Navigating Financial Aid at UGA: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Securing adequate funding is a critical aspect of the college experience. The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a multitude of financial aid programs and resources designed to support students in meeting their educational and research needs. This article provides a detailed overview of the various funding opportunities available to UGA students, including scholarships, support funds, and assistantships.

Funding Your Graduate Education at UGA

Graduate students have access to diverse funding sources to support their educational and research endeavors. These encompass assistantships, fellowships, research and conference travel grants, and support for students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties. Applicants seeking consideration for UGA-administered assistantships and awards should ensure timely submission of all materials. It's crucial to note that many departments and programs have deadlines that precede those set by the Graduate School.

Student Care and Outreach (SCO): Your Starting Point for Financial Support

Student Care and Outreach (SCO) serves as the central point for connecting students with individualized support and resources, including access to emergency and temporary financial assistance. SCO can guide students through UGA's financial resources, including the Bursar, Financial Aid, Support Funds, and other units assisting students with financial questions. Recognizing the significant impact of financial barriers on a student's overall well-being, SCO offers comprehensive support.

To request support funding, students can click on the provided link and provide as much information as possible to facilitate a comprehensive network of support and resources. SCO may contact students to gather additional information as needed. Once a request is received, SCO collaborates with the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to determine eligibility for funding.

Support fund requests are evaluated weekly by the Director of Student Care and Outreach and other relevant staff. Notification of the decision typically takes 5-7 business days from the submission date. Approved awards are disbursed directly to the student's account within 5 business days of notification. The entire process may take up to 10 days. Funding is not intended for tuition and fees or to replace assistantship funding.

Eligible Expenses for Support Funds

Support funds can be utilized for various essential needs, including:

Replacement of essential personal belongings due to natural disaster, fire, theft, etc.
Personal safety needs

It's important to note that all requests may not be approved due to the limited nature of funding. Some requests may only be approved for a portion of the total amount requested. Generally, students are eligible for one award per year. For long-term financial support or ongoing circumstances, SCO encourages students to consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to discuss their situation, as changes in financial circumstances may qualify for a reconsideration of their current financial aid package.

Funding Sources for Support Funds

Funding for these support funds is made possible by the generous contributions of the Office of the President, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Office of Student Financial Aid, the Parents Leadership Council, the Deans within specific schools and colleges, and private donors.

UGA Scholars Programs: Investing in Student Success

UGA boasts a variety of scholars programs designed to provide financial assistance, leadership development, and support services to outstanding students. These programs often include scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and access to unique resources.

1 Generation At A Time (1 GAAT) Scholars Program

The 1 Generation At A Time (1 GAAT) Scholars Program is specifically designed to support transfer and/or service-minded students at UGA. This program combines financial aid with leadership enhancement opportunities and educational support services to facilitate a smooth transition into university life. The collaboration between the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA) and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development provides service-driven scholars with unique opportunities.

Read also: Navigating Financial Aid Resources

Selection Process: All students who submit their financial aid application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA via UGA Office of Student Financial Aid), are automatically reviewed for eligibility for the 1 GAAT Scholars Program.

The program provides financial aid for 12 outstanding students matriculating into UGA each year. The scholarship is renewable for an additional three years if the recipients maintain certain academic standards and comes with a variety of programs and resources to ensure success and facilitate connections in the University community. OSSA provides scholars with educational support services specific to their needs. The scholars are also provided unique leadership enhancement opportunities through the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship Program

The Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship Program extends beyond financial aid by providing students with a comprehensive network of resources to support their success.

Correll Scholars Program

The Correll Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship program that supports outstanding UGA students, with preference given to those majoring in the Terry College of Business or the College of Education.

The program provides a robust collegiate experience for scholars with participation in the Thrive at Georgia program, experiential learning grants to support learning outside the classroom, and a unique cohort-based approach to student success from start to finish. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years and comes with a variety of programs and resources to support student success. The program was estabished through a generous contribution to the Commit to Georgia campaign. Each fall, we welcome new Scholars to campus through a Scholars Success Day and invite them to enroll in an innovative UNIV course to assist with the transition into higher education. The Thrive program fee, housing, and meal plan are paid in full for Correll Scholars, so we strongly encourage our incoming Scholars to take advantage of this unique, academic residential program. Beyond a scholarship, the Correll Scholars Program surrounds students with major-specific resources, networking opportunities, and intentional campus partnerships across units like academic advising, experiential learning, study abroad, and career services. Partnerships with Terry College of Business and the College of Education ensure that students receive intentional support based on their program interests.

Cousins Scholars Program

The Cousins Scholars Program provides a scholarship renewable for up to four years, coupled with programs and resources designed to support student success.

Each fall, we welcome new Scholars to campus through a Scholars Success Day and invite them to enroll in an innovative UNIV course to assist with the transition into higher education. The Thrive program fee, housing, and meal plan are paid in full for Cousins Scholars, so we strongly encourage our incoming Scholars to take advantage of this unique, academic residential program. Beyond a scholarship, the Cousins Scholars Program surrounds students with major-specific resources, networking opportunities, and intentional campus partnerships across units like academic advising, experiential learning, study abroad, and career services.

Georgia Commitment Scholarship (GCS) Program

These resources include course tutoring, academic coaching, innovative UNIV courses designed to assist Georgia Commitment Scholars with the transition from high school into higher education, special events, unique success workshops, and networking opportunities to help them make the most of their time at UGA. First and second year students, please contact Ms.

Kellogg Scholarship Program

The Kellogg Scholarship Program, generously funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, offers a scholarship renewable for up to seven semesters, along with resources to support student success. Partnerships with the College of Education and the Career Center ensure that students receive intentional support based on their interests.

UGA REACH Scholars Program

As UGA students, REACH Scholars will call on an experienced network of faculty, academic coaches, and program administrators as well as support structures for students transitioning into and progressing through the University. Working with a faculty corps and professional staff within the Office for Student Success and Achievement, REACH Scholars will experience a success network committed to students, committed to success.

How to Apply: UGA REACH Scholars are accepted into the program through the state of Georgiaâs REACH program.

The program provides a robust collegiate experience for scholars with participation in Thrive at Georgia, experiential learning grants to support learning outside the classroom, and a unique cohort-based approach to student success from start to finish. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years and comes with a variety of programs and resources to support student success. The program was established through a generous contribution to the Commit to Georgia campaign.

Stamper Scholars Program

The DREAMS Scholarship: A Proposed Investment in Need-Based Aid

Gov. Brian Kemp proposed the DREAMS scholarship in his State of the State Address last month with a proposed price tag of $325 million. As proposed, $25 million would go to college students in need for the school year starting in the fall of 2026, with the remaining $300 million launching a long-term endowment to sustain the DREAMS program. The revised budget allots $180 million from state general funds and $145 million from lottery reserves, raising the endowment back to the governorâs originally proposed $325 million. â[DREAMS] will be centrally located and disseminated through Georgia Student Finance Commission, which will be very helpful in terms of ensuring that students that qualify for the funds at all institutions will be able to receive them,â Young said.

While Georgia invests in merit-based aid such as the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, it is one of two states that does not currently offer comprehensive need-based financial aid.

The Need for Need-Based Aid

âBlack students enroll in state schools at far lower rates than their counterparts, yet have the highest rates of student loan debt,â Labi said. âIt breaks my heart when I can only offer them student loans,â Morris said. Labi also said some Georgia students need as little as $3,000 a year to be able to graduate without student loans.

House Bill 1413, introduced by Rep. Chuck Martin, an Alpharetta Republican and chair of the House Higher Education Committee, outlines program eligibility and formally establishes the program.

The Impact of Financial Barriers: A Personal Perspective

âTwo of my closest friends started at Georgia Southern,â Campbell said. âLike me, they were strong, hardworking students. Campbell said her best friend went to Georgia State University and worked full-time to fund her education. Her friend took two days off of work to study and was fired from her job, rendering her unable to pay her spring education costs.

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