Financial Aid

Georgia Southern University offers a comprehensive program of financial aid for students who, without such aid, would be unable to continue their education. Through this program an eligible student may receive one or more types of financial aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, or Student Employment. Most financial aid at Georgia Southern University is awarded on the basis of a student’s academic progress and proven “financial need,” defined as the difference between a family’s estimated resources and the total estimated expense of attending the University. Georgia Southern University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form provided by the U.S. Department of Education to measure a student’s financial aid eligibility. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at (912) 478-5413 for assistance. The Office of Financial Aid, part of the Division of Enrollment Management, is located on the second floor of Rosenwald Building on the Statesboro campus, and on the second floor of Victor Hall on the Armstrong campus. The fax number is (912) 478-7418.

Mailing address:

Office of Financial Aid
P.O. Box 8065
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8065
http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid

Four types of financial aid:

1. Grants - Federal, state and privately funded grant programs are available.
2. Loans - Loan programs are available from federal, state, and private agencies.
3. Scholarships - Georgia Southern University offers a limited number of academic scholarships to its students.
4. Student Employment - Federally-funded College Work-Study Program, or Institutional Work Program.

Application Procedures

To apply for any Federal Title IV aid:

• Complete and submit an Application for Admission to attend Georgia Southern University.
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov, for EACH year of enrollment. Be sure to list Georgia Southern University’s federal school code, 001572, on the form.
• February 1 of each year is the preferred filing date for financial aid. Applicants not filing by this date may not have funds available by the Fall semester fee payment deadline, which is the first day of class.

More detailed information about financial aid programs can be obtained by viewing our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid or by emailing the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@georgiasouthern.edu.

Grant Programs

(All grant program amounts are subject to change.)

State Grants

The Georgia Student Finance Commission administers state scholarships and student grant programs. For information contact:

Georgia Student Finance Commission
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 200
Tucker, GA 30084
(800) 505-4732, or
https://www.gafutures.org/

The Public Safety Memorial Grant is an award for children of Georgia law enforcement officers, firemen, and prison guards who have been permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. The grant covers the cost of attendance minus other aid, but may not exceed $18,000 per award year.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the primary federal student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It is intended to be the first and basic component of an undergraduate student’s financial aid package. To be eligible, students:

• Must be enrolled in an approved undergraduate course of study and must not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen as defined in the instructions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Federal Pell Grant may be received each academic year up to a maximum of 12 semesters. The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024/2025 is $7395 for eligible students. Award amounts are prorated based on the number of credit hours for which a student is enrolled. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal program administered by the Office of Financial Aid to assist undergraduate students with financial need. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid. To be eligible, students:

• Must show substantial financial need by using the FAFSA form.
• Must be eligible for Federal Pell Grant.
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate course of study, and must not have a bachelor’s degree. The standard grant amount awarded is $600 per academic year. The federal funding for this program is limited; therefore, funds are depleted rapidly.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

This program provides grant assistance to juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have been accepted into the College of Education in specified “high-need” fields and who have a 3.25 GPA or better. Students who receive the TEACH Grant must fulfill a service obligation. If a student does not complete the service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Changes to Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants and Children of Fallen Heroes Award Eligibility 

The FAFSA Simplification Act changes eligibility for what were formerly called Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) and Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) Awards as well as the resulting award amount. Beginning with the 2024-25 award year, students who meet the eligibility requirements for Pell Grants under the Special Rule in HEA Section 401(c) will receive Max Pell, regardless of their calculated SAI. To receive a Pell Grant based on eligibility under the Special Rule, a student must be: 

•  The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while (a) serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
•  Less than 33 years old as of the January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible).

Loan Programs

Federal Direct Lending Program

Georgia Southern University participates in the Federal Direct Lending Program. Loan funding comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education to students through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program and to the parents through the Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Program. When loans are due, borrowers will repay them directly to the federal government through the loan servicer. Additional information is available at https://studentaid.gov/.

The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program provides low-interest, long-term loans through the University. Funding for these loans comes from the U.S. Department of Education. These loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. Eligible students must be admitted and enrolled in good standing at least half-time in a program leading to a degree. Half-time is defined as 6 credit hours for undergraduates.

The amount students may borrow is determined by federal guidelines. The following are federal maximum amounts that students are allowed to borrow:

• Freshmen (those who have not completed 30 earned credit hours) $5,500 yearly; maximum subsidized amount = $3,500 yearly
• Sophomores (30-59 earned credit hours) - $6,500 yearly; maximum subsidized amount = $4,500 yearly
• Juniors or Seniors (60 + earned credit hours) - $7,500 yearly; maximum subsidized amount = $5,500 yearly

Repayment normally begins six months following graduation or when dropping below half-time enrollment. Payments and the length of the repayment period depend upon the amount of the student’s indebtedness. Under special circumstances, repayment of a Federal Direct Stafford Loan that is not in default may be deferred or canceled. Repayment, deferment, and cancellations are handled by a federal loan servicer.

If the student is eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, one will be awarded (either subsidized or unsubsidized, or a combination of both) as part of the financial aid package. The student must then access their WINGS account to accept, deny, or reduce the loan(s). Please read the following paragraphs to learn the differences between the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. First-time borrowers are required to complete entrance loan counseling and electronically sign a master promissory note. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid.

Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan

The amount of subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan a student may borrow is the difference between the cost of education (annual budget) and a student’s resources (family contribution, financial aid such as Federal College Work-Study, and any other assistance received from the school and outside resources including scholarships). However, a student may not borrow more than the federal maximum for their grade level.

If a student is eligible for a subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan, the government will pay the interest until graduation or until enrollment drops below half-time. The student will be assessed a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds but will not reduce the principal balance required to repay. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan

The unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan can replace all or part of the family contribution. However, the amount of the loan may not be more than the difference between the cost of education and any financial assistance received from the school and any outside source (including the subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan).

The interest rate is variable but will not exceed 8.25 percent. Interest accrues on the unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan while the student is in school and during the six-month grace period before repayment begins. The student has the option of paying the interest monthly, quarterly, or having the interest added to the principal. The student will be assessed a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds but will not reduce the principal balance required to repay. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/.

Additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan

If the student is an independent undergraduate or a dependent student whose parents are denied for a PLUS Loan, the student may borrow an additional unsubsidized Stafford loan as follows: freshmen and sophomores may borrow a maximum of $4,000 per academic year; juniors and seniors may borrow a maximum of $5,000 per academic year, not to exceed the cost of education. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

If a student is considered dependent, they may be eligible for a Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) to assist in covering the education expenses. This loan is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The borrower will be the student’s parent (or stepparent), and a credit check will be conducted on the applicant. The maximum PLUS loan amount for an academic year is determined by subtracting all financial aid (including Stafford loans) from the annual cost of attendance.

The interest rate on the Federal Direct PLUS is variable but will not exceed 10.5 percent. The parent borrower has the option to begin repayment on the PLUS loan either 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or to wait until six months after the dependent student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. A loan origination fee is deducted from each disbursement of a PLUS loan. These charges do not reduce the amount required to repay. PLUS applications are processed through https://studentaid.gov. For additional information visit our website at http://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/.

Georgia Student Access Loan (SAL)

The Georgia Student Access Loan (SAL) is a limited resource loan program that is designed to assist undergraduate students who have a gap in meeting their educational costs. The program is also designed to provide interest rate and repayment incentives to those who complete their program of study within the designed program length, work in select public service sectors or STEM fields. To qualify, students must be Georgia residents and United States citizens or eligible non-citizens. Students must have first applied for and exhausted all other student financial aid programs including federal and state student loans, scholarship and grant programs. Students must complete a SAL application at https:// www.gafutures.org/, and are randomly selected to participate in the program.

The amount that students may borrow is determined by state guidelines. The minimum loan amount is $500. The maximum loan limit is $8,000 per year up to a maximum of $36,000 over a college lifetime. A non-refundable $50 origination fee is deducted from the first disbursement of each loan.

The interest rate is one percent (1%) for the life of the loan, and begins accruing at the time of the first disbursement. The borrower must fulfill the loan obligation, including repayment requirements, as specified in the Promissory Note to maintain the loan at a one percent (1%) interest rate.

Repayment is a maximum of fifteen (15) years with a minimum payment of $50.00 per month. For additional information and application procedures, refer to https://www.gafutures.org/.

Georgia National Guard (GNG) Service Cancelable Loan

The Georgia National Guard (GNG) Service Cancelable Loan provides financial assistance to eligible members of the Georgia National Guard to be used towards the cost of tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs at an eligible postsecondary institution. The student must agree to serve in the Georgia National Guard for a period of two years to complete service repayment. The purpose of the program is to encourage qualified individuals to join the GNG and retain skilled citizens within the state.

Private/Alternative Loans

A private/alternative loan is a non-federal education loan through a private lender usually in the student’s name that may require a co-signer. These loans are not subsidized and generally have different eligibility requirements, interest rates, repayment options and conditions. Because private/alternative loans vary, the Georgia Southern Financial Aid Office cannot provide the most accurate and useful information regarding these loans. We strongly suggest comparing interest rates, loan fees, and repayment options before applying.

Other Financial Assistance

The academic progress of students receiving federal financial assistance from the programs listed earlier in this narrative must be evaluated by the criteria outlined in this policy. These and other students receiving other types of financial assistance are evaluated based on requirements of the applicable financial assistance program.

Athletes

The Georgia Southern University Athletic Department administers student athletic scholarships. Student athletes who are eligible to receive institutional and/or Federal aid must comply with NCAA regulations. Student athletes interested in receiving financial aid in addition to their athletic scholarship must complete the appropriate application process.

Experiential Learning Program

The Experiential Learning Program at Georgia Southern University encompasses both cooperative education and internship opportunities for students in all majors. Co-ops and internships provide an opportunity for students to evaluate whether their chosen career path or field of study is a good fit for them, develop their professional skills, and apply their academic knowledge while obtaining valuable real-world experience in their field. The Office of Career and Professional Development at Georgia Southern University is committed to recruiting and promoting co-op and internship opportunities for all students and provides a centralized contact for both academic and non-academic related issues associated with experiential learning for all colleges and majors.

In order to participate in the Experiential Learning Program, students must be in good academic standing with the University. In addition, students must complete an Experiences application in Handshake, agree to the Code of Conduct and Waiver of Liability forms, and provide the Office of Career and Professional Development with an offer letter from their employer. Additionally, students must provide the Office of Career and Professional Development with an offer letter from their employer. The compensation package offered to the student is determined by the employer and board and lodging are the responsibility of the student. If students are not completing a co-op or internship for academic credit, then they will be enrolled in non-academic, tuition-free COOP hours that will denote their experience on their student transcript. Because these hours are free and non-tuition-bearing, they are not able to be used toward Financial Aid requirements. Students will be registered for the course through the Office of Career and Professional Development. Students and employers are required to submit evaluations at two identified points during their work term. Successful completion of the requirements will result in a completion grade awarded to the student.

For more information about the Experiential Learning Program, please refer to the program page, visit the Office of Career and Professional Development, or call (912) 478-5197.

School Certifying Officials

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) provides educational benefits under several programs. Eligibility is determined by DVA. Veterans or dependents of certain veterans who wish to attend Georgia Southern University under any of the veterans’ benefits programs should contact the School Certifying Officials located in Military Resource Center (MRC) for assistance at (912) 478-5154, (912) 478-8043, (912) 344-2948 or email MVS@georgiasouthern.edu. The School Certifying Official is responsible for assisting veteran students with the processing of VA forms for educational benefits. Students will be advised of procedural requirements and certification of enrollment will be verified to DVA.

Veterans who have service-connected disabilities and are eligible for disability compensation may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation. Disabled veterans who think they qualify for this assistance are encouraged to contact the Department of Veterans Administration for further information.

Georgia Southern University encourages all veterans to take advantage of college credit that may be granted for military training, as well as the credit by examination programs. Veterans requesting college credit for military training must provide Military and Veteran Affairs with an official military transcript for evaluation.

For more information please visit our web page at https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/military-veterans/.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The State of Georgia provides financial assistance (equal to tuition and other regular fees in the University) for residents of Georgia who have disabilities. For further information, call toll free (844) 367-4872, or view the web page gvs.georgia.gov.

Qualifying for Financial Aid

To be eligible for federal and state programs, students must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate federal need (may not be required for some loan and institutional programs).
• Have a standard high school diploma, GED, or ATB (Ability to Benefit) on file.
• Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
• Only courses in the student’s program of study, per the DegreeWorks audit, will be eligible for financial aid.
• Not be in default or owe a repayment of Title IV funds.
• Have a valid Social Security number.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen with permanent residency status and an alien registration ID number (may not be required for some institutional programs).
• Be registered with the Selective Service (males between the ages of 18-25). - (for state aid only)
• Have not borrowed in excess of loan limits under the Title IV program.
• Must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion.
• Must have all requested documentation on file before disbursements can be made.

Note: Post Baccalaureate students who have a prior degree from Georgia Southern University or Armstrong State University are only eligible for financial aid if they are seeking a different degree. Students adding a major to an existing degree program, or just taking courses to improve GPA or for other reasons, are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Refunds for a Student Receiving Federal Title IV Financial Assistance

Students receiving Federal Title IV Financial Assistance who formally or informally withdraw from school are subject to Federal Return of Title IV Aid regulations as specified in the Higher Education Amendment of 1998. The calculation determines the aid earned by the student based on the days enrolled for the semester in relation to the total days in the semester. The aid considered not to be “earned” must be returned to the federal programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans, Federal Direct PLUS loans received on behalf of the student, Federal Pell Grant, Teach Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Receipt of Federal Title IV Aid in excess of aid earned may be subject to repayment by the student if the student has withdrawn from school. The Bursar’s Office notifies the student if a repayment is due. Failure to repay could result in loss of future Title IV Aid eligibility.

If a waiver or contract is treated as a payment of tuition and fees that have actually been charged to a student, then the waiver or contract is considered estimated financial assistance, and the full amount of the tuition and fees must be included in the return calculation.

Example: Student received Title IV aid as follows: $1,274.00 in Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan and $782.00 in Pell Grant. The student had $844.00 in Institutional Charges. Student withdrew on day 25 of a semester having 112 days. The student has earned 22.3% (25 days divided by 112 days) of the Title IV aid which equals $458.49 (Loan of $1,274.00 plus grant of $782.00 times 22.3%). The student has unearned aid of $1,597.51 (Total aid received of $2,056.00 minus aid earned of $458.49) that must be returned to the federal programs. The Institution must return $656.00 ($844.00 Institutional charges times 77.7% unearned aid); all of this will be returned to the Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The remaining $941.51 (unearned aid of $1,597.51 minus amount Institution returned of $656.00) must be returned by the student. The student must repay $618.00 ($1,274.00 received in loan minus $656.00 returned to loan by Institution) to the Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan in accordance with the terms of the loan. The student must return $162.00 (remaining unearned aid of $941.51 minus $618.00 returned to loan fund by student equals $323.51 multiplied by 50% {students are required to return 50% of unearned grant funds}) to the Pell Grant Program.¹

¹ Please click the link Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Financial Aid Funds Policy to view information regarding Tuition and Fee Refunds.