Maskay guide

Florida EASE: state aid for residents at participating private colleges

The 2026–27 budget sets $3,500 per qualified student for tuition assistance; participating colleges process and credit the grant.

The William L. Boyd IV Effective Access to Student Education Grant, known as EASE, helps Florida residents enrolled at qualifying independent nonprofit private universities. It is not the same program as the Florida Student Assistance Grant: EASE is processed through participating institutions.

State law defines eligible institutions and students: a Florida-based and chartered nonprofit private university with the required accreditation and bachelor’s programs; the student must be a Florida resident seeking an undergraduate degree full-time. The school must participate and meet program standards. Confirm both residency and the eligible-school list before choosing a campus.

The 2026–27 state budget provides $3,500 per qualified student for tuition assistance. State law directs the institution to credit the payment to the student account for tuition and fees; if funds are insufficient, OSFA may prorate the second term. EASE Plus is a separate incentive for certain upper-level courses in high-demand programs and should not automatically be added to the base amount.

Contact the chosen university’s financial-aid office: the institution certifies eligibility, processes the grant, and may require its own form and residency proof. OSFA publishes the 2026–27 administration memo and eligible-institution lists. Ask about the campus deadline, how other scholarships affect billing, and whether your major may qualify for EASE Plus.

The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.

EASE Grant — 2026 Florida Statutes §1009.89 — Florida Senate.

2026–27 EASE Administration Memo — Florida OSFA.

FY 2026–27 Appropriations Journal — Florida Senate.

Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.

Bottom line

The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website ↗ Primary source Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website ↗ Primary source Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website ↗ Primary source Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant ↗ Primary source Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant ↗ Primary source Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗ Primary source Florida OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website of Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗ Primary source Florida Senate · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.