Fund Your Future
Georgia Southern strives to empower all members of Eagle Nation, nurturing their success by offering a high-value education with competitive tuition rates. Scholarships, grants and loans make our market-ready programs even more affordable, opening doors of opportunity to students from all economic backgrounds.
Whether you see your future at Georgia Southern or you’re a current student, learn more about applying for aid and all the forms of assistance available to you.
Filling Out Your Application for Federal and State Aid
For many students, federal and state aid programs, including grants, work-study and loans, provide a significant source of financial support. The resources in this section cover eligibility for each type of aid and how to apply.
Can I Apply for Financial Aid?
To be eligible for federal and state financial aid programs, you need to be a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen) and meet additional criteria. Review this list to make sure you qualify before proceeding.
Understanding Aid Eligibility
Different types of aid have distinct conditions for establishing and maintaining eligibility. Learn more about how your circumstances affect your ability to receive Pell Grants, loans, the HOPE Scholarship and more.
Complete The FAFSA®
You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be eligible for all types of federal aid and many state student aid programs as well. Access instructions, important deadlines and links to the official FAFSA® site.
Complete the GSFAPP
Georgia increases access to higher education through several state-level programs, including the HOPE Scholarship. To be eligible, you’ll need to fill out the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).
Review Your FAFSA® Submission Summary
After your FAFSA® form is submitted and processed, you can access your FAFSA® Submission Summary (formerly Student Aid Report) — an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA® form. It includes your estimated eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and federal student loans, your Student Aid Index (SAI), and whether you’ve been selected for verification.
If all the information is correct, keep the Summary for your records. (If you listed Georgia Southern on your FAFSA®, we will have access to your FAFSA® data electronically within a day after it is processed.) If you need to make a correction, log into your StudentAid.gov account to make changes online.
Within three to four weeks after you receive a complete, correct SAR, Georgia Southern’s Office of Financial Aid will email you an award notification or a request for additional documents. (If you don’t receive an email, please contact us.) Submit requested documents as soon as possible, or your aid may be delayed.
Important Dates
October 1
FAFSA becomes available for the upcoming Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
February 1
Apply by this priority date to be considered for limited need-based financial aid.
June 15
If we have requested additional information from you, it should be submitted to our office by this date to ensure that your aid will not be delayed for the upcoming Fall semester.
July 15
If you plan to borrow funds through the Federal Direct Loan Program, first-time borrowers must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note at https://studentaid.gov.
Apply for Scholarships
In addition to federal and state aid, financial awards based on merit, major, campus involvement or another factor recognize your achievements and drive. Explore institutional and external opportunities to see if you qualify. Note that some awards require additional applications.
All Scholarships
Reviewing and Accepting Your Award
Funding your studies begins with thoroughly reviewing your financial aid package and approving each award. Here’s what to expect.
Award Notification
You’ll receive a notice from the Office of Financial Aid when your offer is ready. You’ll be able to view a detailed report of the aid types and amounts for which you’re eligible through the My.GeorgiaSouthern portal under Student Information.
Accept Your Award
After viewing your financial aid awards, you’ll have the option to accept, decline or modify the amounts of student loans you want to receive. Follow the link for a visual walk-through of the process.
Entrance Loan Counseling
This orientation process ensures you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding student loans. You’ll need to complete the process before your loan funds are released.
Financial Aid Advance
If you’re expecting a refund from your financial aid awards, you may be able to use up to $600 for purchases through the University Store, including textbooks and other supplies.
Disbursement
Typically occurring at the beginning of each semester, disbursement involves crediting federal and state financial aid funds to a student’s account or distributing them directly. Learn about the procedures that apply and what you can expect.
Attendance Verification
Federal regulations require that you attend the classes for which you have received aid. Read more about how the attendance verification process works.
Resources
Looking for a form or additional information related to financial aid? Browse the most popular resources below.
Contact Us
Statesboro Campus
Rosenwald Building – Second Floor
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Victor Hall – Second Floor
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Liberty Campus in Hinesville
Visit the Front Counter, and our staff will be available to assist you. Financial Aid Counselors are available bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.