Admissions
Types of Financial Aid
CF students have a lot of options when it comes to paying for college! Applying for financial aid is an easy process, and it should be done as early as possible to ensure you get the maximum possible amount. Keep in mind that many types of financial aid require you to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file in order to be eligible. Explore the different aid options below.
Florida Bright Futures
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a state scholarship awarded to Florida high school graduates who demonstrate high academic achievement. You can apply for Bright Futures through your high school guidance counselor office or the Florida Department of Education website.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Through the William D. Ford Direct Loans Program, you can cover any remaining college costs after grants and scholarships. Any direct student loans will need to be repaid, so borrow wisely! Full information on the loan program can be found on the CF college catalog.
Scholarships
CF Scholarships are administered by the Office of Financial Aid. We have a vast array of scholarships available each year. Awards are based on financial need, scholastic achievement and/or demonstrated skills and talents. Thanks to many generous donors, we also have a vast array of scholarships offered by the CF Foundation for students in specific majors, for service experience, for graduates from particular high schools, etc. Scholarships will be awarded until funds are depleted.
To receive a scholarship, you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours during the semester(s) for which the scholarship is awarded. Eligibility for students in college for the first time will initially be based on their high school GPA. All students applying for a scholarship should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as many scholarships are need based and utilize information provided on the FAFSA. If a FAFSA is not submitted, the student will only be considered for a limited number of scholarships. You can file your FAFSA online at www.studentaid.gov.
If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please complete and submit the online application. The Office of Financial Aid begins processing applications in May and continues throughout the academic year until all funds are allocated. The award process may take several months. You will be notified in writing if you are selected to receive a scholarship.
Students receiving an endowed scholarship must submit a thank you letter to the donor as stated in the scholarship award letter.
To apply online for scholarships:
- Log in to the MyCF Student Portal (you must have a student ID number, which is generated when you submit an admissions application to CF)
- Select the Financial Aid tab at the top of the page
- Select My Financial Aid
- Select the Scholarship Application link and complete all requested information and ONLY SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ONCE for each academic year
Grants
Grants are financial disbursements that you do not need to pay back. Typically, grants are given based on financial need, while scholarships are based on merit. Grants may be offered if a student is determined to have financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Examples of grants would include federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, and the CF Talent Grant.
Federal Work-Study
The federal work study program is for students with financial need. Students may be employed at a CF campus or in a community service position. Students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, work on average 12 to 14 hours a week and meet Standards of Academic Progress.
Students may be offered work-study as part of the overall financial aid award in their award notification letter; however, if work-study was not offered, the student may wish to inquire about eligibility by visiting the Office of Financial Aid.
For more information, view our Federal Work Study Handbook.
Not sure if you’ll qualify for aid? Most students are eligible for some kind of financial assistance. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program, and be in good standing (not in default) on any prior student loans.