Benacquisto is a state merit scholarship for high-school graduates recognized as National Merit Scholars. The 2026–27 fact sheet does not list a flat award: it calculates aid each term from the institution’s cost of attendance for an in-state student and subtracts applicable Florida Bright Futures and National Merit awards. The cost-of-attendance budget may include tuition, housing, books, and other official components, but that does not mean students automatically receive unrestricted cash or that every individual expense is covered.
For the 2026 cohort, OSFA requires Florida residency, a standard state diploma or a listed exception, National Merit Scholar recognition, U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and full-time enrollment—at least 12 credits per term or quarter equivalent—in a bachelor’s program at an eligible regionally accredited Florida public or independent institution. A finalist becomes a Scholar through a National Merit $2,500, corporate-sponsored, or college-sponsored award; certain special corporate and Presidential awards do not qualify. The fact sheet lists nine college sponsors for that cohort.
The fact sheet says no separate initial application is required, but that does not remove the decisive steps: correctly selecting the sponsoring college as the first choice with the National Merit Corporation, gaining admission, confirming the campus reports eligibility to OSFA, and enrolling. Since July 2026, state law allows the initial award to be deferred for up to one year; the agency describes enrolling in the immediate fall or deferring, at the latest, until the second fall after graduation. Renewal requires earning credit for all enrolled hours and maintaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA. The fact sheet reviewed is for 2026–27; students graduating in 2027 should wait for and verify their own cycle’s document.
Before accepting aid, confirm in writing who decides eligibility, which costs are covered, how renewal works, and which deadline applies to your cohort. Compare the award with the net cost at your school.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; your institution’s aid office can verify your individual case.
Benacquisto 2026–27: ficha oficial del programa — Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Estatuto de Florida §1009.893: Benacquisto — Florida Senate.
Florida adopta aplazamiento de un año para Benacquisto — Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Register.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates and funding can change by cycle; confirm current terms with the agency and your school’s financial-aid office before enrolling.
Confirm the active cycle, aid already applied, and final balance before committing to tuition or housing.
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Benacquisto Scholarship Program
Benacquisto is a state merit scholarship for high-school graduates recognized as National Merit Scholars. The 2026–27 fact sheet does not list a flat award: it calculates aid each term from the institution’s cost of attendance for an in-state student and subtracts applicable Florida Bright Futures and National Merit awards. The cost-of-attendance budget may include tuition, housing, books, and other official components, but that does not mean students automatically receive un
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Register · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Benacquisto Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Benacquisto Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Register · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.