College Resources -

Unaccompanied homeless youth can now complete their FAFSA application more easily, thanks to two recent policy changes that affect their financial aid eligibility.

Unaccompanied homeless youth can qualify as independent students for college financial aid. They need to get verification for FAFSA from the homeless liaison office of their school district. Starting from July 1, 2023, FAFSA will have some new changes for unaccompanied homeless youth: They will be presumed to be eligible for the next year and more officials and programs will be able to verify their status as unaccompanied homeless youth (and thus independent students). For more details, click here: New FAFSA Policies for Homeless and Foster Youth | SchoolHouse Connection

2. States must explain how school counselors will help homeless youth with college preparation and readiness. You can contact your school district homeless liaison office to get in touch with your high school counselor.

Federal Student Aid, Grants, and Scholarships

Free application for Federal Student Aid

http://fafsa.gov/

Georgia Student Finance Commission

GAfutures.org

College Scholarship Directory

https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/best-college-scholarships

Scholarship & Grants

BigFuture Scholarships: Earn by Planning for College (collegeboard.org)

College Cost Calculator

Use the College Cost Calculator button below to determine how much college will cost by the time you enroll.

DREAMer's Roadmap

Helps undocumented students across the country find scholarships to supplement what financial aid does not cover. For additional information, click the button below:

Embark assigns a staff member as a Designated Point of Contact (DPOC) for each unhoused youth who is enrolled in a University System of Georgia (UGA) or a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution. Students can find their DPOC by using the DPOC map on Embark’s website. To access the map, click on the link below:

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)

If you are looking for a way to start your career, Georgia’s technical colleges can help you achieve your goals. In the last year, over 27,000 students graduated from our 22 colleges, and 98 percent of them are now working or pursuing further education. You can choose from more than 600 state-of-the art technical programs that suit your interests and aspirations. To find out more, click on the link below:

Learn how online degrees are transforming the educational landscape and opening up new career opportunities by clicking below:

Public Colleges and Universities of Georgia

Below are the public colleges and universities located in the State of Georgia:

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University (VSU) has a history of empowering women since 1906, and now it celebrates its diverse student population. As a regional university in South Georgia, it collaborates with other institutions in the University System to provide the services that the region needs. It also offers programs through distance learning and at off-campus locations across the region. It plays a leading role in meeting the regional needs, especially in providing access to professionally oriented doctoral programs, mainly in education, and to applied research. Valdosta is more than a safe place to live, learn, and play; it's a place where you'll feel at home.

University of West Georgia

Recognized as one of the nation's top colleges and universities in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, the University of West Georgia is a dynamic institution that offers more than 100 programs and serves students in Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan. Since its founding in 1906, the university has welcomed those who seek opportunities and pursue their own goals. With a diverse culture and a commitment to excellence, the university makes a positive impact on its students, its community, and the world. The university's motto remains unchanged: amazing things happen when you Go West.

University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia within the University System of Georgia. It is one of the largest public universities in the state, serving about 20,000 students on its five campuses in the north Georgia region: Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee. Each campus has its own character, offerings, and opportunities for you to achieve your goals and make the most of your college experience. UNG strives to provide comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that are accessible to a wide range of students and that increase the college completion rate in the region. The five campuses share a common mission of academic excellence and offer academic and co-curricular programs that prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and global society.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia, a four-year land-grant and sea-grant university with state-wide commitments and responsibilities is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. In addition to the main campuses in Athens with their approximately 470 buildings, the university has two smaller campuses located in Tifton and Griffin. The university also has two satellite campuses located in Atlanta and Lawrenceville. As a comprehensive land-grant and sea-grant institution, the University of Georgia offers baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, business, ecology, engineering, environmental design, family and consumer sciences, forest resources, journalism and mass communication, education, law, pharmacy, public health, social work, and veterinary medicine. The university is also home to the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership.

South Georgia State College

South Georgia State College is a four-year residential institution located in a beautiful historic area of Southeast Georgia. It serves 15 counties with multiple campuses, offering students a true college experience in a community of learners. The college provides accessible, high quality education that is student-centered and focused on the educational, social, and economic development of the region. Students are engaged in educational opportunities that empower them for success in a sustainable global society. They learn to think critically, communicate proficiently, and act responsibly as civic-minded, environmentally conscious citizens.

Savannah State University

Savannah State University has a long history of excellence in higher education. It is the first public HBCU in Georgia and the oldest institution of higher learning in Savannah, a historic city. SSU has distinguished itself by serving this community and meeting the diverse educational needs of its students. The campus of SSU is the most picturesque in Georgia, with 201 acres of scenic beauty. The majestic oak trees draped with moss, the expansive marsh, and the historic architecture create a stunning and serene atmosphere. Beyond the aesthetics, SSU is a vibrant residential campus full of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment. We invite you to join the SSU family. Please continue your exploration ploration of Savannah State University - both online and in person - and share our excitement.

Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is the most affordable public state university in Georgia, with five campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, Warner Robins, and the Macon Downtown Airport. It has 7,689 students enrolled in various online and on-campus programs. MGA's mission is to educate and graduate inspired lifelong learners who contribute to the region through professional leadership, innovative partnerships, and community engagement. MGA values stewardship, engagement, adaptability, and learning. MGA also offers experiential learning opportunities that involve students in practical application of their learning, such as internships, undergraduate research, and service learning. These high-impact practices enhance student learning and engagement. MGA offers degrees and certificates at the doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and associate levels. These programs help students develop skills that prepare them for today's professional workforce.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive institution with two suburban campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, northwest of Atlanta metropolitan area. It is the third largest university in Georgia, with 43,000 students enrolled in more than 180 programs at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. Kennesaw State University fosters growth, transformation, and tenacity in its students. It provides them with opportunities to explore, collaborate, and excel in their fields of study. It brings together a diverse range of backgrounds and talents to create meaningful impact. KSU’s students become the professionals and leaders that others seek and admire.

Georgia Institute of Technology

With nearly 40,000 students from 50 states and 149 countries, the Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nation's leading public research universities. The main campus is located in Atlanta, but students can also study at Georgia Tech-Lorraine in France, Georgia Tech-Shenzhen in China, or through distance and online learning. The Institute offers excellent programs in engineering and computing, which are the largest and among the best in the nation, as well as in business, design, liberal arts, and sciences.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University, founded in 1913, combines academic excellence with a vibrant college life. It transforms students' lives, advances knowledge frontiers and shapes future leaders. The university offers educational opportunities from associate to graduate degrees for a diverse student body across its downtown Atlanta Campus and five Perimeter College campuses. Georgia State is the national model for student success, graduating students from all backgrounds at equal, high rates. It has increased its graduation rate more than any other university in the nation since 2003. It has also reduced the average time to earn a degree by a semester, saving students and Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars in tuition and fees.

Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a world-class institution that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located on 250 scenic acres in historic Americus, Georgia, our campus combines tradition and modernity, culture and passion, prestige and accessibility. Since 1906, we have welcomed students from across Georgia, the US, and the world, providing them with a valuable educational experience. Our small class sizes allow for close interaction between our faculty, who are dedicated to academic success and a spirited college experience. As one of the most affordable colleges in the nation, we are committed to serving the needs of southwest Georgia and beyond.

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a four-year institution that aims to advance the State of Georgia and the region through higher education. It offers degrees from baccalaureate to doctoral levels and various outreach programs. It promotes access to its educational programs and provides a comprehensive and fulfilling university experience. It also enhances the quality of life in the region by collaborating with partners in education, health care, human services, culture, science, technology, athletics, and regional development. Georgia Southern has its largest campus in historic Statesboro, Georgia, where more than 20,000 students study. It also has additional campuses at Armstrong in Savannah, Liberty in Hinesville, and a Study Abroad Center in Wexford, Ireland.

Georgia Highlands College

Founded in 1970, Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is a four-year institution that offers educational opportunities for a diverse population in seven northwest Georgia counties. The college aims to foster the physical, intellectual, and cultural development of its students and communities. Through distance learning technologies, specialty programs, off-campus centers and collaborative arrangements, the college has extended its reach beyond its original geographical area. It now operates six instructional sites in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville.

Georgia Gwinnett College

Georgia Gwinnett College is a pioneering model of higher education in the United States. It is the first public, four-year, liberal arts college founded in the 21st century, according to the American Council on Education. Its diverse student body of nearly 12,000 students represents 32 states and 104 countries, with more than 68 percent coming from Gwinnett County. The college fosters a dynamic learning community where students benefit from an average class size of 23 and strong faculty engagement and mentoring.

Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) has a long history of empowering students who aspire to make positive changes in their communities and the world. Founded in 1889 as a women’s educational center, GCSU is now the University System of Georgia’s designated public liberal arts university. Located in Milledgeville, a quaint and traditional southern town less than two hours away from Atlanta, our campus combines historic beauty with an inspiring academic atmosphere. Students enjoy a close-knit community and a strong sense of campus pride.

Fort Valley State

Fort Valley State University attracts talented students who aspire to brilliance. As a small, private college in the heart of Georgia, FVSU offers the best of both worlds: the personal attention and family atmosphere of a liberal arts college and the resources and research opportunities of a large public university. FVSU is unique in the world as it is simultaneously a University System of Georgia institution, a historically Black university, and an 1890 land-grant institution with a mission to use knowledge for the benefit of both students and society. Building on its legacy of excellence since 1895, FVSU prepares students to become future global leaders and fosters innovation that will turn imagination into reality. That is why our motto and tagline is “Empower the Possible.”

East Georgia State College

East Georgia State College (EGSC) is a four-year institution that offers affordable and quality higher education to all students. EGSC caters to different academic abilities and preparation levels with specialized attention. Students can choose from associate degrees, targeted bachelor’s degrees and transfer paths to other institutions. EGSC is also among the first and few Universities System of Georgia institutions approved to award associate degrees with disciplinary distinction, which gives students a solid foundation in a specific major, rather than just the core curriculum. EGSC has three convenient locations near I-16 East (EGSC-Swainsboro and EGSC-Statesboro) and I-20 East (EGSC-Augusta).

Dalton State College

Dalton State College provides quality higher education to the people of Northwest Georgia, improving the region's economic and social well-being. As a member of the University System of Georgia, Dalton State College offers bachelor's degrees in selected fields, associate degrees and career certificates in various programs, and public service activities for the community. The College's work is supported by partnerships with businesses, industries, governments, and schools in Northwest Georgia. Located in Dalton, Georgia, Dalton State College values a campus culture of service, engagement, and collaboration that benefits Northwest Georgia and beyond.

Columbus State University

A great university can inspire us to achieve our best. It can foster new ideas, diverse perspectives, and innovative solutions. It can help students find their passions – and turn them into rewarding careers that make a positive difference in the world. That is what Columbus State University does. With excellent facilities, optimal class sizes, and distinctive field experiences, our students have the opportunity to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is involved in the educational process, actively mentoring students and supporting each step of their journey. Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia. Each year, CSU welcomes more than 7,000 students from the Southeast, across the nation, and around the world. Many programs at Columbus State are highly regarded for their affordability and value. The university is committed to providing all students with an outstanding education that is accessible, affordable, and creative at its core. Come discover why CSU is the ideal place to Create You.

College of Coastal Georgia

The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is an affordable and accessible institution that provides quality education. It fosters excellence in scholarship and community engagement, and supports student progression and timely graduation through student-centered programs. CCGA offers a rich and diverse student experience, and prepares students for the intellectual, economic, and cultural needs of the community and region with its associate and baccalaureate degrees. CCGA has two campuses: one in the port city of Brunswick on Georgia's southeast coast, and another in Kingsland, Georgia, a few miles north of the Florida border.

Clayton State University

Clayton State University is a four-year institution that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and service for the benefit of Georgia, the nation, and the world. The university prepares its graduates to communicate effectively, think critically, collaborate productively, demonstrate proficiency in their chosen field, and adapt to changing circumstances and new challenges. The university also cultivates a sense of social and civic responsibility, community leadership and service among its students. Clayton State University attracts students from over 34 states and 32 countries to its suburban Atlanta campus, where they pursue their dreams through practical classes, internships, and real-life experiences.

August University

Augusta University is Georgia's health/sciences/medical college, as defined by the Board of Regents. We take pride in that role. We are also a dynamic, comprehensive research university that offers more than 150 areas of study in ten colleges, through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. We believe that your life is yours to shape and explore. That's why we are committed to helping you define your goals, find meaning in your journey, and live on your own terms. Today, our campuses in Augusta and across Georgia are at the forefront of exceptional teaching and groundbreaking research. Our focus is on improving and enriching the fullness of the human experience—for you, for others, for life.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Atlanta Metropolitan State College is an access institution of the University System of Georgia that provides affordable and career-focused bachelor’s and associate degree programs to students from diverse backgrounds. The College fosters student-centered instruction, civic/community engagement, and quality services that help its 21st century graduates succeed in an inter-generational world. The College is located in the southwest quadrant of Atlanta, offering a balance of urban and natural settings. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is adjacent to Interstate 75/85.

Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU) is a four-year institution that promotes the growth and development of Southwest Georgia and the state through teaching, learning, research, creative expression and public service. The University offers various educational programs, including baccalaureate, master’s and educational specialist degrees. The University collaborates with other institutions to meet the needs of its constituents and to improve the quality of life of its publics by supporting educational, cultural, artistic and social development in the region. ASU has three campuses: East and West campuses in Albany, GA, and the Cordele campus in Cordele, GA. ASU also has two instructional sites: Cairo in Cairo, GA and Waycross in Waycross, GA.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) aims to enhance the education of Georgia. Founded in 1908, ABAC has been the South's leading institution for Agricultural studies, offering unique and practical learning experiences for students. Over the years, ABAC has expanded its academic programs to include various 4-year degrees and pathways to success, such as a highly coveted nursing program, creative arts and science tracks, and a growing number of majors and opportunities for students. ABAC's main campus is located in Tifton, Georgia, a thriving and close-knit town surrounded by the verdant pines of South Georgia. ABAC also has an instructional site in Bainbridge, Georgia, in the heart of Southwest Georgia.

Higher Education Resources

Help to Begin Your Higher ED Process

SAT/ACT & Waivers, Pros & Cons of State Colleges & Universities, and Accreditation

Did You Know?