College of Central Florida/Foundation Scholarships and Talent Grants

Students who receive a CF need-based scholarship or talent grant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded. Academic merit scholarship recipients are not required to file a FAFSA. Students are able to apply for foundation endowed scholarships by completing a scholarship application available online. The application will be kept on file and matched to specific endowed scholarships as they are made available. Reference materials with information about scholarship funds are available in the Enrollment Services Center at the Ocala and Citrus campuses, at the Levy Center, and on the CF website (refer to Financial Aid, Scholarships).

CF has a scholarship application priority deadline of May 1. Applications will be accepted after that date but awards may be reduced for applications received after the priority deadline. (Please refer to the CF Foundation section under General Information for a complete listing of CF Foundation Scholarships and Grants.)

Talent Grants: College of Central Florida and the CF Foundation provide a number of talent grants each year for participation in campus activities. A student must enroll full time in order to receive a talent grant. Talent grant recipients are recommended to the Office of Financial Aid by the appropriate dean, director or program facilitator. Talent grants are provided in athletics, drama, music, dance, theater, publications, activity board, Brain Bowl, gospel choir and forensics.

Ben Mathis Scholarship: CF has established scholarships for presentation each year to the highest-ranking graduating African-American student attending CF from each of the public and private high schools in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties. A student must enroll full time in order to receive a scholarship. Initial recipients must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.8 and be recommended by the principal of the high school. To be considered for renewal of the scholarship, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative CF grade point average of 2.5. Each scholarship is awarded over a four-semester period.

CF Academic Distinction Scholarship: CF has established scholarships for annual presentation to two seniors in each high school in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties. Each scholarship is awarded over a four-semester fall/spring period commencing after high school graduation. The student must enroll full time in order to receive the scholarship. Initial recipients must have a 3.3 GPA to qualify. To be eligible for renewal, a student must maintain a cumulative CF grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Community of Scholars Scholarship: CF has established scholarships for eligible students in the Community of Scholars program (see Honors Programs). Eligible students must be Florida residents and must meet the requirements to participate in the Community of Scholars program. Recommendations for awards are made by the Community of Scholars program advisor to the Office of Financial Aid. See Honors Programs for additional information about the Community of Scholars Program.

CF Foundation High School Scholarship: The CF Foundation has established scholarships for presentation annually to a graduating senior in each public and private high school in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties. Initial recipients must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 and be recommended by the appropriate official at the high school. To be considered for renewal of the scholarship, a student must maintain a cumulative CF grade point average of 2.5 or higher.