Continuing Students

All applicants, including HOPE recipients, must reapply for financial aid each year. Failure to reapply for financial aid each year will result in a loss of financial aid for that year and possibly subsequent years. The priority deadline to renew your financial aid is April 1. All financial aid awards are reviewed annually based on:

• the timely completion of the financial aid application process 
• continued demonstrated financial need 
• maintenance of Standards of Progress 
• good standing at the Georgia State University 
• availability of resources

If you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for financial aid for the previous academic year, you should receive an email from the U.S. Department of Education with instructions about how to once again submit the application electronically.

The FAFSA is the most widely used process and ensures consideration for all programs administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, including the HOPE Scholarship for Georgia Residents. Students planning to attend Georgia State University must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the HOPE Application, or GSFAPP. You can access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the GSFAPP at http://gacollege411.org/.

Please Note: Students and parents who have already filed their 2011 tax returns with the IRS will be given the opportunity to use the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing your 2012-2013 FAFSA on-line. This tool is a quick and easy way to transfer information from federal tax returns directly into your FAFSA.  Note: If you do not or cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and you are selected for verification, you will be required to contact the IRS to obtain tax transcript(s) at 1-800-908-9946 or www.irs.gov which may delay processing of your application between 3 – 8 weeks.

Georgia State’s Title IV school code for the FAFSA is 001574.

The FAFSA can be completed online or on paper. Although the online FAFSA is the preferred method, a student can request up to three paper FAFSAs by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Before you complete the FAFSA, you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education. After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Estimated Family Contribution and a Student Aid Report (SAR).

Documents needed for the FAFSA

It is helpful to assemble the documents needed to complete the FAFSA ahead of time. Students and parents will need:

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s license
• Income tax return
• Bank Statements
• Investment records

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 State University (001574) 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.

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 State . 
• 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 PANTHER ID# 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 PANTHER ID# 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.

For Georgia residents applying for ONLY the HOPE Scholarship

The Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System (GSFAPPS) is the primary means for applying for the HOPE Scholarship administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).

GSFAPPS is a web-based application process that captures and edits all required application data to meet each GSFC program's unique requirements. To access GSFAPPS, an applicant must go through GACollege411.org. To apply an applicant must register as a user of GACollege411. You must select Georgia State University as the school you will attend.

To Reapply for HOPE after Losing HOPE at a Checkpoint

If you lost the Hope Scholarship at one of the checkpoints and need to reapply after meeting a new checkpoint, you will need to complete a Hope Scholarship Institutional Application (HSIA) in addition to the FAFSA and or/GSFAPPS to be reviewed again for Hope eligibility.