Exclusive Scholarships for Georgia Students with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

Georgia Students and Student Debt

Georgia, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is not just known for its peaches and historical landmarks but also for its commitment to education. The state is home to a diverse and dynamic student population, attending a wide range of colleges and universities, from urban campuses in Atlanta to serene college towns scattered throughout the state.

Georgia college students are a reflection of the state's diversity, pursuing a vast array of academic and professional paths in either trade school, college, or university. Like other states, Georgia has seen a recent rise in the costs associated with a college degree. To further support Georgia students, Georgia offers scholarships designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

At Bold.org, our team is committed to assisting students and consistently strives to make education more accessible and affordable. We understand the significance of scholarships and have curated this list of Georgia scholarships to help students in Georgia reduce their college costs.

If you attend college or plan to, create a free Bold.org profile to apply for scholarships to help you pay for your college education!

Georgia College Students

In fall 2023, the University System of Georgia reached a record-breaking enrollment across its 26 institutions, totaling 344,392 students. This marks the highest enrollment figure in the system's history.

Over the past five years, there has been a consistent uptrend in new graduate enrollments, culminating in a record high in fall 2023. The fall semester of 2023 saw a 16.7 percent increase, adding 2,943 new graduate students compared to the previous year, and a significant 26.6 percent rise, equivalent to 4,320 students, since fall 2019.

The fall semester of 2023 witnessed the first rise in the number of new freshmen since the fall of 2020. Across Georgia's University System, there was a 2.2 percent rise in enrollment for undergraduate students, translating to an increase of 5,657 students in the fall of 2023 compared to the previous fall.

Degree Holders in Georgia

Georgia has moderate rates of degree attainment, with higher rates in metro Atlanta counties and lower rates in rural areas. Between 1970 and 2016, the percentage of Georgia residents aged 25 and over who completed college saw a significant increase, rising from 9.2% to 29.4%, effectively tripling over the 46-year period.

The rate of college completion among adults in Georgia has consistently aligned with the national average. Notably, Georgia distinguished itself as the pioneer state in establishing a completion plan for every public higher education institution.

These comprehensive plans outline the strategies of both the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to achieve the ambitious state objective of increasing Georgia's higher education graduates.

Are you an undergraduate student pursuing college? Check out these exclusive scholarships for undergraduate students to reduce your college costs!

Costs of a College Education in Georgia

The current total cost of attendance at the Georgia Institute of Technology is approximately $29,488. At the University of Georgia, it is approximately $27,830. These figures encompass tuition, fees, and other essential expenses, highlighting the financial planning needed for prospective students.

Student Debt in Georgia

Student loan borrowers in Georgia account for over $65 billion of the $1.7 trillion of student debt owed in the US. The average borrower owes nearly $40,500. This average individual debt is the third-highest in the US and more than the national average.

In the 2020 graduating class, 55% had taken out student loans, with the average amount borrowed standing at $28,400. Student loan borrowers within the age bracket of 50-61 carry the highest average debt, amounting to approximately $56,000, which is the most significant average debt load compared to other age groups in the state.

Best Scholarships for Georgia Students

There are hundreds of exclusive scholarships open on Bold.org, and more are added every day. Your scholarship path is up to you, but you'll have the best chance of winning scholarships that have many eligibility requirements.

The more eligibility criteria there are, the fewer eligible applicants there will be, boosting your chances of winning. You can use the scholarship filters to find scholarships in your niche, such as scholarships for women, students of color, students who have demonstrated academic achievement, students with a certain hobby, or students who demonstrate financial need. Below are some great scholarship opportunities for which Georgia students should apply!

Math Scholarships

Whether you're a high school senior with a passion for numbers or a college student aiming for a career in mathematics, our math scholarships provide the financial support you need to focus on your studies. From algebra to calculus, our aim is to empower Georgia's aspiring mathematicians to excel academically and contribute to the future of STEM.

Law Enforcement Scholarships

Designed to support students committed to serving and protecting their communities, these scholarships provide financial assistance to students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice degrees. Whether you're just starting your academic journey or looking to advance your skills and knowledge, apply for law enforcement scholarships and join the ranks of those who uphold justice and make a difference in society.

Film Scholarships

Whether you're an aspiring director, screenwriter, cinematographer, or editor, our film scholarships are designed to support your creative journey in the film industry. We provide financial aid opportunities to passionate students pursuing degrees in film studies or related fields, helping to cover tuition fees, equipment costs, and other educational expenses.

Don't feel limited to applying only for available scholarships specifically for Georgia students - we encourage you to browse all of the scholarships Bold.org has to offer!

Georgia Scholarships for High School Seniors

You can start applying for scholarships at any point in high school, but many students choose to begin as high school seniors.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Navigating the final year of high school can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially with the looming question of how to finance higher education. For high school seniors in Georgia, the path to college is made more accessible through a variety of scholarships designed to recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and unique talents.

Scholarships for College Students in Georgia

Undergraduate Scholarships

These opportunities provide vital financial support, enabling you to pursue your passions and excel in your undergraduate studies, setting a solid foundation for future success.

Scholarships for Community College

Community college students in Georgia can seize opportunities for academic advancement through scholarships tailored to their educational pursuits. These scholarships provide vital support, enabling students to achieve their academic goals and transition smoothly to four-year institutions or enter the workforce prepared.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Georgia graduate students can pursue their academic and professional aspirations with scholarships tailored to their advanced studies. These opportunities offer financial assistance and recognition for scholarly achievement, enabling graduate students to focus on their research, coursework, and professional development.

Career-Oriented Scholarships in Georgia

Dental School Scholarships

These scholarships provide financial assistance, empowering students to focus on their education and contribute to oral healthcare in their communities.

Cyber Security Scholarships

Georgia students passionate about safeguarding digital landscapes can access cyber security scholarships tailored to fuel their academic journey. With a rising demand for cyber experts, these scholarships equip students with the resources needed to excel in this dynamic field, fostering innovation and fortifying the state's cyber defense infrastructure.

PA School Scholarships

Aspiring physician assistants in Georgia can seize opportunities through specialized PA school scholarships, easing the financial burden and propelling them towards fulfilling careers in healthcare.

Nursing Scholarships

Nursing scholarships for Georgia students provide crucial financial support to aspiring nurses, helping to alleviate the cost of their education and encouraging them to pursue careers in healthcare. They are designed to support students based on criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to the nursing profession.

Social Work Scholarships

Georgia students dedicated to serving vulnerable populations can pursue their passion with social work scholarships tailored to their educational pursuits. These scholarships empower future social workers to advocate for social justice, promote well-being, and enact positive change in communities across the state, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

You can browse scholarships by category to find even more scholarships applicable to your career path.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Georgia

With such high levels of student debt, financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, federal student aid, and grant assistance are key to helping undergraduate and graduate students attend college without drawing in enormous amounts of debt.

Regardless of your field of study, background, or passions, there are scholarships for you! Some scholarships are exclusively open to students in Georgia, while others are open to all students in the US. Regardless of location requirements, every scholarship is a great opportunity that you should consider applying for.

Scholarship platforms can be a great resource when you're seeking financial support. Bold.org is the largest independent scholarship program and is a great place to start your search, whether you're in high school or college.

Applying for the scholarships offered on Bold.org is easy and quick. Before applying, read all of the eligibility requirements to make sure that you're one of the eligible applicants.

Each scholarship varies and has different eligible students. Some scholarships are only open to low-income students with demonstrated financial need, while others are for first-generation students, applicants of a certain race, or students pursuing a certain career path.

To apply, read the scholarship description for instructions and add your essay or other application materials. Then, just click the "apply now" button to finish up your application!

Tips for Applying for Georgia Scholarships

Start Early: Begin researching scholarships as early as your freshman year in high school. This allows ample time to understand the requirements and deadlines, especially for programs like the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, which have specific academic criteria.

Maintain Academic Excellence: Many Georgia-specific scholarships, including the prestigious HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, are merit-based and require maintaining a certain GPA. Focus on your studies to meet and exceed these academic requirements​.

Utilize GAfutures: The GAfutures website is a comprehensive resource for Georgia students, offering information on scholarships, grants, and loans specific to the state. Create an account to access personalized information and track your eligibility for programs like the HOPE Scholarship.

Complete the FAFSA: Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial, as it's often a prerequisite for state-funded scholarships and grants. Some programs, like the Georgia College Completion Grant, require a current-year FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Explore Dual Enrollment Options: If you're still in high school, consider the Dual Enrollment program to earn college credits early. This program can provide financial support for tuition, mandatory fees, and books​​.

Apply for Scholarships on Bold.org: In addition to state-specific scholarships and grants, explore national platforms like Bold.org, which offers a wide range of scholarships for various demographics, interests, and fields of study. Create a free Bold.org profile to apply for scholarships that are exclusive to the Bold platform. This can be an excellent way to broaden your scholarship search and increase your chances of securing additional funding for your education.

Check Eligibility for Specialized Scholarships: If you or a family member are affiliated with public safety, military, or healthcare sectors, there might be specific scholarships or grants available, such as the Public Safety Memorial Grant or the Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan.

Seek Guidance from School Counselors: High school counselors can provide valuable information about state-specific scholarships and grants, application processes, and deadlines.

Review and Revise Applications: Before submitting any scholarship application, review all materials carefully. Ensure essays are well-written and free of errors and that all application components meet the program's requirements.

By following these tips and utilizing resources like GAfutures and Bold.org, Georgia students can maximize their chances of securing financial aid for their education. For more detailed information and resources, visit the official GAfutures​​ and GSFC​​ websites.

Pursuing a bachelor's degree? Browse our undergraduate scholarships to find a financial aid opportunity for you!

Additional Resources for Students in Georgia

Georgia Student Finance Commission

Georgia Student Finance Commission is an organization in the state of Georgia, USA, responsible for providing financial aid and assistance to students pursuing higher education. Its mission is to ensure that Georgians have an opportunity to access and complete a higher education, regardless of financial barriers.

Reach Georgia Scholarship Program

Reach Georgia Scholarship Program is one of the initiatives administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. It is a needs-based scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance to academically promising students who may face barriers to attending college due to financial constraints. The program aims to support students throughout their high school years and into their college education, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.