National Merit Finalist Scholarship (Florida State University)

National Merit Finalists who name Florida State as their first choice are automatically considered for FSU's top National Merit award. Florida residents receive the state's Benacquisto Scholarship, which covers the full in-state cost of attendance on top of Bright Futures. Non-Florida residents instead receive a package worth about $91,808 over four years, combining a full out-of-state tuition waiver with the Vires Scholarship and an NMSC stipend where applicable.

Eligibility

DemographicsRequires admission to Florida State University and National Merit Finalist status with FSU named as first choice — automatic consideration, no separate FSU application.

Applying

Florida residents: full in-state cost of attendance via the state's Benacquisto Scholarship, on top of Bright Futures (disbursement typically $16,000-$25,000/year). Non-residents: about $91,808 over four years (full out-of-state tuition waiver + $16,000 Vires Scholarship + NMSC stipend where applicable). FSU's page attributes the $91,808 figure to students admitted starting Fall 2024; confirm the current-year total with FSU Admissions before relying on the exact number.