Federal and State Financial Aid Federal Pell Grant Program. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. The expected family contribution (EFC) formula derived by the Department of Education is the standard formula used in determining eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant. Pell grants range from $200 to $5,550 per academic year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. These are awarded to students with exceptional financial need. F.S.E.O.G. awards may range from $100 to $4,000 per year.
Federal Work-Study Programs. This is a federal program designed to provide a student the chance to pay part of her educational expenses by working at a part-time job on campus. To be employed under this program, the student must 1) be enrolled or accepted for enrollment; 2) show evidence of financial need; and 3) be capable of maintaining good academic standing while employed under this program. Preference will be given to students of exceptional financial need. Limited funds are available for campus jobs to students who do not meet the above criteria.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. The GTEG program is an annual tuition grant made available by the state of Georgia to qualified Georgia residents for attendance at approved private colleges in the state. To be eligible for this grant, the student must be a United States citizen who has resided in Georgia for at least 12 months prior to the date of registration for any particular semester, and whose academic load meets the requirements specified by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (presently 12 hours per semester). This grant is not based on financial need. To be considered for the grant, students must file an application online at www.gacollege411.org by the end of the term for which aid is needed. The form is also available in the Office of Financial Aid. Georgia HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) & Zell Miller Scholarships. Georgia's HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships are available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement at the high school and/or college level. The scholarship provides funds to address the costs associated with tuition for students who are pursuing a degree in Georgia's colleges and universities. To receive HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship funding, students must: • Have graduated from an eligible high school with a 3.0 grade point average for HOPE and 3.70 GPA and 1200 combined Critical Reading and Math SAT or 25 ACT Composite for Zell Miller,, as defined by the HOPE program, or have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average for HOPE or 3.30 grade point average for Zell Miller at the college level at specific credit-hour checkpoints. Students who earned a GED or graduated from an ineligible high school or home study program may qualify for a HOPE Scholarship, as an entering freshman, based on their SAT or ACT scores. • Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student. • Meet HOPE's Georgia residency requirements. • Meet HOPE's U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements. • Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements. • Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs. • Not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program. • Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college. A student may renew a HOPE Scholarship if she has not attempted more than 127 semester hours at all colleges attended.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program. Under the Federal Stafford Loan, the Department of Education subsidizes the interest while the student-borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time or is in a grace or deferment period.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. This Federally insured loan is a non-need-based loan available to independent students or dependent students who may not qualify for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan or whose parents have been denied a Federal Parent PLUS Loan. The difference between the subsidized
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