Private scholarships are available from many sources and can be based on a variety of criteria. Check with businesses, civic groups, banks, credit unions, schools, associations, churches, etc. Many of these local groups will offer annual scholarships, so keep your eyes open for opportunities throughout the year.
For more information about private scholarships, including a comprehensive list of scholarships that are available, visit FSU Student Business Services Private Scholarships.
Check nationally through valid, free search sites that will point you to scholarships that may match your interests or attributes. Some of the best web searches include:
Private scholarships must be reported as outside aid. They are a financial resource that will be used in determining your need for other aid. Your financial aid award may be adjusted based on receipt of scholarships at any time during the academic year.
Please mail your Private Scholarship Check to:
Private Scholarships
1500A University Center
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2398
Scholarship Scams!
Beware of any scholarship search service that charges a fee. The information that you are paying for could be obtained through another source at no cost. Visit the Federal Student Aid site on How to Avoid Student Aid Scams for guidance on how to identify and avoid scholarship scams.
Submitting Scholarship Letters
This sample scholarship letter provides a sample format for inquiring about private student aid funds. Of course, you must first identify foundations and organizations which offer such assistance in advance of any application deadlines. You can get help finding the names and addresses of private aid sources by conducting a scholarship search on the Internet or from a reference librarian in your public library or local school. Once you have obtained contact information you will need to customize this letter to reflect your own background and needs.
Highlighted Scholarships
Deeb Scholarship
- Application period is every March 1st to May 31st. Applications submitted before or after will not be considered.
- Applicant must be either adopted or an orphan
- Legal documentation verifying status must accompany this scholarship application
- If applying as a need-based student, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to applying for this scholarship.
- Must have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA (grade point average)
- Must enroll full-time - no exceptions - to receive scholarship. Undergraduates: minimum of 12 credits per term. Graduates: minimum of 9 credits per term.
- Our preferred method of application submission is email. Please email applications to: FA-ofascholarships@fsu.edu.
Southern Scholarship Foundation - Housing Scholarship
Scholarship housing for qualified students
- The Southern Scholarship Foundation provides the opportunity for students to live in a community of 9-29 scholars in a home like environment.
- Students pay a minimal stipend for their living expenses, while sharing the some of the responsibility for the day-to day living.
- Residents work cooperatively to plan meals and maintain the house, and students have the opportunity to make friends, and study together.
Qualifications:
- Acceptance to the University -applicants must be accepted to the university.
- Financial Need - Students must demonstrate financial aid as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- Academic Merit - Applicants must have at least a 3.00 GPA (unweighted).
- Outstanding Character - Applicants must demonstrate character through their essay submission and through character references
- Motivation - Applicants should be highly motivated to contribute to a cooperative living atmosphere.
Please see the website for additional details and application information. This is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated students.