Bright Futures Exceptions

Exception Practices

There are a number of general exceptions to standard Bright Futures activity, many of which are listed below along with additional information. 

Hours Requirement

Students who need less than 6 credit hours to graduate may receive FAS and FMS awards under the 6 hour requirement by applying for graduation through MyFSU and then contacting the Office of Financial Aid to request a final term disbursement. Email fa-ofascholarships@fsu.edu directly to request a final term disbursement.

Graduate Programs

An FAS or FMS scholarship recipient who graduates with a baccalaureate degree in seven or fewer semesters, or in 105 semester hours or fewer, may receive funding for one semester of graduate study not to exceed 15 credit hours paid at the undergraduate rate. Graduate school funding must be used within the applicable scholarship length and graduate student eligibility is determined by the state Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Transient Students

FSU will include approved transient enrollment hours in Bright Futures awards according to the per credit hour award amount for the type of institution attended. Students must complete the transient enrollment process to include transient hours. 

Programs Over 120 Hours

Students enrolled in academic programs that require more than 120 hours to complete can appeal for additional Bright Futures funding. Appeals for additional funding may be submitted through the Florida Department of Education. FSU has very few programs that require more than 120 hours and this does not apply to double majors, dual degrees, or instances where a student may need to take additional coursework to meet the requirements of a regular 120 credit hour program (ex: due to major changes, classes taken out of order, etc.). 

2nd Bachelor's Degree / Non-Credit Coursework

Students are no longer eligible for Bright Futures once they have completed the requirements for their first Bachelor's degree and cannot be paid for non-degree courses.

Three/Two Programs

Students who are enrolled in combined Bachelor's / Master's degree programs will be paid at the undergraduate rate until their status is fully changed to Graduate. At that point if the student meets the state eligibility for Graduate payment they may be paid under the same rules for a Graduate One-Term Payment (up to 15 hours at the undergraduate rate for one term).

Study Abroad

Students may receive Bright Futures for study abroad enrollment as long as the enrollment meets the minimum hours requirement (6 credit hours) and is applicable to be applied toward their degree. FSU Study Abroad requires no additional steps and will pay at the the regular FSU rate (FAS = $213.55/hour, FMS = $160.16/hour). Students enrolled in a non-FSU program must complete additional steps to confirm transient credit transfer approval and, if the program is not sponsored by a Florida institution, must work through the FSU Office of Financial Aid and the Study Abroad program to complete a Consortium agreement to confirm costs and enrollment before aid can be disbursed.