Georgia Southern University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 6, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and competitive programs
- Full-tuition / full-ride Honors options and leadership awards
- Honors and deadlines (FAFSA, scholarship portal, admission)
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–23
- Middle 50% SAT: 970–1140
- GPA Context: Most admitted students report GPAs roughly in the 3.0–3.7 range; stronger awards are more competitive.
Source: College Board BigFuture admissions profile for Georgia Southern University. 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 Southern at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does Georgia Southern offer automatic scholarships?
Yes. Completing required materials by Feb 1 triggers automatic consideration for institutional merit via the MyScholarships portal (no separate app for standard merit).
Are there full-tuition or full-ride scholarships?
Yes. 1906 Scholars cover full tuition (up to 8 semesters). The Honors College also offers a half-tuition scholarship, and Goel Scholars is a full-ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books) for eligible first-generation students.
What’s the average net price?
Around $16,531/year after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard). Your net price will vary by income and aid.
Any residency-based discounts for nonresidents?
Yes. Out-of-State Tuition Waivers — including a Border State Waiver and international waivers — can reduce tuition to the in-state rate for qualifying students.
Admissions (BigFuture) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/georgia-southern-university/admissions
University Scholarships page — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-scholarships/types-of-aid/scholarships
Honors College Scholarships (1906 & Honors) — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/colleges/honors/scholarships/
Goel Scholars (full-ride) — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/colleges/honors/scholarships/full-ride-scholarship-goel-scholars/
FAFSA priority / How to Apply — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/how-to-apply
Scholarship deadline (MyScholarships) — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-scholarships/types-of-aid/scholarships
USG test policy (2025–26/2026 change) — https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg_to_extend_temporary_test_optional_admission_for_academic_year_2025_2026
GS First-Year page (test requirement note) — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/first-year-students
Out-of-State Tuition Waivers — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/offices/registrar/students/tuition-classification/
Border State Waiver mention — https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/finserv/bursar/2024/10/31/summer-2025-tuition-mandatory-fees/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?139931-Georgia-Southern-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Georgia Southern University (2026-2027)
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (full-time) | $7,144 | $21,784 |
| Housing & Meals (average on-campus) | $11,492 | $11,492 |
| Total (before aid) | $18,636 | $33,276 |
Note: Additional estimated costs — Books & Supplies (~$1,200), Transportation (~$4,300), and Personal/Miscellaneous (~$4,100) — are not billed directly by the university but are included in federal financial aid estimates. Actual expenses vary by student and lifestyle.
That’s what families actually paid after grants/scholarships — no loans — per College Scorecard.
Georgia Southern participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) via SREB for approved degree programs. When eligible and certified by your home state, you pay the in-state rate for that specific major.
- Academic Common Market: Available for select programs; requires state certification and enrollment in the approved major at Georgia Southern.
- Out-of-State Tuition Differential Waivers: Georgia Southern and USG offer several waiver categories (e.g., academic/merit, international, military, and others). Waivers reduce the nonresident tuition differential so eligible students pay the in-state rate; eligibility is reviewed and does not change residency status.
- Border State Waiver (Undergraduates): Residents of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee may qualify to pay in-state tuition at Georgia Southern once eligibility is verified.
Who qualifies for these waivers?
ACM: students in eligible programs from participating SREB states with home-state certification.
Out-of-State Waivers: nonresident students who meet specific USG/GSU criteria (categories vary; academic performance and documentation required).
Border State Waiver: residents of AL, FL, NC, SC, TN who meet verification requirements.
How much can it save?
ACM and waivers reduce the nonresident tuition differential — often $14,000+ per year compared with full out-of-state rates.
Is it automatic or application-based?
ACM: Application & certification required through your state and the university.
Waivers: Applied once eligibility is verified; documentation may be required. Waivers confer in-state rates but do not change residency classification.
University COA page — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-scholarships/cost-of-attendance
Bursar — https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/finserv/bursar/2025/06/12/fall-2025-tuition-mandatory-fees/
Registrar: Tuition Classification & Waiver Info — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/offices/registrar/students/tuition-classification/
Border State Waiver (admissions overview) — https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-scholarships/do-i-qualify-for-in-state-tuition
USG Border State Waiver (eligible states) — https://www.usg.edu/student_affairs/assets/student_affairs/documents/border_waivers.pdf
Academic Common Market (USG overview) — https://www.usg.edu/divisions/academic_common_market/
SREB ACM program search — https://acmi.sreb.org/acm/s/program-search-page-public
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?139931-Georgia-Southern-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Georgia Southern awards several levels of automatic scholarships to high-achieving incoming freshmen. These are based on high school GPA and, if submitted, standardized test scores. All admitted freshmen who apply by the scholarship priority deadline are considered; no separate scholarship application is required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Century Scholarship | $3,000/year (4 yrs) | 3.8 College Prep GPA & 1350 SAT or 30 ACT | No | Yes (3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment) | Top-tier applicants with both strong GPA and test scores | Nov 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final consideration) |
| GSU Excellence Scholarship | $1,000/year (4 yrs) | 3.6 College Prep GPA & 1200 SAT or 27 ACT | No | Yes (3.0 GPA, full-time) | Strong applicants just below the top tier | Nov 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final consideration) |
| Freshman Academic Scholarships | $1,500–$4,000/year | 3.2–3.5+ GPA; ACT 23+/SAT 1130+; higher award for stronger stats | No | Yes | Solid students in the top part of their class | Nov 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final consideration) |
| Out-of-State Tuition Waiver (Merit) | Waives $14,000+/yr in nonresident tuition | 3.6+ GPA; non-GA resident; strong academics | No (automatic) | Yes | Competitive out-of-state students with high GPAs | Nov 1 (priority); Feb 1 (final consideration) |
Note: GPA and test cutoffs are strict for named awards; “Freshman Academic Scholarships” use a GPA/test range (not fixed cutoffs) based on recent typical recipients. All are renewable with 3.0 GPA and full-time status, unless otherwise specified.
Do I need a separate application?
No—automatic consideration for eligible freshmen who meet the admission priority deadlines.
Are test scores required?
Yes for named awards (Second Century, GSU Excellence); higher awards depend on GPA and test scores together. You can also submit new scores for possible upgrades.
Does Georgia Southern superscore?
Yes—Georgia Southern will use your highest section scores from all test sittings sent.
Do they stack with HOPE/Zell Miller?
Yes—automatic awards can stack with Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. The Out-of-State Tuition Waiver cannot combine with other nonresident discounts, but can stack with HOPE/Zell for eligible students.
https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/scholarships/
https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions/freshman/affording/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These selective awards go beyond automatic merit. They require an extra application and, for top awards, interviews at events like the Southern Scholars Showcase or Scholars’ Day. Deadlines are strict, with most materials due by February 1.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Competitive Factors | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | $1,500–$4,000/year |
3.2+ GPA, 1200+ SAT/27+ ACT; separate application; finalists interview at Showcase or Scholars’ Day |
Yes—MyScholarships portal (Feb 1) | Yes—must maintain GPA/full-time | Top students with leadership and service who excel in interviews | Feb 1 |
| Southern Leaders Scholarship | $1,000 (one-time) | 3.0+ GPA; strong leadership/service resume; essay/portfolio review | Yes—portal app (Feb 1) | No—one-time | Applicants with deep involvement in leadership, service, or the arts | Feb 1 |
| International Merit Scholarship | ≈$13,000/year (waives out-of-state fee, up to 4 yrs freshman/2 yrs transfer) | New F-1 international freshmen/transfers, competitive essay, admission required | Yes—separate app (by April 1 for fall) | Yes—GPA ≥ 2.5, full-time | International students with strong academics and service/leadership potential | April 1 |
How do I apply? Apply for admission, then complete the MyScholarships portal app by February 1 for president’s and leader awards; international merit by April 1.
Is there an interview? Yes, President’s Scholarship finalists are interviewed at a Scholars Showcase event.
What profile wins? President’s Scholars usually have a GPA above 3.5, high test scores, and notable service/leadership. Southern Leaders combines GPA with deep involvement in service, leadership, or the arts.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes—competitive awards combine with HOPE/Zell and automatic merit up to cost-of-attendance caps.
https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/scholarships/
https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/admissions/freshman/affording/
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors College at Georgia Southern provides high-achieving students with a rigorous academic environment and close-knit community. With small classes, faculty mentorship, and priority perks, Honors offers an “elite school” experience at a public-university price. Admission is by separate application (priority deadline: January 15; final: April 15), and competitive scholarships require both the Honors application and participation in interviews held at Scholars’ Day or the Southern Scholars Showcase.
Minimum GPA: 3.7 (academic GPA/College Prep track), SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25, plus documented leadership, service, and strong writing skills.
- Priority registration and small-group, discussion-based Honors classes
- Choice of Honors housing and guided mentorship
- Structured undergraduate research opportunities, capstone, or thesis
- Access to special Honors-specific scholarships (listed below)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Competitive Factors | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Goel Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, textbooks) | First-gen; GA or border-state resident; high need; Scholars’ Day interview required | Yes—Honors app + interview | Yes—up to 8 semesters | Low-income, first-gen students with excellent academics and drive | Jan 15 (priority); Apr 15 (final) |
| 1906 Scholarship | Full tuition (up to 8 semesters) | Honors admits selected for full tuition; interview at Scholars’ Day required | Yes—Honors app | Yes—up to 8 semesters | Outstanding Honors admits with academic/interview excellence | Jan 15 (priority); Apr 15 (final) |
| Honors College Half-Tuition Scholarship | Half tuition (up to 8 semesters) | Selected through the interview process in Honors | Yes—Honors app | Yes—up to 8 semesters | Interviewed Honors admits with strong potential | Jan 15 (priority); Apr 15 (final) |
| Honors Global Scholars | $2,000/yr (up to 4 semesters) | Honors admits; includes a Georgia Southern study abroad experience | Yes—Honors app | Yes—up to 4 semesters | Students seeking global experience in Ireland | Jan 15 (priority); Apr 15 (final) |
| Honors Savannah Scholars | $2,000/yr (up to 4 semesters) | Honors admits at Armstrong campus; curriculum tied to Savannah community | Yes—Honors app | Yes—up to 4 semesters | Place-based learners focused on Savannah | Jan 15 (priority); Apr 15 (final) |
How competitive are these awards? The Goel and 1906 scholarships are among the most competitive, sometimes awarded to fewer than 15 students per year. All Honors awards can be stacked with HOPE and Zell Miller, except the Goel (which is “last-dollar” for GA residents).
Is Honors admission automatic? No—you must submit the Honors application, answer essays, and may be invited to interview.
Does Honors add to your degree? No—honors classes count toward degree-completion, so most students graduate on time.
Can you stack Honors scholarships? Yes—except Goel for GA residents, all Honors College awards may stack with HOPE/Zell or other grant and merit aid, up to Georgia Southern’s Cost of Attendance.
https://students.georgiasouthern.edu/honors/
https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/scholarships/
https://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/honors/prospective-students/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialties
Georgia Southern blends hands-on learning with real-world problem solving. From public health that serves rural communities to engineering that builds Georgia’s manufacturing backbone and a logistics pipeline tied to the Port of Savannah, Eagles learn by doing—and graduate with momentum. (Research status: Carnegie R2 — High research activity.)
Georgia Southern’s sport management programs have earned national recognition, including a #1 ranking from Intelligent.com (undergraduate and master’s lists). It’s a flagship strength with deep industry ties and COSMA accreditation.
Sources: Intelligent.com rankings; GS Newsroom recap of national program recognitions.
- Manufacturing Engineering (BS) — Only ABET-accredited undergraduate manufacturing engineering program in Georgia; intensive labs in automation, robotics, additive manufacturing.
Sources: Department & ABET accreditation pages. - Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Parker College) — Consistently top-25 in North America for both undergraduate teaching and empirical research (SCM Journal List metrics).
Sources: Parker College news (Aug 30, 2024); GS Newsroom (prior top-15/25 placements). - Public Health (Jiann-Ping Hsu College) — CEPH-accredited; U.S. News lists the MPH among ranked programs; mission focus on rural/underserved populations; offers MPH and DrPH.
Sources: JPHCOPH accreditation pages; U.S. News notes via GS Points of Pride; program pages. - Army ROTC — Eagle Battalion — Nationally recognized unit; multiple MacArthur Awards historically; strong nurse officer pipeline in 6th Brigade.
Sources: GS Newsroom (MacArthur Award); Eagle Battalion overview.