Higher education is the key to unlocking your future. Florida state programs can help you navigate the opportunities ahead. Bright Futures, Talented 20, additional sources of student financial aid, and other college-planning resources are listed below.

This page offers college-planning resources unique to Florida, including  higher-education agencies,  higher-education institutions, savings plans,  state financial-aid programs, benefits for veterans, publications and special programs.

Florida Higher-Education Agencies

Florida Department of Education.
University System of Florida.
Florida Association of Community Colleges.

Florida Higher-Education Institutions

• Explore your options at Florida public universities.
• Find a Florida public community college near you.
• View a list of independent Florida colleges and universities.
• Adults returning to school can explore continuing education opportunities.
• Learn about  distance-learning opportunities in Florida.
• Investigate Florida law schools.

Use College Answer's School Search Tool to compare colleges and universities on your list.

Savings Plans

Learn how to finance higher education with:

• Florida Prepaid College Plan.
• Florida College Investment Plan.

State Financial-Aid Programs

Florida offers a variety of financial-aid programs such as grants, scholarships and other awards for students who want to further their education beyond high school.

• Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program rewards students for their academic achievements during high school by providing funding for them to pursue postsecondary educational and career goals in Florida.
• Talented 20 Program  provides eligible students guaranteed admission to one of 11 state universities in Florida.
• Florida Student Assistance Grant program offers aid to eligible students.
• Other Florida scholarship and grant programs.

Important: To qualify for federal and state financial aid, you must file the FAFSA. To ensure priority consideration for Florida state scholarships and grants, your FAFSA must be submitted online or postmarked by May 15.

Benefits for Veterans

• Florida Department of Veterans Affair: Veterans Education.
• Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and  Servicemembers.
• Institutions With Approved Programs For Veterans To Receive Educational Benefits.

Publications

• State University System of Florida Facts and Figures.
• Florida Leader: The Magazine for Florida Students.
• Publications for Florida students, parents, and counselors.

Special Programs

• Florida Minority Teacher Education Scholarship to minority students wanting to become teachers in Florida's public school system.
• Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students helps you evaluate and plan your high-school progress to prepare you to enter the workforce or enroll in college.