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How Do I Pay For College?
Financial aid can be a confusing part of the college application process. Most students and families will rely on some sort of aid to finance college. Where does that aid come from and how do I get it? Financial aid includes: HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Grant, Loans, and School/Community Scholarship awards.
HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship and HOPE Grant
HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships are merit-based, awarded when students achieve certain eligibility requirements. Students can track their eligibility on their GAFutures.org account.
HOPE: 3.0 academic GPA upon high school graduation
Zell Miller: 3.7 academic GPA and 1200 SAT score (one test administration) OR 26 ACT composite
HOPE Grant: available to students attending a technical college, must maintain 2.0 GPA in college
FAFSA
All students/families must complete the FAFSA in order to receive financial aid for college. This includes HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship, even though those scholarships are not need-based. New applications generally open early October of each school year. FAFSA is FREE. There is no cost to students or families when completing this application. FAFSA generally should be completed by parents or guardians as it requires tax return information.
Community Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Information is changing throughout the year. Most scholarship applications have moved to a digital platform so students are encouraged to complete applications online. However, paper copies of various scholarships (when available) can be found in the Empower Career Center. Students should also constantly check their base schools for scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship for women . Deadline Nov. 30th. Find out more information about the application process HERE. Interested students should email peogastatescholarship@gmail.com
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Committee is awarding a $2000 annual scholarship to a young woman poised to be a future business and community leader. Must be a female graduating student attending an accredited college, university or trade school. Deadline March 2nd. Interview required. Application can be found HERE.
VFW offers several opportunities to honor and recognize outstanding students, designed to highlight academic excellence, civic responsibility, and leadership. Information about available scholarships and recognition can be found HERE. Multiple Deadlines.
Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame
Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame
This $4000 scholarship is open to senior JROTC cadets in good standing who have been accepted to a 4-year GA college or university and have also been formally accepted into that college's ROTC program with the "intent" of commissioning as a military officer upon graduation. Information about the GMVHOF scholarship can be found HERE. Deadline May 1st, 2026
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Deadline September 30th. Online application.
DEADLINE PAST
$500 scholarship for senior students pursuing college, interest in engineering NOT required. Students must submit an essay (500-1000 words) answering the following question:
When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?
Deadline October 8th. Submit essay to scholarships@aesengineers.com
DEADLINE PAST
Braselton Woman's Club Scholarship
Braselton Woman's Club Scholarship
The Braselton Woman's Club is offering (4) $1500 scholarships to selected seniors in Jackson and Barrow County. Selection will be based on student commitment to furthering their education, school and community activities and future goals. Deadline April 14th. See Mrs. Dooley or your base school counselor for an application.
First Responder Scholarship
First Responder Scholarship
Jefferson Church and The PACE Foundation are awarding $7000 to high school senior who is the child of a First Responder in Jackson, Barrow, Banks or Madison County. Additional eligibility required including transcript, essay and picture. Deadline April 25th. Application can be found HERE.
2025 Parrish Construction Group Scholarship
2025 Parrish Construction Group Scholarship
The Parrish Construction Group will be awarding $3000--to be used as financial assistance to a student that is interested in pursuing continued education in the construction management or related field. Deadline April 25th. Application can be found HERE.
$1000 scholarship open to graduating Georgia HS senior that is pursuing a STEM Career. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be considered. At least (5) scholarships will be awarded. Deadline is March 9th, 2025. Application online. DEADLINE PAST
Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is offering $65,000 in scholarships for students looking to pursue agriculture-related courses of study. There are a numerous scholarships available, all with different selection and eligibility criteria. All applications online ONLY. Deadline March 1st.
DEADLINE PAST
JCCO is offering 4 scholarships to seniors graduating high school from JCSS, Jefferson, and Commerce. The scholarships range from $1000 to $2500. Applicants must have :
Minimum GPA of 2.5
School/community involvement
Need for financial assistance
Participate in an interview
Deadline February 28th to base school counselor. More information online. Application linked HERE. DEADLINE PAST
Resources and Tips
This article from the Wall Street Journal gives some very practical reminders of how to cut down on the expenses of a college education. Regardless of where students attend--or even if they are going straight into the workforce, these strategies are smart financial decisions that set students up for future success without having to overcome extreme debt.
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