Paying for College


Since most colleges, universities, and technical colleges charge tuition, it's crucial for students and families to grasp the critical components of financing a higher education. Here are some of the options available to cover these costs.

FAFSA

Many students use financial aid, which is the funding offered to qualified students who attend postsecondary education institutions.


Additional Funding with Federal CTP Approval

If the postsecondary education program the student chooses is an approved federal Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), qualified students with intellectual disabilities can receive:

  • Federal Pell Grant - A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need. Unlike loans, the Pell Grant does not have to be paid back except under certain circumstances.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional needs.
  • Work-Study funding - A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while students are enrolled in school to help pay their education expenses.

FPCTP Scholarships

Scholarship funds are available annually to eligible students who physically attend a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP). Scholarships are available only to eligible students, defined as a student with an intellectual disability. Students must not receive services funded through the Florida Education Finance Program or a scholarship (i.e., Opportunity Scholarship Program, The Gardiner Scholarship, The John M. McKay Scholarship, or the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program). Students must show satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to maintain scholarship eligibility.

Scholarship awards typically range from $7,000 to $15,000. The specific amount a student receives depends on the characteristics and total cost of the program they choose. If a student decides to use the program's housing option, the scholarship award will consider this additional cost.

There is no application for students to receive the scholarship. The FPCTP is responsible for requesting student scholarships from FCSUA. The scholarship funds are then distributed to the institution's financial office.

Average Cost of FPCTP Attendance by Institution Type

Universities

  • Off Campus Resident: $12,555
  • On Campus Resident: $23,966

State Colleges

  • $5,493

Technical Colleges

  • $5,269