Academic Programs

Osher and Crankstart Re-entry Scholarships

General Information

USF is pleased to offer the Osher and the Crankstart Reentry Scholarships as a way to provide scholarships to assist non-traditional/post-traditional, re-entry students. Students must be admitted to USF to apply.

Re-entry students are defined as individuals who have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years and who now want to resume their undergraduate studies education to complete their first baccalaureate degree.

For more information about the Osher Foundation, visit: http://www.osherfoundation.org

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be considered:

  • Students have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years
  • Students are at the undergraduate level and pursuing their first baccalaureate degree
  • Students demonstrate financial need
  • Students show academic promise and a commitment to obtaining their degree
  • Students anticipate participation in the workforce for a significant period of time subsequent to graduation and are ideally between the ages of 25-50
  • Students must be currently enrolled at USF for the term in which they are receiving the scholarship
  • Students must be enrolled on at least a part-time
Award Amount

The scholarship will range from $2,000 - $4,000 annually.

To apply (first time applicants only), please complete the AwardSpring application on the financial aid webpage (pay close attention to all deadlines below).
Application Process

When completing your personal goal statement, include your reasons for returning to college; a listing of your scholarly and vocational accomplishments, honors, special awards, or recognition; a note about the challenges you face as a non-traditional student; and your academic and professional goals.

Award Timing

Scholarships will be awarded for either the fall semester, the spring semester, or both the fall and spring semesters.

Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Each recipient is required to reapply each academic year to continue to be considered for the scholarship.

Award Deadlines

First Time Applicants / transfer students: The deadline is typically in early to mid-March.

Still have questions on the Osher or Crankstart Reentry Scholarships? Contact us at USFFSO@usf.edu, 813-974-8305.