Georgia State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~55%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 960–1180
- Average GPA (HS): 3.6
Source: Georgia State & College Board (most recent IPEDS-based data). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Georgia State at a Glance
FAQ
Is GSU test-optional?
For current applicants, GSU has allowed test-optional pathways; however, the Georgia Board of Regents has approved a policy requiring SAT/ACT for admission starting with Fall 2026. Honors scholarships (Stamps/Presidential) do not consider SAT/ACT for selection. Always verify the current cycle’s policy on GSU Admissions.
What are the middle-50% scores?
ACT 19–26; SAT 960–1180 (recent IPEDS-based cycle).
What’s the average net price?
About $16,390 (IPEDS). Remember: net price varies by family income—see our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does GSU offer reciprocity or OOS waivers?
No broad reciprocity like WUE/MSEP; Georgia participates in the Academic Common Market for specific majors, and GSU offers a merit-based Out-of-State Tuition Waiver (50% or 100% of the OOS portion) that effectively lets recipients pay in-state tuition when awarded.
https://honors.gsu.edu/scholars/
https://gsu.academicworks.com/
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15794/georgia-presidential-scholarship
https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/tuition/how-to-pay/tuition-fee-waivers/
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/georgia-state-university/admissions/
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/georgia/georgia-state-university/price/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Georgia State University (2025–2026)
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (30 credits) | ≈ $3,830 | ≈ $13,010 |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | ≈ $10,990 | ≈ $10,990 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | ≈ $14,820 | ≈ $24,000 |
Why only these two rows? We focus on what you actually pay directly to the university — tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals. Other expenses (books, transportation, and personal costs) vary by student. GSU’s full COA also includes Books & Supplies ≈ $2,000, Transportation ≈ $970, and Personal Expenses ≈ $4,130 for on-campus undergraduates.
Notes: Tuition based on 2025–26 Atlanta-campus rates ($1,575 per semester in-state; $6,165 per semester out-of-state + mandatory fees ≈ $340 each term). Housing & Meals reflect the lowest freshman semi-suite with a 7-day dining plan (~$10,990 annually).
FAQ — Understanding GSU’s Real Costs
Why is in-state tuition so low compared to out-of-state?
Georgia residents pay state-subsidized tuition. Out-of-state students are charged the full rate unless they receive a tuition waiver or qualify under Academic Common Market reciprocity.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Yes, but only through specific waivers. GSU grants Out-of-State Tuition Waivers covering 50% or 100% of the nonresident portion for strong academic or talent-based applicants. These awards are competitive and limited.
Why does the table include just tuition and housing?
Because these are the direct charges you actually pay to the university. Other categories like books and personal expenses vary too much to be meaningful in a base estimate.
How accurate are these totals?
They reflect official 2025–26 rates for full-time students on the Atlanta campus. Housing and dining can fluctuate depending on the building, plan, or whether the student lives off campus.
What’s the average student really paying?
After grants and scholarships, families paid an average of about $16,390 per year. Students with strong grades or need-based aid often pay below that number.
Is Georgia State part of any regional tuition programs?
Yes. Through the Academic Common Market, GSU students in certain majors may attend out-of-state SREB institutions at in-state rates, and vice versa. The major must be pre-approved in the ACM database.
Does GSU require the CSS Profile?
No. Students file the FAFSA only. All institutional and state aid at Georgia State uses FAFSA data for eligibility.
Do tuition or housing rates change each year?
Usually slightly. The Board of Regents updates tuition and fee schedules annually, so plan for small adjustments each summer.
https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/coa/2024-2025-cost-of-attendance/
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/tuition/how-to-pay/tuition-fee-waivers/
https://gsu.academicworks.com/
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/georgia/georgia-state-university/price/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Note: Starting Fall 2026, GSU’s Atlanta campus will require SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. (GSU Admissions)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Usually Gets It? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSU Excellence Scholarship | $1,000 / year (renewable) |
Typically awarded to freshmen with:
|
No — automatic via general application | Yes (if GPA ≥ 3.0 & full-time) | High-performing freshmen near the top of the applicant pool | Nov 15 (scholarship priority) |
Note: Georgia State students may also qualify for Georgia’s HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships, which are awarded by the state based on GPA and test scores. These are separate from GSU’s own awards but can be stacked for extra savings.
FAQ
When is the priority deadline for GSU merit scholarships?
The Fall 2026 merit priority deadline is November 15, 2025. This is the cut-off to be considered for awards like the Excellence Scholarship.
Is GPA for scholarships weighted or not?
GSU recalculates GPA based on the “College Prep Curriculum” (CPC) required high school courses. This is not your school’s weighted GPA but a standardized recalculation used for admission and merit.
Does GSU superscore ACT or SAT for scholarships?
Yes. GSU considers superscores across two test dates when evaluating merit eligibility. This can help boost your Freshman Index during the test-optional period.
How do cutoffs or thresholds work for automatic merit?
Published GPA/test ranges are minimums, not guarantees. Awards are competitive, and recipients typically rank toward the top of the admitted student pool.
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
https://gsu.academicworks.com/
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15794/georgia-presidential-scholarship
https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/coa/2024-2025-cost-of-attendance/
https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/tuition/how-to-pay/tuition-fee-waivers/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
https://honors.gsu.edu/scholars/
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
https://gsu.academicworks.com/
Georgia State University Honors College
The GSU Honors College offers motivated students a small-college feel inside a large research university: smaller classes, priority registration, faculty mentorship, and strong research pathways. Admission is selective and holistic—academics matter, but so do leadership, impact, and fit.
Honors College Scholarships (Incoming Freshmen)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholarship | Full tuition & fees + on-campus housing + 7-day meal plan + $2,000 living stipend/yr + one-time $10,000 enrichment fund | Incoming first-year Honors applicants; exceptional academics, leadership, service; interview | Yes (Honors app; covers Stamps & Presidential) | Yes (up to 4 years) | Ultra-competitive Honors cohort; typically a very small number selected each year | Nov 15 (priority) |
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition & fees + on-campus housing + $2,000 living stipend/yr + one-time $2,500 study-abroad stipend | Incoming first-year Honors applicants; outstanding academics, leadership, service; interview | Yes (same single Honors app) | Yes (up to 4 years) | Highly selective Honors cohort; small group chosen from interview finalists | Nov 15 (priority) |
Note: Benefits listed are the current package descriptions from GSU Honors. For program structure, selection, and tips, see our Stamps Scholarship Guide. Award counts and selection profiles vary year to year.
Other Honors-Related Opportunities (not entry-year scholarships)
- Beckman Scholars Program: Competitive research program in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience for undergraduates; includes funded independent lab research and professional development.
- University Assistantships: Paid research/academic placements for Honors students (earn up to ~$2,500/year).
Honors College FAQs
Do I submit one application for Stamps and Presidential?
Yes. The Honors College uses a single application to consider you for both Stamps and Presidential. Submit by Nov 15 for priority consideration.
What exactly is the difference between Stamps and Presidential?
Both cover full tuition & fees, on-campus housing, and a $2,000 annual living stipend. Stamps adds a 7-day meal plan and a $10,000 enrichment fund; Presidential includes a $2,500 study-abroad stipend.
Are interviews required?
Yes. Finalists are invited to interviews (Scholarship Day) prior to selection.
Can these stack with HOPE/Zell?
Yes. For Georgia residents, HOPE/Zell applies to tuition; the scholarship package then covers remaining listed costs and benefits per program rules.
How many awards are available?
Numbers are limited and vary by year; expect a very small Stamps cohort and a small Presidential cohort drawn from interview finalists.
https://honors.gsu.edu/scholars/
https://gsu.academicworks.com/
https://admissions.gsu.edu/tuition/financial-aid/
🎯 What Georgia State University Is Nationally Known For
- Top-Ranked Teaching & Innovation: For five years running, U.S. News has ranked GSU the #1 public university in America for undergraduate teaching, and consistently among the top 5 most innovative schools nationwide.
- Model for Student Success: GSU is nationally known for closing equity gaps—graduating students across all demographics at equal rates—and has transformed outcomes through smart, data-driven strategies and learning communities. :contentReference
- R1 Research & Urban Reach: As an R1 research university, GSU drives research and opportunity in downtown Atlanta—connecting students directly with government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and culturally rich institutions.
- Public Affairs & Business Strengths: The Andrew Young School of Public Policy ranks #16 nationally in public affairs programs, while the Robinson College’s Risk Management & Insurance track is top 3 in the country.
- Culture & Diversity: One of the most diverse universities in the country, GSU earns national recognition for graduating more African American and minority students than almost any other university.}