Hello! I am going to college for nursing, and am considering Kesier University. However it is private. What is the difference between private and public colleges when it comes to aid. Do they accept the FAFSA and bright futures? I’ve been told that they’re a lot more expensive with less options to pay less. Thanks.
As a rule, Florida public universities are very affordable, tuition for a year is about $6,000 to $6,600 a year (30 credits).
Private Universities will be more expensive, with tuition being 2 to 9 times higher. As an example, Keiser is about $20,000 a year.
Florida Bright Futures can be used at any Florida Public or Private university. The highest level BF pays out 100% tuition at a public university (about $6,000 a year), plus $300 a semester for books. At UF, UCF, etc, that would cover almost 100% of tuition, while at Keiser, it would be $6,000 toward the $20,000 tuition, still leaving you with $14,000 (before other aid and grants).
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/admin/SAWELIGPSI_ByProg.asp?ByProg=BF
https://www.collegegrant.net/florida/
Schools can also offer merit and need-based aid (which stack with Bright Futures).
Here is an example of merit-based scholarships offered by USF. Note that these are weighted GPAs:
http://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admissions-scholarships/index.aspx
USF Presidential Award $20,000 ($5,000 per year)
4.30+ GPA and 1470+ SAT (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) or
32+ ACT
USF Directors Award $16,000 ($4,000 per year)
4.00+ GPA and 1360+ SAT (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) or
29+ ACT
USF Scholars Award $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
3.80+ GPA and 1260+ SAT (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) or
26+ ACT
Need-based aid is based on your family financial situation. We have federal aid (Pell Grant), state aid, and then institution (school) grants/aid.
The FSAG is an example of a state sponsored need-based grant program.
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/factsheets/FSAG.pdf
Finally, you could also be offered student loans.
I would highly recommend you use the “Net Price Calculator” at a few schools, including Keiser, to get an estimate of the amount of aid you may qualify for, including work study.
Good Luck!