How to win Georgia scholarships
Georgia is a unique state filled with rich cultural history. Therefore, it is important to learn about that history in order to find areas of opportunity to win Georgia scholarships. Applicants can demonstrate their connection to Georgia and showcase their potential to contribute to Georgia’s continued growth and development.
Students with a passion for history might highlight Georgia’s role in the civil rights movement or its contributions to the American music industry. Students with a passion for the environment can focus on Georgia’s natural beauty and landscape, such as its magnificent mountain ranges and state parks.
Resources to write Georgia scholarship application essays
We have some helpful Scholarships360 resources when applying for Georgia scholarships. In order to win Georgia scholarships, you may need to write an essay about yourself. Also, check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay, and how to write a scholarship resume to help you throughout the application process. Ultimately, the key to winning Georgia scholarships is to showcase your unique strengths and demonstrate your ability to make a positive impact within Georgia.
Georgia student loan debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Georgia residents owe $68.6 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing $41,639 on average (that does not include private loans). 49.7% of student loan borrowers in Georgia are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education, remember that scholarships allow students to take less loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for! Keep on reading to learn more about top Georgia scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Georgia!
Merit scholarships at Georgia colleges and universities
Agnes Scott College
- Eligibility: Incoming students to Agnes College who excel in academics, leadership, character and personal achievement are invited to compete for this scholarship
- Amount: $22,000 up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Apply for admission to Agnes Scott College by January 15 annually
Berry College
- Eligibility: Incoming students to Berry College. Decision is made based on admission application
- Amount: Up to $40,000
- Deadline: Apply to Berry College by January 15 annually
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Georgia Institute of Technology. Based on academic excellence, financial need, and major of study
- Amount: Up to full cost of attendance
- Deadline: January 31
Emory University
- Eligibility: Incoming students to Emory University. Decision made based on academic merit shown in admission application
- Amount: Up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Apply to Emory University by November 15 annually
Georgia State University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Georgia State University. Show academic merit. Decision made based on admission application
- Amount: $500 to $3,000
- Deadline: Apply for admission to Georgia State University by November 15
Morehouse College
- Eligibility: Incoming students to Morehouse College. Scholarship decisions are made based on admission application
- Amount: Varies based on information provided in admission application
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Morehouse College
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Eligibility: Incoming students to SCAD. Must demonstrate superior academic achievement
- Amount: $1,000 per year up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to SCAD
Spelman College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Spelman College. Have a 3.8+ GPA. Have a 1330+ SAT score or a 31+ ACT score.
- Amount: $5,000 per year up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Spelman College
University of Georgia
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year undergraduate students to UGA. Show strong academic achievement and accomplishment and leadership in extracurriculars. Must enroll full-time
- Amount: $2,000 up to $23,400
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to UGA
Wesleyan College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Wesleyan College. Show high academic achievement. Different scholarships for different areas of study (fine arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM, teaching, etc.). Have a 3.0+ high school GPA
- Amount: Varies to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Wesleyan College
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition costs are generally much lower than out-of-state tuition rates, which can save students thousands of dollars in tuition costs each year. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state Georgia students, which can help reduce the cost of attending college.
Here are a few well-known Georgia universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- In-state tuition: $10,258
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,370
Georgia State University
- In-state tuition: $4,474
- Out-of-state tuition: $13,993
University of Georgia
- In-state tuition: $12,080
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,120
How do you get in-state tuition?
In order to establish residency in Georgia to qualify for in-state tuition, an individual must have maintained legal residence in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Additionally, the individual must demonstrate that they have a purpose for living in Georgia such as employment. This can be demonstrated through documentation such as driver’s licenses, voter registration and tax returns.
However, it is important to note that residency rules can vary by college, and some universities may have additional requirements. Students who are unsure about their residency status should contact the admissions office of the university in order to obtain further information.
Does Georgia have tuition reciprocity?
Georgia is a member of two tuition reciprocity agreements known as the Academic Common Market (ACM) and the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Electronic Campus Regional Reciprocity Agreement.
The Academic Common Market allows students to attend out-of-state public institutions while paying in-state tuition rates. The specific programs of study must not be available in their home state.
The SREB’s Electronic Campus Regional Reciprocity Agreement allows students to take online courses from public institutions in other member states at in-state tuition rates.
Additional Georgia resources
Georgia Student Finance Commission
The Georgia Student Finance Commission provides a list of Georgia’s scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Check it out to find additional scholarships, grants, and loans you may qualify for!
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program
The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program encourages Georgia residents to attend eligible private colleges in Georgia by providing assistance for educational costs. Recipients receive an award of $300 per quarter or $450 per semester.
Community Foundation of Central Georgia scholarships
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia offers several scholarships for students from counties in Central Georgia: Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Coffee, Crawford, Dodge, Greene, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Spalding, Taylor, Twiggs, Upson, and Wilkinson.
Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta scholarships
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta provides several scholarships for students who attended certain Atlanta high schools or are pursuing particular areas of study. Check to see what you qualify for!
Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarships
The Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarships page provides links to engineering-related organizations in Georgia that offer scholarships for engineering students.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Georgia students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Keep reading
For students seeking financial assistance for college, scholarships are a great way to lessen tuition costs. Students should consider applying for scholarships that are specifically designed for their demographic. Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of specific scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making the application process easier. Remember, Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable resources and access to scholarships for students!
Frequently asked questions about Georgia scholarships
Does Georgia offer free college?
Does Georgia offer state scholarship programs?
Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend Georgia colleges and universities?
How can I increase my chances of winning a Georgia scholarship?
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