Financial Aid Checklist
Know Your Costs
- Tuition and Fees
- - Student Account Portal
- Check Account Balance (one to two days after course registration)
- Authorize Other Users (Parents or Others)
- Set up Refund Preferences
Financial Aid Options
- as early as possible.
- 91¾«Æ· School Code = 001561
- FAFSA is the application process for Federal Grants and Student Loans
- 25-26 FAFSA includes Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
- Check your eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship programs (Georgia Residents)
- Scholarships
- 91¾«Æ· Scholarships
- - External Scholarships Outside of 91¾«Æ·
Financial Aid Next Steps
Return any requested documents to the Financial Aid Verification Portal - available in , Financial Information and Resources
- Review Financial Aid Offer Letter once you receive it.
- If you plan to take out Student Loans:
- Accept loans through the Financial Aid Dashboard in
- Borrow only what you need —
Still Need Additional Resources?
- Nelnet Payment Plan - short-term payment plan; check , Financial Information and Resources
- Private Student Loan (credit-based)
Know the 91¾«Æ· Payment Deadlines - Plan Ahead!
Fall 2025 - August 11, 2025 (first day of classes)
Courses will be dropped for non-payment on August 15, 2025
- If you are receiving an external scholarship, notify that organization of the 91¾«Æ· Student Accounts Mailing Address or via sfs@columbusstate.edu.
- If you are receiving third-party payments, see our College Savings Plans or Employer Tuition Assistance page.
Stay Eligible for Financial Aid
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Federal Financial Aid
- 2.00 cumulative GPA (undergraduate), 3.00 cumulative GPA (graduate)
- 67% cumulative pace of progression
- 185 attempted hours maximum time frame (undergraduate)
Maintain HOPE Program Eligibility
- HOPE Scholarship - 3.00 cumulative GPA in college
- Zell Miller Scholarship - 3.30 cumulative GPA in college
Course Program of Study (CPOS) - Work with your Academic Advisor to ensure registered courses are within your program of study; financial aid cannot pay for courses outside of your program
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid
Email: sfs@columbusstate.edu
Telephone:706-507-8800