Georgia scholarships and state aid
These are restricted to Georgia residents specifically. It's the kind of local award that's easy to miss because it's never on the big national scholarship sites.
Most scholarships on this site have no state restriction at all, so it's worth also browsing the full list regardless of where you live. Know of a local Georgia scholarship, through a school, Rotary club, or church, that isn't listed here? Let us know.
Open scholarships for Georgia residents (6)
- Georgia Public Safety Memorial GrantUp to $18,000
Georgia Student Finance Commission
Dependent children of Georgia public safety officers or public school employees who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty can get a grant covering the cost of attendance minus other aid, up to $18,000 a year, for up to eight semesters at an eligible Georgia college.
Opens Aug 31, 2026 · Due May 15, 2027 - Georgia Zell Miller ScholarshipAmount varies
Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)
This is the step above Georgia's HOPE Scholarship, requiring a higher GPA and covering a larger share of tuition at a Zell Miller-eligible school. Just like HOPE, it's merit-based and redetermined every term through FAFSA or GSFAPP rather than a single competitive application.
No annual deadline — eligibility is determined via FAFSA/GSFAPP each termLast verified Sep 28, 2026 - Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)Up to $1,650
Georgia Student Finance Commission
Georgia residents who attend an eligible private college in Georgia full-time can get $550 per semester ($367 per quarter), up to $1,650 a year, to help close the tuition gap with public schools. The amount is set by the legislature each year and can change.
Due July 31 each year (July 31, 2026 for 2026-27), so apply early for the next year - Georgia HOPE ScholarshipAmount varies
Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)
Georgia residents with a strong high school GPA can get merit-based tuition help at a HOPE-eligible Georgia college or university through this program. It works differently from most scholarships here since there's no one-time application: eligibility gets redetermined every term through the FAFSA or GSFAPP, and it pays toward standard undergrad tuition based on enrollment.
No annual deadline — eligibility is determined via FAFSA/GSFAPP each termLast verified Sep 28, 2026 - Georgia HERO ScholarshipUp to $2,000
Georgia Student Finance Commission
Georgia National Guard members and military reservists who served in a combat zone since 2003, plus their children and spouses, can get up to $2,000 a year, with a lifetime maximum of $8,000. Surviving spouses of service members killed or who died of injuries from qualifying combat service also qualify.
Apply through gafutures.org, which lists the current deadline - Publix Charities ScholarshipsAmount varies
Publix Super Markets Charities
Publix Super Markets Charities runs a collection of scholarship programs, including the George W. Jenkins Scholarship and a DECA-member track for Publix associates, for students connected to the Publix community, mostly in its Southeastern operating states.
Deadlines vary by track (DECA-member scholarship due early January, Publix Cares due around July) — check publixcharities.org/scholarshipLast verified Sep 30, 2026
How Georgia state aid works
Georgia's biggest money for students comes from the state, not a scholarship application. The Georgia Student Finance Commission runs the HOPE and Zell Miller programs, which are based on your high school grades and are re-checked each term through the FAFSA or the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP, filed at GAfutures.org). There is no separate competition to enter, so the most important step is filing the FAFSA or GSFAPP on time. Our FAFSA and state aid guide explains the steps.
The state programs on this page are listed with their own details, so check the requirements for each one. Many Georgia students also qualify for private scholarships from local sponsors, which is why the next section matters.
National scholarships Georgia students can also apply to (40)
These have no state restriction, so any Georgia high school or college student can apply. We picked the ones with the best return for the work (a high effort score) and no membership or financial-need requirement.
- Scripps National Spelling Bee$25,000–$52,500
E.W. Scripps Company
Students in grade 8 and under compete in this national spelling competition, where the champion takes home $50,000 (plus $2,500 from Merriam-Webster) and the runner-up gets $25,000.
Opens Aug 18, 2026 · Due Jan 29, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - C.O.P.S. Scholarship ProgramUp to $16,000
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
Surviving children and spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty can get up to $2,000 a semester, with a lifetime max of $16,000, for any course of study beyond high school. You do need to reapply every semester.
Apply each semester — no single annual deadlineLast verified Sep 30, 2026 - Imagine America High School Scholarship$1,000
Imagine America Foundation
High school grads with at least a 2.5 GPA heading into postsecondary career education at a participating career college can get a $1,000 award, part of the $10 million the Imagine America Foundation hands out in tuition assistance each year.
Opens Sep 1, 2026 · Due Dec 31, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - $2,000
This one's simple: anyone with a Niche profile who's currently enrolled, admitted, or planning to start college within 12 months can enter, no essay required. It's not merit or need based either, winners get picked at random every month.
Apply by Feb 28, 2027 - Segal AmeriCorps Education AwardUp to $7,395
AmeriCorps
Complete a term of national service with AmeriCorps and you earn an education award worth $7,395 for a full-time term in 2026 (the same as the maximum Pell Grant) to pay for college or technical school, or to repay qualified student loans. You can earn up to two awards and have seven years to use them.
There's no application for the award itself. You earn it by completing an approved service term, then have seven years to use it - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35)Amount varies
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Spouses and children of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability, are missing in action or captured, or are rated 100% permanently and totally disabled can get 36 months of monthly payments to use for college, on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
No application deadline. Children are eligible from age 18 through 26, and spouses for seven years from the veteran's 100% rating - Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry ScholarshipAmount varies
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on active duty after September 10, 2001 can get up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level: tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and a books stipend.
No application deadline. Children can use it until age 33, and spouses have 15 years from the service member's death - AATSP Programs Support AwardAmount varies
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
This is actually a teacher-only grant, not a student scholarship: AATSP gives up to five $250 awards to teachers of Spanish or Portuguese to help cover honor-society ceremonies, regalia, or classroom activities. No essay is required.
Opens Oct 1, 2026 · Due Jan 22, 2027Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - URJ Teen Fellowships and ScholarshipsUp to $7,500
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
This is an umbrella listing for several separate URJ teen programs, including the Heller High DREAM ISRAEL travel grant (up to $7,500), the RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, and the Teen Jews of Color Fellowship (restricted to Jewish teens of color), each with its own age range and requirements. There's no essay for any of them; submit one interest form and you'll be considered for whichever programs you qualify for.
Check reformjudaism.org/youth-programs/teen-fellowships for the current cycle's deadlineLast verified Sep 30, 2026 - FMA SparkForce ScholarshipAmount varies
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA)
Students headed into metal fabrication or manufacturing careers can win this one, which the FMA Foundation awards twice a year.
Runs two cycles per year (roughly spring and fall) — check fmamfg.orgLast verified Sep 30, 2026 - Burger King Scholars ProgramAmount varies
Burger King McLamore Foundation
Graduating seniors can win merit-based scholarships judged on academics, work experience, and community involvement.
Opens Oct 15, 2026 · Due Dec 15, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund ScholarshipsAmount varies
U.S. Figure Skating
U.S. Figure Skating members can apply for academic and competitive skater assistance scholarships, judged on academic achievement, competitive standing, and financial need.
Typically due around September 2 — check usfigureskating.org/scholarships-and-fundingLast verified Sep 28, 2026 - ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program$500–$25,000
ARRL Foundation (American Radio Relay League)
The ARRL Foundation manages over 170 individual scholarships, from $500 up to $25,000, funded by different donors, for active FCC-licensed ham radio operators with at least a 2.0 GPA. A few of the individual awards require a recommendation from an officer at an ARRL-affiliated club.
Opens Nov 1, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - AMTA Foundation ScholarshipAmount varies
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Foundation
Students enrolled in an accredited massage therapy program can apply, with awards judged on academic achievement and financial need.
Apply by Aug 31, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Scholastic Art & Writing Awards$500–$12,500
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
This is the nation's longest-running recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12, judging original art or writing submissions. National scholarships range from $500 (for the American Voices & Visions and Best-in-Grade awards) up to the $12,500 Gold Medal Portfolio Award.
Regional deadlines vary, roughly Dec 1 - early January each year — check your region at artandwriting.org - Army ROTC ScholarshipAmount varies
U.S. Army
The Army covers full tuition and fees, or room and board, plus a book stipend and a monthly living allowance, in exchange for serving as a commissioned officer for a set number of years after graduation. It runs 2-4 years depending on when you apply.
Opens Jun 14, 2026 · Due Mar 8, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture ScholarshipsAmount varies
American Farm Bureau Federation, through state Farm Bureau chapters
There's no unified national scholarship here for students - the foundation's own awards (like White-Reinhardt) are travel grants for teachers. Real student scholarships for an agriculture-related degree are run independently by each state Farm Bureau chapter, with its own amount, deadline, and requirements.
Deadlines vary by state Farm Bureau chapter — check your state Farm Bureau's scholarship pageLast verified Sep 30, 2026 - AMS First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship$5,000
American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Graduating seniors headed into atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic science (marine biology doesn't count) can get $5,000 total, split $2,500 for freshman year and $2,500 for sophomore year. AMS especially wants to hear from women, minorities, and students with disabilities who are underrepresented in the field, and you'll need U.S. citizenship or permanent residency plus a 3.0+ GPA.
Apply by Feb 6, 2027Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - U.S. Bank Student ScholarshipUp to $20,000
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank runs this sweepstakes-style program with awards up to $20,000, open to high school seniors and current college students who register during the entry period, no essay required, though eligibility rules still apply. It's not merit- or need-based; winners are picked at random. Your entry comes from learning modules in the Zogo app, and the award tier scales with how many you finish: 25+ modules for up to $2,500, 50+ for $5,000, 75+ for $10,000 and 150+ for $20,000.
Opens Jul 1, 2026 · Due Oct 30, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - eCYBERMISSION$5,000–$10,000
U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
This virtual STEM competition is for students in grades 6 through 9, with standard $5,000 awards paid out as U.S. EE Savings Bonds (meaning you get the face value at maturity, not right away) and additional state, regional, and national prizes worth up to $10,000 at maturity. You'll need a valid Social Security number or Lawful Permanent Resident status. It's really aimed at middle schoolers, so it's most relevant if your graduation date is still years off.
Registration typically closes late February; team submissions due mid-January each cycleLast verified Sep 28, 2026