University of Georgia Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Georgia aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~33%
- Middle 50% ACT: 30-34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1300-1470
- Average GPA: 4.17
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. UGA’s acceptance rate looks manageable on paper, but strong grades, rigor, and test scores are expected—especially for out-of-state students.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but merit is not guaranteed. Apply Early Action to maximize scholarship consideration.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in range for Honors and top scholarships like Foundation Fellowship—but these are extremely competitive and not something to count on.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Georgia at a Glance
- Very little automatic merit. Most meaningful scholarships at UGA are competitive, not guaranteed—even for strong students.
- Top scholarships are elite-level competitive. Programs like Foundation Fellowship and Ramsey Honors are closer to Ivy-level competition than typical state school merit.
- Out-of-state is tougher than it looks. Admission and scholarships are significantly more competitive for non-Georgia residents.
- HOPE/Zell Miller are Georgia-only advantages. In-state students have a major cost edge that out-of-state families don’t get.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of Georgia is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30-34; SAT: 1300-1470.
Average net price? About $17,180/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in acm_grad_only.
UGA Morehead Honors College/Fellowship site: https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/foundation-fellowship/
UGA Morehead Honors College/Ramsey site: https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/ramsey-honors-scholarship/
UGA Black Alumni: https://www.libs.uga.edu/russell-library/foundation/program/uga-black-alumni-scholarship-fund
UGA Scholarship Office: https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
UGA Academic Merit Scholarships: https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
UGA College/Dept portals: https://www.caes.uga.edu/students/scholarships/department-scholarships.html
UGA Georgia Commitment: https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/georgia-commitment-scholars-program/
Georgia First Gen: https://www.georgiafirstgen.org/scholarships
UGA Office of Student Financial Aid: https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/hope-and-zell-miller-scholarships/
UGA School of Music: https://music.uga.edu/undergraduate-music-scholarships
Presidential Leadership Scholarship: https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-georgia-presidential-leadership-scholarship
UGA Bands: https://bands.uga.edu/redcoats/scholarships
UGA Alumni Association: https://alumni.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/FAQ-Final.pdf
UGA Alumni Chapters: https://alumni.uga.edu/chapters/scholarship/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Georgia 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 official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
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 (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,492 | $32,336 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $12,084 | $12,084 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,576 | $44,420 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,180 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
✅ Georgia Stack Cheat Sheet for In-State Students (UGA)
- HOPE: Helps pay part of tuition (tuition-only).
- Zell Miller: Can cover full tuition if your student meets the stricter GPA + test criteria (tuition-only).
- UGA Scholarships / waivers: Competitive; may reduce the remaining bill (and for some out-of-state students, can reduce tuition closer to the in-state rate).
Georgia families usually win by treating tuition help as “baseline” and then stacking smaller scholarships toward housing, fees, books, and travel.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Allows eligible undergraduate juniors/seniors (and graduate students) to pay in-state tuition if their major is not offered in their home state.
- Non-Resident Tuition Waivers: Awarded competitively to high-achieving out-of-state students; may reduce tuition to the in-state rate.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $32,336 vs. $11,492 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $20,800 per year if a waiver applies.
👉 Georgia State Grants & Scholarships
💬 FAQ: Understanding UGA Costs
How much does it really cost to attend UGA each year?
In-state students typically pay around $23,500 per year for tuition, fees,
housing, and meals billed directly by UGA. Out-of-state students pay closer to
$44,400 before scholarships or waivers.
Why is my bill higher or lower than the numbers shown here?
Costs vary based on housing choice, meal plan, and enrollment. These figures reflect
average on-campus costs published by UGA for a full-time student.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Sometimes. Competitive non-resident waivers and the Academic Common Market can reduce
tuition by roughly $20,000 per year for eligible students.
What’s the difference between “Total” and “Net Price”?
The Total is the sticker price UGA bills. The Net Price reflects what families
actually pay after grants and scholarships.
https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/
https://osfa.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/COA_Charts_UGRAD_2526.pdf
https://busfin.uga.edu/finance-division/bursar/students-parents/bursar-tuition-fees/2025-2026/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-georgia/tuition-and-costs
https://reg.uga.edu/enrollment-and-registration/registration/acm/
https://www.usg.edu/divisions/academic_common_market/
✅ Automatic Scholarships (In-State & Out-of-State)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Scholarship (Non-Resident) | Partial out-of-state tuition waiver (amount varies by year) | High-achieving out-of-state admits with top GPA, strong course rigor, and high superscored ACT/SAT | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Top-quartile OOS admits; awards are limited and competitive | Dec 15 (UGA scholarship priority) |
| Classic City / Red & Black Awards (Non-Resident) | Smaller OOS tuition offsets (varies by cohort) | Strong out-of-state admits who fall just below the top merit tier | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Competitive; offered during the admissions cycle | Dec 15 (UGA scholarship priority) |
| HOPE Scholarship (Georgia Residents) | Pays a portion of UGA tuition (per-credit amount set by Georgia) | Georgia resident with a 3.0+ HOPE GPA in required high-school coursework; FAFSA or GSFAPP required annually | Yes — FAFSA or GSFAPP | Yes — must maintain a 3.0 college GPA at checkpoints | Most Georgia graduates who meet the HOPE GPA rules | FAFSA / GSFAPP each year |
| Zell Miller Scholarship (Georgia Residents) | Covers 100% of UGA tuition (tuition-only) | Georgia resident with a 3.7+ HOPE GPA and SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+ from a single test administration; FAFSA or GSFAPP required annually | Yes — FAFSA or GSFAPP | Yes — must maintain a 3.3 college GPA at checkpoints | Georgia graduates who meet the strict GPA + single-sitting test rule | FAFSA / GSFAPP each year |
Important: GPA and test score cutoffs for UGA merit are approximate when not explicitly published. They are based on official descriptions, recent award patterns, and admitted-student profiles. Actual thresholds can shift each year depending on funding and applicant strength.
⚠️ Common Parent Mistakes at UGA
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Thinking Zell Miller covers housing.
Zell Miller pays tuition only. Housing, meals, fees, and books still need to be covered through family funds, UGA merit, or other scholarships. -
Assuming merit is guaranteed by stats.
UGA’s institutional merit is competitive and limited. Even students with top GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed awards. -
Missing the scholarship priority deadline.
Many of UGA’s top awards require applying by November 1 (Early Action). Applying later can remove scholarship consideration entirely.
❓ Automatic Merit — FAQs (UGA)
What’s the priority deadline for UGA merit?
Submit a completed application by December 15 to receive full scholarship consideration.
Most automatic merit decisions are finalized by early April.
Does UGA superscore ACT and SAT?
Yes. UGA superscores both exams and will use your highest section scores across test dates.
Are non-resident scholarships guaranteed with certain stats?
No. UGA’s non-resident merit is competitive and limited.
High GPA and test scores improve your chances, but awards are not guaranteed.
How do HOPE and Zell Miller work at UGA?
These are Georgia state programs that pay tuition only.
HOPE covers part of tuition; Zell Miller covers full tuition.
Students must file the FAFSA or GSFAPP each year and maintain the required college GPA.
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/hope-and-zell-miller-scholarships/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/
First Year Admission Criteria
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Leadership Scholarship | Varies (competitive award; amounts can change by year) | Admitted first-year students with a top-tier academic profile plus exceptional leadership/service. Typically involves additional review and may include interviews or follow-up steps. | Yes — additional review / invitation steps | Often, but confirm per year | Students with “proof” leadership: long-term roles, measurable impact, and strong academics (not just club lists). | Early cycle (aligns with Early Action / priority review) |
| UGA Alumni Association & Chapter Scholarships | Varies by donor (often $500–$5,000 range, but donor-specific) | Scholarships funded by alumni chapters and donors. Eligibility is usually tied to county/region, high school, major, or specific donor criteria. Many consider leadership/service alongside academics. | Yes — donor/alumni application process | Usually 1 year (reapply if allowed) | Students who match donor criteria closely and submit early, with clean “story + impact” in activities. | Spring window (varies by donor; check Alumni portal) |
| Georgia Commitment Scholars Program | Program-based (amount varies; often multi-year support) | Need-focused cohort program; typically emphasizes financial need (FAFSA required), strong potential, and student support outcomes. Georgia residents are commonly prioritized. | No separate “scholarship essay” in many cases (selection is program-based) | Yes — if requirements are maintained | Students with demonstrated need who meet program criteria and complete required steps on time. | FAFSA priority timing matters (confirm UGA’s current dates) |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship details can shift each year (amounts, steps, and timing). Always verify details on UGA’s official scholarship pages before you plan around an award.
• Early Action matters for many top competitive reviews — don’t assume “RD is fine.”
• FAFSA timing matters for need-focused programs (submit early even if you don’t expect Pell).
• Alumni/donor awards often run on a separate spring timeline.
🎓 QuestBridge at UGA — important context
The University of Georgia is a QuestBridge partner college, but it does
not award automatic full-ride packages through the National College Match.
QuestBridge consideration at UGA is need-based and holistic. Admitted students may receive a combination of need-based aid, state programs (HOPE/Zell for Georgia residents), and UGA institutional support, rather than a single guaranteed package.
Best fit: High-achieving, low-income students — especially Georgia residents — who want access to UGA admissions and financial aid review through the QuestBridge process, even without a guaranteed Match outcome.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Are these scholarships guaranteed if my student has high stats?
No. These are competitive and limited. UGA is looking for strong academics plus leadership, initiative, and impact.
Do these awards usually cover housing?
Some competitive awards can be large, but you should assume HOPE/Zell cover tuition only and anything beyond tuition varies by scholarship.
Plan on stacking rather than expecting a single award to “do it all.”
Are Alumni/Chapter scholarships worth applying for?
Yes. These are often the best “time-to-payoff” applications because criteria can be specific (county, major, donor intent).
Smaller awards can still reduce loans and stack with HOPE/Zell.
Does Early Action matter for competitive scholarships?
Often, yes. Even when a scholarship isn’t labeled “EA-only,” the most selective reviews happen early.
If your student is aiming for top awards, treat Early Action as the default plan.
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/georgia-commitment-scholars-program/
https://alumni.uga.edu/scholarships/
UGA Morehead Honors College
Admission isn’t automatic. If your student applies to UGA by the November 1 Early Action deadline, they’ll be considered for Honors. Only the top slice of admitted students are invited — often with near-perfect GPAs, test scores, and strong extracurriculars. Miss November 1, and Honors (and its scholarships) are off the table.
What Honors provides:
- Priority registration and smaller Honors-only courses
- Dedicated faculty mentoring and research opportunities through CURO
- Optional Honors housing (Myers Hall)
- Access to competitive scholarships (see below)
Honors at UGA is best for students who want: elite academics, priority registration, faculty mentorship, research access, and a shot at top-tier scholarships — not guaranteed merit aid.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Fellowship | Full cost of attendance + travel, research, and enrichment stipends | Admitted to Honors; ACT 33+ / SAT 1500+, 4.0 GPA; top 1–2% nationally with leadership and service | Yes — Early Action + Fellowship application | Yes — renewable for 4 years with GPA and engagement | ~25 new Fellows per year; one of the most selective merit programs in the U.S. | November 1 |
| Ramsey Honors Scholarship | $6,160/year (in-state) or $13,040/year (out-of-state) | Admitted to Honors; ACT 31+ / SAT 1390+; GPA ~4.0; demonstrated service and academic distinction | Yes — Early Action + Honors application | Yes — up to 4 years | ~25 awarded per year to top Honors admits with strong leadership/service profiles | November 1 |
Notes: Both scholarships require Early Action (November 1). Finalists are typically invited for interviews in January–February.
Important: Students can remain in Honors without holding a Foundation or Ramsey scholarship.
Disclaimer: Numbers and eligibility are approximate based on past years. Always confirm on the UGA Morehead Honors College website before relying on specific cutoffs.
Honors College — FAQs (University of Georgia)
Who actually gets into UGA’s Honors College?
Typically, students with near-perfect transcripts (4.0 unweighted, 4.4+ weighted), ACT 32–34 or SAT 1450–1520, plus strong leadership or service. UGA uses a holistic review, so essays, research, or unique achievements can help.
Do you have to be in Honors to win Foundation or Ramsey?
Yes. Both scholarships are tied directly to the Honors College. Applicants must apply by the November 1 Early Action deadline and qualify for Honors admission to be considered.
Are Foundation Fellows full rides?
They go beyond a full ride. Foundation Fellows cover full cost of attendance plus stipends for travel, research, and study abroad — among the most generous merit packages in the country.
What happens if my GPA slips once I’m in Honors?
Students must maintain GPA and engagement requirements to renew. Falling below standards can lead to probation or loss of scholarship, but UGA offers support to help students recover.
https://honors.uga.edu/admissions/
https://honors.uga.edu/admissions/high-school-applicants/
https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/foundation-fellowship/
https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/ramsey-honors-scholarship/
https://honors.uga.edu/academics/academic-requirements/
https://honors.uga.edu/about/fast-facts/
https://housing.uga.edu/myers-hall/
Honors Program and Scholarships
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Georgia blends flagship-level research with programs that are unusually strong at the undergraduate level. As a public R1 research university, UGA offers students access to nationally recognized faculty, hands-on research, and career pipelines that reach well beyond the Southeast.
Landscape Architecture & Environmental Design (College of Environment & Design) — frequently cited as one of the top undergraduate landscape architecture programs in the U.S., known for its design rigor, studio culture, and strong job placement.
- Terry College of Business: One of the nation’s strongest public business schools, with standout undergraduate programs in Risk Management & Insurance, Real Estate, MIS, and Accounting — fields with clear recruiting pipelines.
- Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication: Consistently ranked among the top journalism schools in the country, offering strong preparation for media, advertising, PR, and digital communications careers.
- Public Service & Policy (SPIA): UGA’s School of Public & International Affairs is a major draw for students interested in government, policy, law, and public leadership, with deep ties to state and national institutions.
- Pre-Professional Strengths: UGA supports strong pathways into law, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other professional fields — especially for students planning graduate or professional school after earning their bachelor’s degree.
🔗 Official University of Georgia Links
Use UGA’s official resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
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Undergraduate Admissions:
Home Page
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Admissions Deadlines (All timelines):
Deadlines
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Scholarships & Financial Aid (UGA OSFA):
Home
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Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
Costs
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Tuition / Estimated Cost Calculator (UGA Bursar):
Tuition Calculator
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Net Price Calculator (UGA):
https://uga.clearcostcalculator.com/student -
Common Data Set (UGA):
https://oir.uga.edu/common-data-set/