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Enrolling in college after high school opens the door to a world of opportunities. College equips students with specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, and valuable experiences that can lead to higher-paying jobs and greater career flexibility. It’s also a time for personal growth, networking, and discovering passions that shape future success. Whether it’s a four-year university, a community college, or a trade school, continuing education after graduation is a powerful step toward building a strong, fulfilling future. Many options exist for those who want to receive formal training or education after high school. Click here to see locations of all post-secondary institutions in Georgia. It is essential for students and parents to know the admission requirements for the post- secondary school of choice and make certain all requirements are met prior to high school graduation.
Enrolling in college after high school opens the door to a world of opportunities. College equips students with specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, and valuable experiences that can lead to higher-paying jobs and greater career flexibility. It’s also a time for personal growth, networking, and discovering passions that shape future success. Whether it’s a four-year university, a community college, or a trade school, continuing education after graduation is a powerful step toward building a strong, fulfilling future. Many options exist for those who want to receive formal training or education after high school. Click here to see locations of all post-secondary institutions in Georgia. It is essential for students and parents to know the admission requirements for the post- secondary school of choice and make certain all requirements are met prior to high school graduation.
For more information on postsecondary schools and programs of study, use the Georgia Futures site located at: www.GAfutures.org. Another reliable source for information about college planning is U.S. News & World Report.
For more information on postsecondary schools and programs of study, use the Georgia Futures site located at: www.GAfutures.org. Another reliable source for information about college planning is U.S. News & World Report.
Checklist for Preparing for College
Checklist for Preparing for College
Georgia Match
Georgia Match
We’re excited to share that your student may be eligible for admission to one or more of Georgia’s public colleges and universities through the GEORGIA MATCH program! This initiative is designed to keep students learning, growing, and launching their careers right here in Georgia.
In October, the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and GAfutures will mail official GEORGIA MATCH letters to all eligible seniors. These letters will list the colleges and universities that are an academic match for your student based on their HOPE GPA. These institutions are holding a spot for your student in their Fall freshman class!
Encourage your student to log in to their GAfutures Student Dashboard, where they can view a PDF version of their GEORGIA MATCH letter and see which colleges are extending a match. From there, they can request more information and even begin the process of claiming their spot.
Georgia is home to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities—many of which are affordable options thanks to state scholarships like HOPE and Zell Miller. Choosing to attend college in Georgia is not just a smart academic decision—it’s a smart financial one too.
To learn more, visit the Georgia Match website and help your student take advantage of this unique opportunity to plan their next steps with confidence.
FINANCING EDUCATION
FINANCING EDUCATION
Smart Steps for Paying for College: Advice for Parents and Students
Smart Steps for Paying for College: Advice for Parents and Students
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are many resources available to help make it more affordable—and it all starts with having a plan.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are many resources available to help make it more affordable—and it all starts with having a plan.
1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
This is the first and most important step in accessing financial aid. The FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Many state and school-based scholarships also require it. The earlier you submit it, the better!
1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
This is the first and most important step in accessing financial aid. The FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Many state and school-based scholarships also require it. The earlier you submit it, the better!
2. Explore Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
These scholarships are available to Georgia students who meet specific academic requirements and plan to attend eligible in-state colleges. They can cover a significant portion—or even all—of tuition costs, depending on eligibility.
2. Explore Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
These scholarships are available to Georgia students who meet specific academic requirements and plan to attend eligible in-state colleges. They can cover a significant portion—or even all—of tuition costs, depending on eligibility.
3. Search for Scholarships
There are thousands of local, state, and national scholarships that reward students for academic achievement, leadership, service, and more. Check with your school counselor, GAfutures.org, and scholarship search engines like Fastweb or Scholarships.com. Carroll County Schools also has a Scholarship Page where you can find local scholarships.
3. Search for Scholarships
There are thousands of local, state, and national scholarships that reward students for academic achievement, leadership, service, and more. Check with your school counselor, GAfutures.org, and scholarship search engines like Fastweb or Scholarships.com. Carroll County Schools also has a Scholarship Page where you can find local scholarships.
4. Look into Work-Study Programs
Many colleges offer federal work-study jobs, which let students work part-time on or near campus while earning money to help pay for expenses.
4. Look into Work-Study Programs
Many colleges offer federal work-study jobs, which let students work part-time on or near campus while earning money to help pay for expenses.
5. Talk to the College Financial Aid Office
Every college has a financial aid office that can help you understand your options, calculate your total cost of attendance, and discuss payment plans or additional aid packages. Click here to learn more about financial aid.
5. Talk to the College Financial Aid Office
Every college has a financial aid office that can help you understand your options, calculate your total cost of attendance, and discuss payment plans or additional aid packages. Click here to learn more about financial aid.
6. Consider Dual Enrollment and AP Courses
These options let students earn college credit while still in high school, saving time and money in the long run.
6. Consider Dual Enrollment and AP Courses
These options let students earn college credit while still in high school, saving time and money in the long run.
7. Budget and Plan Ahead
Sit down together as a family and talk openly about college costs. Understand what’s manageable and create a plan for any additional savings or loan options.
7. Budget and Plan Ahead
Sit down together as a family and talk openly about college costs. Understand what’s manageable and create a plan for any additional savings or loan options.
Remember: Paying for college doesn’t have to be a barrier. With planning, research, and support, your student can take full advantage of the opportunities ahead—without taking on overwhelming debt.
Remember: Paying for college doesn’t have to be a barrier. With planning, research, and support, your student can take full advantage of the opportunities ahead—without taking on overwhelming debt.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Don't miss out on free money for college! Scholarships are a fantastic way to cover tuition, books, and living expenses without taking on debt. They're available for all kinds of students—not just those with perfect grades or athletic skills. You can find scholarships based on your interests, community service, heritage, or even your family's employer. Start searching early, stay organized, and apply for as many as you can. Every dollar helps! 💰🎓
State Funded HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships
State Funded HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships
Their future is our mission.
Their future is our mission.
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