College Resources -

1. That unaccompanied homeless teens can apply as independent students for college financial aid and that unaccompanied homeless teens must receive verification for FAFSA from their school district homeless liaison office. Additional changes are coming to FAFSA for unaccompanied homeless teens July 1, 2023: Presumption of subsequent year eligibility and expanded list of officials and programs who may verify that an applicant is an unaccompanied homeless youth (and therefore an independent student). Click here for more details: New FAFSA Policies for Homeless and Foster Youth | SchoolHouse Connection

2. States must describe how homeless teens will receive assistance from school counselors to advise, prepare, and improve their readiness for college. Your school district homeless liaison office can facilitate your connection to 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

Assists undocumented students across the country find scholarships to helps supplement what financial aid won’t. Click the button below for additional information:

Embark provides Designated Point of Contact (DPOC) staff to help homeless students attending a University System of Georgia (UGA) or a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) school. Students can locate their DPOC using the DPOC map on Embark’s website. Click below to locate your DPOC:

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)

TCSG offers 600 Degree, Diploma & Certificate. TCSG education cost approximately $3,200 that includes tuition and fees. If you choose to pursue a career in any of the 17 high-demand fields offered at TCSG, a 100% of your college tuition costs could be covered through a Georgia’s HOPE Career Grant. For additional information click below:

Click below to learn about the changing landscapes of on-line degrees and their impact on careers and employment below:

Public Colleges and Universities of Georgia

Search below for public colleges and universities located in the State of Georgia.

Valdosta State University

Started in 1906 as an institution dedicated to educating women, today VSU is proud of its diverse student body. As a regional university in South Georgia, Valdosta State cooperates with other University System institutions to ensure that the region receives the services it needs. To expand its programmatic outreach, it develops and offers programs by distance learning and at off-campus locations throughout the region. It will continue to exercise a leadership role in meeting the needs of the region, particularly in providing access to professionally oriented doctoral programs, primarily in education, and to applied research. Valdosta isn’t just a place where you’ll feel safe to live, learn, and play; it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.

University of West Georgia

University of West Georgia is one of the most dynamic universities in the nation recognized among the nation's top colleges and universities in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report. Since 1906, the University of West Georgia has been home to those who are eager to embrace opportunities and define their own paths. With more than 100 programs and locations in Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan, we have come a long way since then. Today, we are a regional powerhouse with diverse culture and a commitment to excellence, making a difference in the lives of our students, our neighbors, and the world. The one thing that has never changed: amazing things happen when you Go West.

University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia is part of the University System of Georgia and is designated as a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia. With about 20,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities. UNG has five campuses located across the north Georgia region: Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee, each with its own personality, offerings, and opportunities for you to reach your goals and make the most of your college experience. UNC provides broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs to increase the rate of college completion throughout the region. Positioned in the fastest-growing region of the state, united by a single mission the five campuses are focused on academic excellence and academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for 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

Beautiful historic location in Southeast Georgia. Multi-campus institution with 15 counties in the service area. Class sizes are small enough to make you feel like you belong to a community of learners. Campuses large enough to give you true college experience. This is South Georgia State College. A four-year residential institution that serves the educational, social, and economic development of the region by providing accessible, high quality student-centered education. Through close collaboration with faculty and staff, students are engaged in educational opportunities that empower them for success in a sustainable global society. South Georgia State College prepares students to think critically, communicate proficiently, and act responsibly as civic-minded, environmentally conscious citizens.

Savannah State University

For years, Savannah State University has been an important part of higher education. As the first public HBCU in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the historic city of Savannah, SSU has served this community with distinction while meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. The 201-acre campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh, and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment. We invite you to become a part of the SSU family. Please continue your exploration of Savannah State University - both online and in person - and share our excitement.

Middle Georgia State University

Georgia’s most affordable public state university, 5 campuses Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, Warner Robin's, and Macon Downtown Airport with 7,689 students. FULLY ONLINE DEGREES Mission: To educate and graduates inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the region through professional leadership, innovative partnerships, and community engagement. Values: Stewardship • Engagement • Adaptability • Learning Experiential Learning@MGA strengthens student learning and engagement by increasing participation in an array of experiential learning opportunities – opportunities which involve students in practical application of their learning. These high-impact practices can include internships, undergraduate research, and service learning. Middle Georgia State University offers doctorate; master’s, bachelor’s, associate degrees; and certificates. These degrees help students develop skill sets that prepare them for today’s professional workforce.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State is a comprehensive university located on two suburban campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, northwest of metro Atlanta. As the third largest university in Georgia, Kennesaw State has 43,000 students enrolled in over 180 undergraduate, master’s, doctoral degree, and certificate programs. Kennesaw State University is focused on growth, transformation, and tenacity. At Kennesaw State University we help students succeed through exploration, collaboration, and rigor. We unite a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and talents to produce meaningful change. KSU’s, students become the individuals that others want as colleagues and as leaders.

Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nation's top public research universities with nearly 40,000 students who study in person at the main campus in Atlanta, at Georgia Tech-Lorraine in France, at Georgia Tech-Shenzhen in China, as well as through distance and online learning. Students represent 50 states and 149 countries. Tech's engineering and computing Colleges are the largest and among the highest-ranked in the nation. The Institute also offers outstanding programs in business, design, liberal arts, and sciences.

Georgia State University

Blending academic rigor with a rich college experience since 1913, Georgia State University transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and shapes future leaders. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, the university supplies associate-to-graduate-degree-level educational opportunities for tens of thousands across its downtown Atlanta Campus and five Perimeter College campuses. Graduating students from all backgrounds at equal, high rates, Georgia State is the national model for student success. Conferring degrees to 10,000-plus students each year, Georgia State has experienced the most dramatic graduation-rate increase of any university in the country since 2003. By reducing the average time to earn to a degree by a whole semester, it has saved students and Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars in unnecessary tuition and fees.

Georgia Southwestern State University

A unique blend of tradition and modernity, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a world-class institution that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our campus is located on 250 scenic acres in historic Americus, Georgia, and is teeming with culture, passion, and prestige. Since 1906, Georgia Southwestern has provided a valuable educational experience for individuals across Georgia, from each corner of the US, and from countries around the world. Our small class sizes foster an emphasis on student interaction between a faculty who prioritizes academic success and a spirited college experience. Ranked as one of the most affordable colleges in the nation, Georgia Southwestern is committed to serving the needs of southwest Georgia and beyond.

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University – a four-year institution – is committed to advancing the State of Georgia and the region through the benefits of higher education, offering baccalaureate through doctoral degrees and a variety of outreach programs. The University fosters access to its educational programs, provides a comprehensive and fulfilling university experience, and enhances quality of life in the region through collaborative relationships supporting education, health care and human services, cultural experiences, scientific and technological advancement, athletics, and regional development. Georgia Southern’s largest campus, home to more than 20,000 students, is in historic Statesboro, Georgia. With additional campuses at Armstrong in Savannah, Liberty in Hinesville, and a Study Aboard Center in Wexford, Ireland.

Georgia Highlands College

Georgia Highlands College (GHC), a four-year institution, was founded in 1970 to provide educational opportunities for the physical, intellectual, and cultural development of a diverse population in seven northwest Georgia counties. With the advent of distance learning technologies, specialty programs, off-campus centers and collaborative arrangements, the college has expanded its scope of influence beyond the institution’s original geographical area. It now provides six instructional sites in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville.

Georgia Gwinnett College

An innovative model for higher education, Georgia Gwinnett College is the first public, four-year, liberal arts college to be founded in the United States in the 21st century according to the American Council on Education. The diverse student population of almost 12,000 students comes from 32 states and 104 nations and of those, over 68 percent are from Gwinnett County. An average class size of 23, coupled with strong faculty engagement and mentoring, creates a dynamic learning community where students experience high levels of success.

Georgia College & State University

Our university has consistently been a destination for students who want to make a difference in their communities and in the world. As far back as 1889, when the university was founded as a women’s educational center, Georgia College & State University has been a source for students taking the lead. Today, GCSU is the University System of Georgia’s designated public liberal arts university. Georgia College is in Milledgeville, a charming, traditional southern town less than a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Our beautiful, historic campus offers an inspiring academic environment fitted with a close-knit community and a strong sense of campus pride.

Fort Valley State

Fort Valley State University is where talented students come simply for the opportunity to be brilliant. Located in the heart of Georgia, FVSU combines the personal attention and family feel of a small, private college with the resources and research found at large public universities. Located on the second largest acreage of any Georgia university, it is the only university in the world which at once is a University System of Georgia institution, a historically Black university, and an 1890 land-grant institution, with a directive to use knowledge to improve the lives of students and non-students alike. Leveraging the reputation for excellence FVSU has built since 1895, the university is preparing students to embrace their genius as future global leaders and enabling discovery that will make real that is only now imagined. That is why our motto and tagline is “Empower the Possible.”

East Georgia State College

Student-focused, East Georgia State College (EGSC) – a four-year institution – provides affordable access to quality higher education, enabling all students to achieve their academic goals with minimum delay and expense. EGSC’s specialized attentiveness effectively supports a wide range of academic abilities and preparation levels. Students can pursue associate degrees, targeted bachelor’s degrees and transfer paths to other institutions. EGSC’s most recent prominence is in being among the first and few Universities System of Georgia institutions approved to award associate degrees with disciplinary distinction, which provides students a foundation of courses in a specific major, rather than just the core curriculum. EGSC has three convenient locations: EGSC-Swainsboro (main campus) and EGSC-Statesboro are near I-16 East. EGSC-Augusta is near I-20 East.

Dalton State College

Dalton State College supplies broad access to quality higher education for the population of Northwest Georgia, thereby enhancing the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. As an institution of the University System of Georgia, Dalton State College offers targeted bachelor's degrees, a full range of associate degrees and career certificate programs, and a wide variety of public service activities. The College’s work is strengthened by partnerships between the College and Northwest Georgia businesses and industries, governments, and schools. Locate in Dalton, Georga, Dalton State College value a campus culture of service, engagement, and collaboration to advance the welfare of Northwest Georgia and beyond.

Columbus State University

Great universities inspire the best in us. They nurture the latest ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem- solving. They challenge students to discover their passions – and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world. Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member are part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey. Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia. Each year, CSU enrolls more than 7,000 students from the Southeast, across the nation, and around the world. Many programs at Columbus State rank high for affordability and value. The university strives to provide all students with an exceptional education that is accessible, affordable, and creative to the core. Come explore why CSU is the perfect place to Create You.

College of Coastal Georgia

The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) provides an accessible and affordable quality education. Advocating excellence in scholarship and community engagement, CCGA promotes student progression and timely graduation through student-centered programs that offer a rich and diverse student experience. CCGA offers associate and baccalaureate degrees that support the intellectual, economic, and cultural needs of the community and region. Main Campus: within the port city of Brunswick on the southeast coast of Georgia. Second campus located a few miles north of the Florida border in Kingsland, Georgia.

Clayton State University

Clayton State University – a four-year institution – promotes excellence in teaching, research, and service to the people and the State of Georgia, the nation, and the international community. University graduates communicate effectively, think critically, learn and work collaboratively, demonstrate competence in their chosen field, and possess the capability of adapting to changing circumstances and new challenges. Clayton State University students are encouraged to develop an individually compelling sense of social and civic responsibility, community leadership and service to society. From over 34 states and 32 countries, students come to Clayton State in suburban Atlanta, where dreams are made real in practical classes, internships, and real-life experiences.

August University

The Board of Regents defines Augusta University as Georgia's health/sciences/medical college. And we are that. Proudly. We are also a dynamic, comprehensive research university offering more than 150 areas of study, across ten colleges through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is your life—and wherever it leads you, we are committed to helping you define it, make meaning of it, and live it on your own terms. Today, our campuses in Augusta and across Georgia remain at the forefront of exceptional teaching and groundbreaking research, focused on improving and enriching the fullness of the human experience—for you, for others, for life.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Atlanta Metropolitan State College, an access institution of the University System of Georgia, educates students from diverse backgrounds by providing affordable, career-focused bachelor’s and associate degree programs. The College offers student-centered instruction, civic/community engagement, and quality services that lead to the success of its inter-generational 21st century graduates. The College is in the southwest quadrant of Atlanta and offers the best of both worlds. Although within view of the city, it is situated on an expansive 68-acre wooded tract that is conveniently located on a transit line and is adjacent to Interstate 75/85.

Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU), a four-year institution, fosters the growth and development of Southwest Georgia and the state through teaching/learning, research, creative expression and public service. The University offers baccalaureate, master’s and educational specialist degrees and specialized educational programs. Through its teaching, research and service, and collaboration with other institutions, the University anticipates and responds to the needs of its constituents; and it enhances the quality of life of its publics through advocacy of educational, cultural, artistic and social development in the region. ASU has three campuses: East & West campuses located in Albany, GA, and the Cordele campus located in Cordele, GA. ASU also has two Instructional sites: Cairo in Cairo, GA and Waycross in Waycross in Waycross, GA.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s goal is to contribute to a better-educated Georgia. Since 1908, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has provided unique, hands-on learning opportunities for students as the South’s premier destination for Agricultural studies. Our offerings have grown a great deal since our founding, now including a wide range of more traditional 4-year degrees and paths to success including a highly sought after nursing program, innovative arts and science tracks, and an ever-growing list of learning opportunities and majors for our students. Main campus: Tifton, Georgia, a tight-knit and thriving town nestled among the lush pines of South Georgia. Instructional site located in Bainbridge, Georgia in the heart of Southwest Georgia.