Financial Aid Procedures
Important Dates
October 1 - Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at fafsa.ed.gov and is recommended for all incoming college freshmen. This application also serves as the HOPE Scholarship application.
November 1 – Early Action admissions deadline.
October/November - Qualifying students should submit President's Scholarship Competition Interest Form and other materials as soon as possible.
Late November – Mid-May - "Early Estimate" Awards for all students that have completed the FAFSA application process. Look for an “Early Estimate" Award email from the GC Financial Aid Office. Instructions for accessing the award information and explanations will be included.
Early December - President's Scholarship Completion at Georgia College.
Mid-February – Georgia College Scholarship application for returning students must be submitted. Access the application from the Scholarship Application System within Unify. Emails will also be sent to students' Bobcat email account notifying them of the final deadline.
Mid-May – Official Award Notifications will be made and students will be notified via e-mail. The Office of Financial Aid will begin processing Parent PLUS loan applications.
July 1 - Fall semester "soft" deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.
November 1 - Spring Semester "soft" deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.
April 1 - Summer Semester "soft" deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.
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 these dates 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.
The Federal Processing Center must receive the application(s) before June 30, 2020, and all verification processes must be completed before September 1, 2020, for the student to receive consideration for the academic year 2019-2020 or Summer 2020. Electronic Student Aid Reports must be submitted to Georgia College before the student's enrollment period ends in order to be considered for aid.
Outside Scholarships
Any resources that a student receives or expects to receive should be reported in writing to the Financial Aid Office. The receipt of outside scholarships or other resources may result in reduction, cancellation, and/or repayment of need-based aid as well as non-need-based aid.
Summer Session Financial Aid
Students who wish to receive financial aid (including HOPE or Zell Miller) for the Summer Session must have a current FAFSA or GSFApps on file. Summer financial aid awarding will coincide with Summer course registration. Students will be notified via Bobcat email when his/her financial aid file has been reviewed for the Summer Session which typically begins mid-March.
Study Abroad
The International Education Center (IEC) provides information on the various approved study abroad and exchange programs offered by Georgia College, the University System of Georgia, and other accredited academic institutions. Studying abroad enables students to increase knowledge of a foreign language, provides the opportunity to gain insight into and appreciation for the cultures and institutions of other people; facilitates the development of relevant career skills; and contributes to personal maturity, a sense of independence, self-knowledge, and confidence. Georgia College students who are eligible for financial aid may use that aid to participate in most study abroad and exchange programs approved by the IEC. Students must meet with their Financial Aid Advisor at least 4 weeks prior to their departure to finalize aid eligibility which will include instructions regarding the timeline for disbursement of funds. For specifics on transferability, contact the Financial Aid Office, 103 Parks Hall, 478-445-5149 for guidelines. In addition, a number of study abroad scholarships are available through the International Education Center in The Bone House, 478-445-4789.
Transient Study
Georgia College students who are planning on taking transient coursework with another institution may qualify for financial aid. In order for students to receive federal funds or other aid for transient coursework, a Consortium Agreement must be obtained from the GC Financial Aid Office and completed by the host institution. Please note that many institutions will not participate in the consortium process therefore causing student aid ineligibility.
Students are required to pay all costs at the host institution and receive aid as reimbursement.
HOPE/Zell Miller eligible students may receive HOPE/Zell Miller if attending an eligible institution. HOPE/Zell Miller funds are paid by the host institution. Some institutions may choose not to process financial aid for transient students. Please check with the financial aid office of the school you wish to attend. For specifics on qualifying, contact the Financial Aid Office, 103 Parks Hall, 478-445-5149.
Transient students who are visiting Georgia College must contact their "home" institution to determine their policies regarding aid eligibility and processes. All payment deadlines established by Georgia College must be adhered to regardless of whether aid funds will be available at Georgia College. In many instances, visiting students will be required to pay out-of-pocket at Georgia College and be reimbursed by either their "home" institution for most aid programs or Georgia College for HOPE/Zell Miller funds.