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Eastern Florida State College vs University of Massachusetts Amherst 2026
Who is it for? Eastern Florida State College offers a higher percentage of merit-based aid, while the University of Massachusetts Amherst has a greater need-based aid percentage. Applicants should consider their financial needs and strengths in merit when choosing between these institutions.
Institution A
Eastern Florida State College
Institution B
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Quick comparison
| Metric | Eastern Florida State College | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in catalog | 236 | 47 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $897 | $1,828 |
| Max award (index signal) | $4,380 | $5,000 |
| Open deadlines share | 100% | 23% |
| Merit vs need (approx.) | Merit 69.5% · Need 30.5% | Merit 55.3% · Need 44.7% |
Financial Aid Overview
In 2026, Eastern Florida State College provides a merit aid percentage of 69.5%, with an average grant amount of $897. The maximum grant available is $4,380, and there are 236 grants currently open. Conversely, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has a need-based aid percentage of 44.7%, with an average grant amount of $1,828.44 and a maximum of $5,000, but only 11 open grants are available.
Writing efforts
Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College has a variety of scholarship essay themes focusing on personal experiences and community involvement.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst emphasizes crafting compelling essays that highlight academic achievements and future aspirations.
Top grants by university
Largest active university-linked grants first. Each side shows the top three opportunities currently indexed for that school.
Coastal Ambulance Scholarship
Eastern Florida State College offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Eastern Florida State College. The listed award is $4,380. Plan to apply by May 18, 2026.
May 18, 2026
30 days left
6 requirements
Requirements
$4,380
Award Amount
The Dandley Internship Award
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. 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
Johnson Scholars Foundation DirectConnect Scholarship
Eastern Florida State College offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Eastern Florida State College. The listed award is $4,000. Plan to apply by May 18, 2026.
May 18, 2026
30 days left
8 requirements
Requirements
$4,000
Award Amount
Direct to student
Patricia M. Sullivan Scholarship
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. 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
Christine Spezzano Memorial Scholarship
Eastern Florida State College offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Eastern Florida State College. The listed award is $4,000. Plan to apply by May 18, 2026.
May 18, 2026
30 days left
7 requirements
Requirements
$4,000
Award Amount
The Scott J. Bacherman Internship Scholarship
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. 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
Not sure about the location?
Compare Florida vs Massachusetts scholarship markets to see how the broader state climate changes the funding picture.
FAQ
What percentage of aid at Eastern Florida State College is merit-based?
What is the average grant amount at the University of Massachusetts Amherst?
How many open grants are available at Eastern Florida State College?
What is the maximum grant amount at the University of Massachusetts Amherst?
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 Eastern Florida State College and University of Massachusetts Amherst, with extra scholarship context and essay-writing support.
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Related essay guides
- How to Write Your Essay for the BAC Empowering Persons with Disabilities Scholarship
A step-by-step guide to crafting your scholarship essay for the BAC Empowering Persons with Disabilities Scholarship at Eastern Florida State College.
- How to Craft Your Essay for the Homeless High Foundation Scholarship
Learn how to write a compelling essay for the Homeless High Foundation Scholarship at Eastern Florida State College.
- How to Write Your NUCA of South Florida Scholarship Essay
A comprehensive guide to crafting your NUCA of South Florida scholarship essay, focusing on background, achievements, and personal insights.