Financial Aid in Georgia (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Georgia's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Georgia FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Georgia grant programs
HOPE Scholarship
Merit scholarship covering most tuition at Georgia public colleges for students with a 3.0+ GPA; the Zell Miller Scholarship covers full tuition for top students.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant
Flat grant for Georgia residents attending eligible private colleges in the state.
Administered by Georgia Student Finance Commission. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Georgia students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Georgiastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Georgia?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Georgia offer?
HOPE Scholarship: Merit scholarship covering most tuition at Georgia public colleges for students with a 3.0+ GPA; the Zell Miller Scholarship covers full tuition for top students. Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant: Flat grant for Georgia residents attending eligible private colleges in the state. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Georgia resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Georgia?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Georgia Student Finance Commission determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.