Georgia Institute of Technology

Entering Freshmen

Click here to open up an Adobe Acrobate verision of the 2008-2009 Application Guide for prospective students.

Applying for ALL Georgia Tech Aid Programs

This is the most widely used process and the one recommended to ensure consideration for ALL programs administered by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA), including the HOPE Scholarship for Georgia Residents. This application process is required for all federal, state, and institutional educational loan programs; all federal, state, and institutional grant programs; and all institutional scholarships awarded by OSFA. The HOPE Scholarship will also be awarded as a result of using this application process. A separate HOPE application is NOT required.

Complete and submit two forms:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online after January 1, 2009. Complete the application and submit it electronically. The FAFSA is also available from high school counselors' offices or the OSFA after January 1. The Georgia Tech Title IV code for the FAFSA is 001569.

The Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid may be completed online after November 1, 2008.

The Priority Deadline for BOTH of these applications is March 1, 2009 for entering freshmen.

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Competing the FAFSA

You may submit your FAFSA in one of two ways.

  1. through the internet by using "FAFSA on the web"; or

  2. by mailing a paper FAFSA

"FAFSA on the Web" is a free U.S. Department of Education web site where you can complete a FAFSA online. This process submits your data directly to the U.S. Department of Education, which will usually process your application within seventy-two hours.

If you would like to apply by mailing a paper FAFSA, you may obtain order one from the Department of Education. Help with completing the FAFSA is available on the Department of Education web site. Visit: http://studentaid.ed.gov and select the "funding" tab.

The OSFA is also available to answer any questions you may have.

Read and follow the instructions carefully when you compete the FAFSA. Pay special attention to any questions on income because most errors occur in this area.

Save all records and all other materials used in completing the application because you may need them later to prove that the information you reported is correct.

Make a photocopy of your application or print a copy of your FAFSA from the web application before you submit it.

If you apply by mail, it will take about three weeks for your application to be processed. You may check on the status of your application through the "FAFSA on the Web" site, even if you didn't apply using "FAFSA on the Web" You can also call toll free at 1.800.433.3243.

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FAFSA Tips

The FAFSA is required each year when applying for need- based funds. The following list is a guide for completing the FAFSA. By adhering to these suggestions, students, and parents will prevent unnecessary delays. Accurate reporting and attention to detail are key elements in completing your application.

  • To complete the FAFSA on the Web both the parent and the student must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Visit www.pin.ed.gov for information about obtaining and using a PIN. Securing a PIN before filling out the FAFSA will greatly expedite the process.

  • Be sure to include the federal school code for Georgia Institute of Technology (001569) on the FAFSA.

  • If possible, do not use estimates. However, if you have not completed your federal tax return, it is better to use estimates than to miss the priority filing deadline of March 1st.

  • Do not respond with a symbol such as N/A to a question that requires a number. It could invalidate your entire application.

  • Be sure all required information has been provided on the FAFSA. If the answer is "zero" fill in "0". Leaving it blank, could be interpreted as intentionally not providing a correct answer.

  • Pay special attention to any questions that are related to Worksheets A, B, and C

  • Be sure to read the instructions carefully for guidance as to who is eligible for inclusion in family size and number in college.

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Helpful Hints

  • Apply early. Do not wait until you have been accepted for admission. Do not wait until the last minute to complete the financial aid application materials. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions, and solve problems.

  • Read instructions and follow directions carefully. Completing your FAFSA inaccurately will delay your financial aid.

  • Set up a financial aid file and keep copies of all documents.

  • The OSFA may request additional documents to support your application.

  • Carefully read all correspondence from the OSFA. Note that e-mail is the official means of communication at Georgia Tech.

  • Make sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate, and signed as required.

  • Respond promptly to all requests for additional information.

  • Print student's name and GTID# on all documents submitted for OSFA

  • Don't mail tax forms or other documents to OSFA unless specifically asked to do so.

  • Contact the OSFA with any questions about the status of your application.

  • NOTE: While the GTID# serves as your student identification number, please be aware that the nature of some information we are required to collect will make it necessary to provide us with your Social Security number.

  • Be knowledgeable of all requirements for scholarship funds awarded by entities outside of Georgia Tech, i.e. National Merit, National Achievement, Governor's Scholarship, etc.

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Critical Dates and Deadlines.

  1. November 1st - Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid is available

  2. January 1st - The FAFSA form is available.

  3. March 1st - Both of the above forms must be completed, processed, and received by the OSFA

  4. April 1st - Award letters are mailed.

  5. May 1st - Admission deposit is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of scholarships for which I wish to be considered. Do I apply for each one separately?

Scholarships awarded by the OSFA do not require separate applications. If you complete the steps in Applying for ALL Aid Programs" our office will consider you for all programs and award a financial aid package based on your qualifications and fund availability.

How is my financial aid award determined?

Awards are made from a variety of funds to produce what is referred to as a financial aid "package." This package typically includes a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and work.

The OSFA first awards aid to the neediest students who have completed the application process on time. We attempt to meet a percentage of financial need with scholarship/grant funds, and a percentage with work opportunities. These percentages vary from year to year depending on factors such as the financial need of the applicant pool and the financial resources available. Since students with the highest academic credentials are more likely to qualify for scholarship funds, the percentage of need met with gift aid (grants/scholarships) for these students will likely be higher than that for students with lesser academic credentials.

How is my financial need determined?

Applicants applying for need-based aid must submit the FAFSA. When the FAFSA is processed, a formula is applied to the information you provide. The U.S. Congress establishes this formula. The result is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an indication of a family's financial strength, and is a figure that a family is expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance at Georgia Tech for that academic year. It is not an amount that must be paid to Georgia Tech. This contribution is deducted from the estimated cost of attendance, resulting in the estimate of your financial need.

What options are available if I don't qualify for need-based aid?

Students whose applications result in low need or no need have several options to assist in paying for their Georgia Tech education.

'Students may wish to consider the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or the many Private Loan options available to Georgia Tech students.

Parents may consider the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students.

Many Georgia Tech students participate in the Cooperative Plan or Internship Program in order to receive great work experience and earn money to offset some of their college costs. The cooperative program is a five-year plan alternating academic terms at school with terms at work. Internships are more flexible, while still offering vital work experience.

Georgia Tech offers voluntary Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs that each offer two-, three-, and four-year scholarship programs. Students who earn a bachelor's degree or higher degree while successfully completing the advanced ROTC courses of any of the three services can receive a commission as an office in the reserve or regular forces.

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Reporting Outside Scholarships

In order to set up the correct disbursement of outside scholarships not based upon financial need you will need to submit the Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid, which may be completed online after November 1, 2008.

Please note that national or local awarding entities such as National Merit, Academic College, etc., may require a separate application.

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Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a student, you have the right to know:

  • What financial aid programs are available and how you can qualify for them

    The deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs

    How financial need was determined and what items were considered in your budget

    How much of your financial need, as determined by Georgia Tech, has been met

    What portion of the aid received is a loan and what portion is a grant

    The amount of the monthly loan payment and when the repayment must start

    The Institute's policies concerning required attendance, enrollment, and academic standing

    How Georgia Tech determines whether you are making satisfactory progress, what happens if requirements are not met, and how eligibility may be re-established

    How the Institute distributes student financial aid

    How and when financial aid will be disbursed

    Names of accrediting organizations

    The cost of attendance

    The refund/repayment policy

    How and when you will be paid

    What services are available to the disabled

    Graduation and/or transfer-out-rate for student athletes and the general student population

    Athletic participation rate and financial support data for intercollegiate athletics

    Drug and alcohol abuse prevention information

    Campus security annual report

  • Privacy rights as prescribed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

As a student, you have the responsibility to:

  • Complete all forms accurately and truthfully

  • Submit all required documents on time

  • Pay special attention to and accurately complete your application for student financial aid

  • Read and understand all documents and forms that must be signed and keep copies of them

  • Accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign

  • Notify Georgia Tech and the lender of any changes in address

  • Know and comply with Georgia Tech refund procedures

  • Perform in a satisfactory manner the work that is agreed upon in accepting a college work-study job

  • Know and comply with the deadline for application

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General Financial Aid Policies

  • The student and his/her family are expected to make a reasonable effort to assist in financing educational expenses. Financial assistance from Georgia Tech and other sources should be viewed as a supplement to the efforts of the family/student.

  • In selecting aid recipients, the OSFA places emphasis on meeting financial need and recognizing academic achievement.

  • Financial aid is only awarded to students who are fully admitted to Georgia Tech.

  • Financial need is evaluated and aid awarded on an annual basis. The student must reapply for financial aid by the priority deadline each year.

  • The student must report to the OSFA any scholarship, grant, fellowship, or loan received, or to be received, from an outside source. The receipt of such aid may result in the cancellation, reduction, and/or repayment of awards.

  • Thee OSFA may cancel, reduce, or require repayment of any award because of changes in financial or academic status, academic program, residency status, or enrollment status. Students must notify OSFA of all such changes.

  • Student financial aid is awarded based on the assumption that students will enroll for at least twelve credit hours per semester. Awards may be adjusted for any other enrollment status.

  • Eligibility for aid is limited to coursework required for a degree program.

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This website last updated on 10/28/08