Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are types of student financial aid designed to assist students with the cost of education beyond the high school level. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid, nor do they have work or service obligations tied to them.

Scholarship Programs

Scholarships are generally defined as aid awarded to students with special qualifications, such as academic, artistic, or athletic talents. Scholarship programs are often referred to as being based on merit or achievement. For more information on scholarships available in Georgia, click here.

Grant Programs

Grants include a wide variety of gift aid awarded to students for reasons other than merit or achievement. Grants are often based on the financial need of students and their families. For more information on need-based grants available in Georgia, click here.

Some grants are awarded to students who are interested in specific fields of study, or to students who are members of underrepresented groups, or those who live in certain geographic areas, and for many other reasons. For more information on other grant programs available in Georgia, click here.

Sources

There are many sources of scholarships and grants. The federal and state governments fund some of the larger programs. Almost all colleges and universities offer their own institutional scholarships and grants. There are countless other awards offered by private sources, such as civic groups, corporations, religious organizations, employers, foundations, and others. You will find information on specific scholarship and grant programs listed here under the following categories:

• Grants Based on Financial Need
• Scholarships Based on Merit
• Other Grant Programs

Financial Aid Search

Having trouble finding what you need? Try our Financial Aid Search tool.

In addition to the resources provided on this web site, your high school guidance counselor will be able to help you find scholarships and grants. You may also search at public libraries, employers, organizations, clubs, retailers, and a nearby college campus even if you don't plan to attend there. There are several reputable free web sites for scholarship searches.

Save your money! Some organizations charge a fee for scholarship information and search services. You may find one of these businesses on the Internet, or you may be solicited directly by phone, mail, or e-mail. Save your money: All the information you need to apply for scholarships and other financial aid is available free.

For information on Scholarship Scams, click here.