Georgia Scholarships 2026: Top State and College Aid Options

The state of Georgia offers unique scholarship and financial aid opportunities for students. While state-funded scholarships are typically for residents only, out-of-state students can qualify for awards at institutions of higher learning. Students hoping to pay for college should utilize a variety of resources: scholarships, grants, work-study, student loans, and more. The best way to ensure you’re maximizing your opportunities is to cast a wide net. Look for national opportunities as well as state, regional, and local scholarships in Georgia.

What Makes Georgia Financial Aid Unique

Many states offer grants and financial aid that is exclusive to in-state residents. Georgia is no different. Through its lottery-funded education account, it’s able to fund generous scholarship and grant programs, like the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. Georgia students should ask school counselors and financial aid administrators how to qualify for Georgia grants and financial aid.

Georgia Scholarships 2026

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Award Amount: $8,000 The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest is open to students who are at least 16 years of age and reside or attend school in states with Regions Bank full service branches. To be considered, you must submit a video or essay on an individual you know personally who has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals.

NEWH Atlanta Chapter Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies The NEWH Atlanta Chapter Scholarship is available to students in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama who have an interest in a career in hospitality. To be eligible, you must have completed at least one half of the requirements for a degree or certification in a hospitality industry program and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

ASHRAE Rusty and Debbie Hoffman Family Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 The ASHRAE Rusty and Debbie Hoffman Family Scholarship is open to undergraduate engineering and architecture students pursuing a bachelor's degree. You must be enrolled full time in a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or National Architectural Accrediting Board at a school located within the geographic boundaries of ASHRAE's Region IV (currently North and South Carolina, and Georgia). You must also have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 and/or a class standing of no less than the top 30 percent to be eligible for this award.

Higher Foundation Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000 The Higher Foundation Scholarship is available full-time undergraduate and graduate students in Georgia. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit a one-page essay on the topic provided by the sponsor. To be considered for this award, you must also submit a one-page resume and a professional headshot. Scholarship applications have a rolling deadline; students are encouraged to apply any time.

HOPE Grant

Award Amount: Varies The HOPE Grant is available to Georgia residents. You must be pursuing a certificate or diploma at a HOPE Grant eligible college or university in Georgia in order to be considered for this award.

Intel PhD Fellowship Program

Award Amount: Varies The Intel PhD Fellowship Program is open to PhD candidates at select U.S. universities who are working in fields related to Intel's business and research interests. The one-year fellowship includes a cash award, equipment with Intel architecture, an Intel mentor, and the opportunity to conduct research or an internship at Intel.

How to Apply for Georgia Financial Aid

Below are steps that Georgia residents can take to qualify for scholarships, grants, and financial aid: 1. Complete the FAFSA. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will allow you to qualify for federal and state aid in Georgia. The FAFSA becomes available each year on October 1, and students must renew it each year that they intend to enroll. It’s recommended to submit it as soon as possible. 2. Submit the GSFAPP. Georgia students can only qualify for state-funded scholarships and grants, like the HOPE and Zell Miller, if they complete the Georgia State Financial Application. While the FAFSA has to be renewed each year, the GSFAPP 3. Ask your college about supplemental financial aid forms. Some colleges and universities also require students to complete a short financial aid form to qualify for institutional financial aid. Again, if you’re hoping to pay for college with as little debt as possible, consider this step part of casting the wider net and complete it. 4. Apply for outside scholarships. Some colleges distribute merit aid, or scholarships and grants, when they admit students to the school. Merit aid can help bridge the gap between what a college costs and what families can afford to pay after financial aid. However, merit and financial aid may still not be enough. That’s why it’s vital to search for and apply for scholarships throughout the college application process. Use Fastweb: it’s free and by filling out a profile, we can match you to national, state, and local scholarships in Georgia that you qualify for.