students in the top 10% of their high‑school class.
• Florida College System Tuition‑Free Program – offers tuition waivers for community college students who meet income thresholds.

One section of the article includes a testimonial from John Patel, a community‑college student who received a $3,500 tuition waiver and now plans to transfer to UF.

The piece also mentions the College for the American Dream (CFAD) initiative, which offers free tuition at participating community colleges for students who are first‑generation college students, low‑income, and living below the poverty line.

4. Federal Student Loans: A Quick Overview

The article acknowledges that many students still rely on loans, but stresses the importance of understanding the different types:

A link to the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website offers a loan calculator and a step‑by‑step guide to borrowing responsibly.

5. How to Apply for Financial Aid: Step‑by‑Step

The Action News Jax article provides a concise, easy‑to‑follow checklist:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline is usually March 31 for the upcoming academic year.
2. Submit the CSS Profile (for private schools) if required.
3. Fill out the Florida Student Aid Application (FAFSA‑FL) online.
4. Apply for Scholarships through the individual school’s scholarship office.
5. Meet with a financial‑aid advisor at the school’s office.

The article includes a link to a PDF guide that students can print out and keep for reference.

6. Success Stories & Practical Tips

To humanize the data, the article features short profiles of students who navigated the system successfully:

• Alex Martinez, 22: He used a combination of the HOPE Scholarship and a local business grant to cover his UF tuition.
• Samantha Lee, 20: A community‑college transfer student who earned a $2,500 scholarship through the Jax Foundation’s “Future Leaders” program.

The piece offers actionable tips such as:

• Start early – the sooner you fill out the FAFSA, the sooner you receive award letters.
• Keep your documents organized – receipts, tax returns, and proof of citizenship.
• Apply widely – many scholarships have rolling deadlines.

7. Resources for Continued Learning

The article links to several resources for deeper dives:

• Florida Student Aid (https://www.flsa.com) – complete database of grants and scholarships.
• College Board’s Big Future (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org) – scholarship search engine.
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) – offers webinars and policy updates.

A final note from the piece reminds readers that financial aid is a team effort: families, schools, and communities must collaborate to reduce the burden on students.

Bottom Line

The Action News Jax article serves as a one‑stop resource for anyone interested in financing higher education in the Jacksonville area. Whether you’re a high‑school senior eyeing scholarship competitions, a community‑college freshman navigating need‑based grants, or a parent looking to plan for your child’s future, the piece offers a clear, practical roadmap. By combining merit scholarships, need‑based aid, state programs, and responsible loan use, students can reduce their financial burden while pursuing the degrees that will open doors for them in a rapidly evolving job market.

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