Types of Aid

Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally

HOPE Scholarship provides students with state funds for tuition. The tuition award amount is determined annually by the Georgia Student Finance Commission as a "per credit hour rate" which is published on their website.

The deadline to be reviewed for Georgia’s HOPE Scholarships is the last day of class for the semester which the student is seeking payment from these funds.  Students who think they may be eligible for HOPE Scholarship MUST contact the Financial Aid Office PRIOR to the last day of the semester that they are seeking potential payment from the HOPE Scholarship Program. Please be aware that the GCSU Financial Aid office makes every effort to identify possible candidates based on academic history, but it is the student’s responsibility to initiate a review of their eligibility prior to the end of the semester he/she is seeking payment if he/she have not been awarded these funds. This policy is necessary due to imposed state-mandated deadlines for universities to finalize reconciliation of all payments.

HOPE Check-Points for Continued Eligibility

Students are evaluated to insure he/she attained a 3.0 GPA at the following checkpoints:

•  30 attempted semester hours
•  60 attempted semester hours
•  90 attempted semester hours
•  At the end of every Spring Semester (except for beginning Freshmen enrolled below full-time)

NOTE: Students can only lose their eligibility at the End-of-Spring check point. To regain eligibility, students must be at 30, 60 or 90 attempted hours.

HOPE attempted hours include: All regular coursework attempted after high school graduation, non-credit course work (LSS and Regents), all attempted transfer coursework, withdrawals, and dropped courses.

Limit of Eligibility

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship for up to 127 attempted or paid hours, whichever is reached first.

Students are not eligible to receive HOPE Scholarship funds if they have attempted 127 semester hours or more or have earned a baccalaureate degree.

Students are eligible for a combined payment maximum of 127 semester hours. Hours for which students received payment from the Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, or HOPE Grant are included in calculating the total Paid hours.

A student who did not receive HOPE Scholarship prior to Summer 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until 7 years after his/her high school graduation date, GED test date, Home Study program completion date, or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma.

HOPE Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

HOPE GPA includes:

• All earned grades (including both grades when a course is repeated)
• Grades for non-credit coursework when given
• Grades from all transfer work (even if courses are not accepted at GCSU)

HOPE GPA does not include:

• Grades given of S, U, IP, W
• Grades earned in college courses prior to high school graduation
• Grades earned by examination (i.e., AP credit and CLEP)

Note: In some instances, the HOPE GPA may not be reflected on the student's official transcript.

STEM Weighted Courses

The STEM Weighted Course Directory located on www.GAfutures.org lists the STEM courses that have been approved for weighting for HOPE and Zell MIller Scholarship recipients.  When a student's HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship GPA is calculated, an additional weight of 0.5 will be applied for grades B, C, and D in these eligible courses.  

Second Chance to Regain HOPE

Students who lose the HOPE Scholarship after 30 attempted hours or an End-of-Spring check-point may regain eligibility if they have a 3.0 GPA at the point of attempting 60 or 90 semester hours.

Non-Traditional Students

Students who graduated from high school prior to 1993 or who were not HOPE eligible upon high school graduation may become eligible for HOPE if he/she has a 3.0 GPA at the point of attempting 30, 60, or 90 semester hours.  Students are eligible to receive HOPE Scholarship until 7 years from the date of the student’s high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test. This eligibility expiration date will be June 30th of the seventh academic year.

For More Details:

• HOPE Scholarship FAQ
• How to Maintain the HOPE Scholarship
• The official HOPE website

Zell Miller Scholarship

Zell Miller Scholarship pays full standard tuition for students who earned a 3.7 GPA (un-weighted) for all academic high school classes and earned at least a 1200 in one sitting on the Math and Verbal section of the SAT or at least a 26 on the ACT. Students who are Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their class are automatically eligible for Zell Miller Scholarship.

The deadline to be reviewed for Georgia’s Zell Miller Scholarships is the last day of class for the semester which the student is seeking payment from these funds.  Students who think they may be eligible for Zell Miller Scholarship MUST contact the Financial Aid Office PRIOR to the last day of the semester that he/she is seeking potential payment from the Zell Miller Scholarship Program.  Please be aware that the GCSU Financial Aid office makes every effort to identify possible candidates based on academic history but it is the student’s responsibility to initiate a review of their eligibility prior to the end of the semester they are seeking payment if they have not been awarded these funds.  This policy is necessary due to imposed state-mandated deadlines for universities to finalize reconciliation of all payments.

Zell Miller Scholarship Check-Points for Continued Eligibility

Students are evaluated to insure they attained a 3.3 GPA at the following checkpoints:

• 30 attempted semester hours
• 60 attempted semester hours
• 90 attempted semester hours
• At the end of every Spring Semester (except for beginning Freshmen enrolled below full-time)

NOTE: Students can only lose their eligibility at the End-of-Spring check point. To regain eligibility, students must be at 30, 60 or 90 attempted hours checkpoint.

If the student does not maintain the 3.3 GPA requirement, but does have at least a 3.0 GPA, the student can be reviewed for HOPE Scholarship (see HOPE Scholarship information).

Zell Miller attempted hours include: All regular coursework attempted after high school graduation, non-credit course work (LSS and Regents), all attempted transfer coursework, withdrawals, and dropped courses.

Limit of Eligibility

Students are eligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship for up to 127 attempted or paid hours, whichever is reached first.

Students are not eligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship funds if they have attempted 127 semester hours or more, or have earned a baccalaureate degree.

Students are eligible for a combined payment maximum of 127 semester hours. Hours for which students received payment from Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, or the HOPE Grant are included in calculating the total Paid hours.

A student may receive Zell Miller Scholarship until 7 years after his/her high school graduation date, Home Study program completion date, or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma.

Zell Miller Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

Zell Miller GPA includes:

• All earned grades (including both grades when a course is repeated)
• Grades for non-credit coursework when given
• Grades from all transfer work (even if courses are not accepted at GCSU)

Zell Miller GPA does not include:

Grades given of S, U, IP, W
Grades earned in college courses prior to high school graduation
Grades earned by examination (i.e., AP credit and CLEP)
Note: In some instances, the Zell Miller GPA may not be reflected on the student's official transcript.

STEM Weighted Courses

The STEM Weighted Course Directory located on www.GAfutures.org lists the STEM courses that have been approved for weighting for HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship recipients.  When a student's HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship GPA is calculated, an additional weight of 0.5 will be applied for grades B, C, and D in these eligible courses. 

Second Chance to Regain Zell Miller Scholarship

Students who lose Zell Miller Scholarship after 30 attempted hours or an End-of-Spring check-point may regain eligibility if they have a 3.3 GPA at the point of attempting 60 or 90 semester hours.  A student can lose and regain Zell Miller Scholarship ONLY ONE time. If the student does not maintain the 3.3 GPA, but does have a 3.0 or higher GPA, the student can be reviewed for HOPE Scholarship (see HOPE Scholarship information).

Non-Traditional Students

Students are eligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship until 7 years from the date of the student’s high school graduation or home study completion. This expiration date will be June 30 of the seventh academic year.

For More Details:

• Zell Miller Scholarship FAQ
• How to Maintain the Zell Miller Scholarship
• The official HOPE website

If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

View Scholarships

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded only to students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree is earned after earning a bachelor's degree in a field such as medicine, law, or dentistry.) To determine if you are eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report when you apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The formula produces an Student Aid Index (SAI) number. Your FAFSA Submission Summary contains this number, and will tell you if you are eligible for a Pell Grant.

A student may not receive Pell Grant for concurrent attendance at two or more schools. Also the amount of Pell Grant funds a student receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years. See more information about maximum amount of Pell Grants funds.

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants 

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need -   that is, students with the lowest SAIs - and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG does not have to be repaid. There is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive an FSEOG; students are awarded an FSEOG based on the availability of funds at the time financial aid awards are packaged at Georgia College. Detailed information may be found at Student Aid on the Web.

If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG) PROGRAM

Georgia College Completion Grant

The Georgia College Completion Grant assists eligible students enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution that is experiencing a financial aid gap with their cost of education. The Georgia College Completion Grant is an award of up to $2500 or the amount of a student’s current balance. This award will be placed on student’s accounts for the term awarded to assist them with tuition, fees, housing, meal plan or other direct costs for the current term of enrollment.  Eligible students must have completed at least eighty (80) percent of credit requirements for graduation from their enrolled certificate, diploma or undergraduate major or program of study. Please note that at any time prior to/or during the semester if a student who has been awarded receives additional financial aid funds, the Completion Grant will have to be reduced or cancelled. Students may NOT receive a refund for these funds.

GCSU Financial Aid Office will identify students who are eligible for these funds. Students can also reach out to the Financial Aid Office for eligibility consideration at financialaid@gcsu.edu or 478-445-5149.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) 

Eligibility is based on established financial need and at least half-time enrollment. Jobs are located on campus and work schedules are planned around the student's class schedule. Community service positions are also available through the FWS program.  Detailed information may be found at Student Aid on the Web.

FWS money is not available at registration to pay for the student's fees. Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis for the actual hours worked. All FWS recipients will receive an Award Letter with the amount per semester the student is eligible to earn. A FWS award does not guarantee the student a position on campus.  The Student Employment Coordinator facilitates placement of students in specific positions.

See list of student employment opportunities.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any additional questions.

University Student Employment

The University Student Employment program provides additional opportunities for students to secure campus employment. While financial need is often not a factor, earnings under this program could affect other aid received. Students are interviewed and hired by various administrative offices, departmental offices, and other offices at the University.

See list of student employment opportunities.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any additional questions.

• FEDERAL DIRECT (STAFFORD) LOAN PROGRAM
• FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN (PLUS) PROGRAM
• GEORGIA STUDENT ACCESS LOAN
• PRIVATE LOANS
• INTEREST RATES AND LOAN FEES FOR LOANS
• STAFFORD LOAN LIMITS
• GEORGIA COLLEGE STATISTICS
• FSA STUDENT LOAN OMBUDSMAN
• STAFFORD LOAN APPLICATION

If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment is a program funded by the State of Georgia to assist high school students in paying for college-credit coursework.  Funding for Dual Enrollment covers only courses listed in the approved Dual Enrollment Course Directory which the student will receive dual credit for high school and college degree-level.  This directory includes courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Sciences, and Foreign Languages.  A student participating in Dual Enrollment is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the Georgia College Financial Aid Office.  A copy of this policy will be emailed to all Dual Enrollment students shortly after classes begin.

Dual Enrollment Eligibility

• A student must abide by the rules of the participating high school or home study program and the participating eligible institution the student is attending.  A student can be denied participation in Dual Enrollment for violations of such rules.
• The participating high school or home study program in which the student is enrolled must approve and classify the student for dual credit enrollment.
• A student must have applied, been accepted and approved for dual credit enrollment by the participating postsecondary institution at which the student is enrolled.
• A student must be enrolled in a participating public or private high school in Georgia and has not earned a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) diploma or completed a home study program.
• Dual Enrollment funding is available for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters while enrolled at a participating high school or home study program.
• Dual Enrollment funding is available during a student’s 11th and/or 12th grade years up to the student’s high school graduation date or home study completion date, whichever occurs first.
• Participating high schools and home study programs may not adjust a student’s enrollment or graduation plans or records in order to extend a student’s Dual Enrollment eligibility.
• All postsecondary coursework must be completed prior to high school graduation or home study completion in order to receive Dual Enrollment funding.  In no case shall Dual Enrollment funding be awarded for postsecondary coursework scheduled, per the participating postsecondary institution’s calendar, for a term in which a student may not be awarded Dual Credit toward graduation from the participating high school or home school completion.
• All males must register for Selective Service to be eligible for Dual Enrollment funding prior to the end of the fiscal year in which they are enrolled. 

Dual Enrollment Funding

A student’s Dual Enrollment award amount will cover the following:

• Full payment of Tuition
• Full payment of Mandatory Fees
• Provides required Text Books

Funding will not cover non-approved coursework.

Tuition, mandatory fees and book costs associated with non-approved courses will be the responsibility of the student/parent.

Costs NOT covered by Dual Enrollment:

• Course Related fees, such as lab fees
• Supplies required for a particular course
• “Recommended”  text books
• Charges for lost or damaged books

Dual Enrollment Application Process

In order to apply for Dual Enrollment, students will need to sign into their GAfutures account and complete a Dual Enrollment Funding Application on-line at www.gafutures.org.  (Note:  Prior to submitting your first application, you must create your “My GAfutures" account)

The Dual Enrollment Funding Application must be completed each year by the student and each semester by the high school counselor.  The Dual Enrollment Funding Application is only for Dual Enrollment funding/financial aid.  Students must apply for admission to Georgia College before completing the Dual Enrollment Funding Application.

Timeline and Deadline Information

1. Student works with high school to determine courses needed.
2. Student completes college advising and course registration with GCSU Dual Enrollment Advisor.
3. Student completes a Dual Enrollment Funding Application.
4. High School electronically certifies approved courses each semester.  Electronic application will be received by GCSU Financial Aid Office.
5. GC Financial Aid awards Dual Enrollment funds and notifies GCSU Bookstore upon receiving application and verifying approved coursework.  Student will be notified via their GCSU email when completed.

Deadline to Complete the Dual Enrollment Funding Application Every Semester:

• Students are encouraged to complete the Dual Enrollment Funding Application at least 4 weeks prior to classes beginning each semester.  This allows time for High School officials to certify and the GC Financial Aid Office to receive the certification, process Dual Enrollment funds to be credited to the student’s account and notify the GC Bookstore.
• GSFC’s actual deadline requires that Georgia College MUST receive the student’s certified application from their high school no later than the 3rd day of class and any balance due must be paid by the 5th day of class by the student each semester.
• Text books will not be administered until the student’s application is received by the GC Financial Aid Office.
• Deadlines published by the GSFC are for Universities to adhere to in order to complete mandated reconciliation processes.

Dual Enrollment and HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship

Approved classes and corresponding grades will be used in the high school calculation for determining a graduating Senior’s HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility.  These classes and corresponding grades will NOT be counted in the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship calculation once the student enters college and is checked for continued eligibility.

Dual Enrollment students who take a STEM course will not receive an additional 0.5 weight for the class.  The weight will be used to determine their final HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship eligiblity.  Please visit STEM Weighted Course Directory on www.GAfutures.org for additional information on approved courses.

For More Details on Dual Enrollment:

• GAfutures.org Dual Enrollment
• Dual Enrollment FAQ