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UMass Amherst vs University of South Florida Scholarships 2026
Who is it for? University of Massachusetts Amherst may suit applicants who want a larger overall pool of listed grants and a slightly higher merit-award share, while the University of South Florida may appeal to students prioritizing more currently open grants and a slightly higher need-based share. Average award size is very similar between the two schools based on the available scholarship data.
Institution A
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Institution B
University of South Florida
Quick comparison
| Metric | University of Massachusetts Amherst | University of South Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in catalog | 47 | 28 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $1,828 | $1,833 |
| Max award (index signal) | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Open deadlines share | 17% | 46% |
| Merit vs need (approx.) | Merit 55.3% · Need 44.7% | Merit 53.6% · Need 46.4% |
2026 scholarship comparison overview
Based on the available scholarship dataset, the University of Massachusetts Amherst lists 47 grants versus 28 at the University of South Florida. UMass Amherst also shows a slightly higher merit-based share at 55.3%, while USF shows a slightly higher need-based share at 46.4%.
Average award size is nearly identical: $1,828.44 at UMass Amherst and $1,833.33 at USF. The maximum listed award is higher at USF ($6,000) than at UMass Amherst ($5,000). For applicants focused on current opportunities, USF has more open grants in this dataset (13 versus 9).
On source quality within the dataset, UMass Amherst has a slightly higher average credibility score (58.09 versus 56.25). For essay planning, both schools show 0 essay grants in the structured essay field, but linked scholarship titles indicate many essay-oriented opportunities at both institutions, so applicants should still expect to prepare written materials for some awards.
Writing efforts
University of Massachusetts Amherst
For University of Massachusetts Amherst, the structured essay-grant count is 0 and essay field themes are not listed. However, linked scholarship titles repeatedly reference essay guidance, suggesting applicants may encounter writing prompts tied to scholarships across themes such as creativity, study abroad, history, financial need, and department-specific awards.
University of South Florida
For the University of South Florida, the structured essay-grant count is 0 and essay field themes are not listed. Still, linked scholarship titles suggest essay preparation may matter for awards connected to alumni groups, community service, music, LGBTQ+ identity, faculty/staff associations, and family- or donor-named scholarships.
Top grants by university
Largest active university-linked grants first. Each side shows the top three opportunities currently indexed for that school.
The Dandley Internship Award
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $5,000. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
9 requirements
Requirements
$5,000
Award Amount
Dorothy Burkette and Beth Burkette Family Scholarship
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $6,000. Plan to apply by May 23, 2026.
May 23, 2026
23 days left
8 requirements
Requirements
$6,000
Award Amount
Patricia M. Sullivan Scholarship
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $4,000. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
6 requirements
Requirements
$4,000
Award Amount
Pat and Frank Harvey Endowed Scholarship
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $5,000. Plan to apply by May 16, 2026.
May 16, 2026
16 days left
6 requirements
Requirements
$5,000
Award Amount
The Scott J. Bacherman Internship Scholarship
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $3,500. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
9 requirements
Requirements
$3,500
Award Amount
USF Grace Allen Club Scholarship
offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending . The listed award is $3,000. Plan to apply by May 16, 2026.
May 16, 2026
16 days left
8 requirements
Requirements
$3,000
Award Amount
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Compare Massachusetts vs Florida scholarship markets to see how the broader state climate changes the funding picture.
FAQ
Which school has more scholarships listed in this dataset?
Which school has more open grants right now?
Are the average scholarship amounts very different?
Which school leans more toward merit aid versus need-based aid?
Should I expect to write scholarship essays at these schools?
Sources and official pages
Official university and high-authority pages used to support this comparison.
- Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) — government reference
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) — government reference
- NCES College Navigator — government reference
- Peterson’s College Search — high-authority reference
More guides around this comparison
Internal reading paths for students comparing University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of South Florida, with extra scholarship context and essay-writing support.
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