Financial aid and scholarships make higher education more accessible by easing the financial burden on students and their families, helping them pursue their goals, improving career prospects, and contributing to society.
Types of Financial Aid
Apply for Financial Aid
Learn about the different aid applications and requirements.
Check your aid Status
Get the latest updates on your financial aid including how to accept/adjust your aid.
Verify your Aid
For students selected for verification, our simple process will help you accept your aid.
Explore Resources
Latest Updates from Financial Aid
Complete your 2025-2026 FAfsa now!
Enroll in Summer 2025 Nelnet Payment Plan
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Info |
|---|---|
| Typically in October | Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at studentaid.gov and is recommended for all incoming college freshmen. This application also serves as the HOPE Scholarship application. |
| October 15 | Early Action admissions deadline. |
| Early December | President's Scholarship Completion at Georgia College & State University. |
| December – Mid-May | "Early Estimate" financial aid offers for all students that have completed the FAFSA application process. Look for an “Early Estimate" financial aid offer email from the GCSU Financial Aid Office. |
| Mid February | Georgia College Scholarship application deadline. Access the application from the Scholarship Application System within My GCSU. |
| Mid May | Official financial aid offer notifications will be made and students will be notified via email. Financial Aid Office begins processing Parent PLUS loan applications. |
| July 1 | Fall semester deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students may be reimbursed if eligible. |
| November 1 | Spring semester deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students may be reimbursed if eligible. |
| April 1 | Summer semester deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students may be reimbursed if eligible. |
| Prior to the End of Each Term for the HOPE or ZELL Miller Scholarship | The application deadline for Georgia’s HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships is the last day of class for the semester the student is seeking payment from these funds. |
Please Note
- Students must submit complete financial aid applications to be considered for aid. Some programs have a limited supply of funds. Please note that this is not a guarantee of funds availability but rather a time frame based on previous history. All limited-funded programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Students must submit complete financial aid applications by the deadline in order to use financial aid funds to pay for the semester's bill. Students whose files are not complete by this date should be prepared to pay costs until applications are processed and eligibility is determined.
- Students who have already completed the FAFSA application process and who are eligible to borrow additional loan funds, must do so three weeks prior to the last day of class. View our Adjustments page for more information.
- Students and parents must submit all documents prior to the last day of the term the student is last enrolled to be considered for financial aid eligibility. For example, Federal Direct Loans, GRAD PLUS Loans and Parent PLUS Loan applications must be received prior to the last day of the term the student is enrolled for any consideration of possible loan disbursements. Three weeks prior to the last day of the term is the standard deadline for these applications to be submitted for review, however applications will not be processed if submitted after the last day of the term the student is enrolled.
- Students with financial aid funds exceeding their direct costs to GCSU, may use the excess funds up to $1000 per semester to purchase books and supplies at the GCSU Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Authorization through the students PAWS account is required to opt in. Students can email financialaid@gcsu.edu to opt out if an authorization has been completed. Students can also choose to purchase their books and supplies elsewhere without notifying Financial Aid.