222 S. Copeland St. Tallahassee, FL
- Rating: A+
- 29,579 Students
- Public
Description
Florida State University (FSU), located in Tallahassee, is a public research university renowned for its comprehensive academic offerings and vibrant campus atmosphere. As a leading institution in the State University System of Florida, FSU is classified as an R1 doctoral university, reflecting its commitment to high-level research across a wide spectrum of disciplines. The university fosters a strong sense of community, highlighted by its spirited athletics, particularly the Seminoles, and its diverse student body. With a historic campus in the state capital, FSU provides a rich educational experience that combines academic rigor with a dynamic social environment.
National Merit
National Merit Finalist / Benacquisto Scholarship
Florida Resident
- Eligibility: National Merit Finalists graduating with a standard high school diploma.
- If you are a National Merit Finalist, you must list FSU as your first-choice institution by May 1.
- Award Amount: Full in-state cost of attendance
- The award is equal to the institutional cost of attendance for an in-state student minus the sum of Bright Futures and any National Merit award. Please note that the value of the Bright Futures can vary each term based on credit hour enrollment, so the overall total of the Benacquisto Award can fluctuate per student. The Benacquisto Scholarship disbursement can range between $16,000 – $25,000 per year, but it will always equal the full in-state cost of attendance.
- Please visit Florida Student Financial Aid for detailed Benacquisto renewal information.
- This scholarship guarantees admission into FSU’s distinguished University Honors Program once National Merit Finalist standing has been confirmed. In addition, all National Merit Finalists who apply to the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during the first year, which connects high-achieving students with distinguished research mentors to work as research assistants, will be guaranteed admission to UROP.
Out-of-State Resident
- Eligibility: National Merit Finalists graduating with a standard high school diploma.
- If you are a National Merit Finalist, you must list FSU as your first-choice institution by May 1.
- Award Amount: 100 percent out-of-state tuition waiver, $16,000 Vires Scholarship
- Florida State University’s Out-of-State National Merit Award scholarship package has a total value of approximately $75,776 distributed across four years. It includes a 100 percent out-of-state tuition waiver, a $16,000*, Vires scholarship, and a $2000 NMSC stipend (if college sponsored).
- This scholarship guarantees admission into FSU’s distinguished University Honors Program once National Merit Finalist standing has been confirmed. In addition, all National Merit Finalists who apply to the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during the first year, which connects high-achieving students with distinguished research mentors to work as research assistants, will be guaranteed admission to UROP.
- For more information, please visit our renewal requirements page.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Presidential Scholars Program and Scholarship
- The Presidential Scholars program is open to high school seniors who are admitted into the Florida State University Honors Program.
- The scholarship has a total value of 42,000*, plus an out-of-state tuition waiver valued at $57,776 distributed across four years.
- Students who apply to the University Honors Program will automatically be considered for this scholarship program, which is invitation-only following an interview process. Detailed information about the selection process for the Presidential Scholars program can be found here.
Vires Scholarship
- The Vires Scholarship is an award for Florida Residents inspired by the Latin word Vires, one of the three torches found on our university seal symbolizing strength. Students who are given this award have demonstrated excellence in a rigorous academic setting.
- Applicants are automatically considered for the Vires Scholarship. A separate application is not required. The Florida State University’s Vires Scholarship is a total amount of $16,000*, which will be distributed throughout eight semesters in $2,000 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring term.
- This scholarship would be in addition to any other merit-based awards offered at the time of admission and the Bright Futures Scholarship awarded to qualifying Florida residents.
Last Updated: April 2025