Georgia Foster Care Scholarship
Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC / GAfutures)
Up to $30,000 a year toward college costs for Georgia students who were in DFCS foster care or adopted from it after age 14 -- GSFA still accepts applications, but because of limited funding it reviews them first-come, first-served as more money arrives, so applying early holds your place.
- How much
- Up to $30,000 per year (not more than your direct costs)
- Who qualifies
- Current or former Georgia DFCS foster youth (6+ months in custody after age 14), DFCS independent living participants, or adopted from DFCS custody after age 14
- Georgia legal resident; under 26 at the start of the term; at least 6 hours at an eligible Georgia college; satisfactory academic progress; Selective Service and drug-free compliance; not in default.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Check dates Apply as early as possible before the first day of the first term; first-come, first-served as funds allow.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA each year, complete the one-time Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Application, and upload foster-care documentation through GAfutures Document Upload
- Submitting does not guarantee an award while funding is limited
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (gafutures.org), page 2, page 3, page 4 and page 5
The details
New for 2026-27. Covers direct costs charged by the college (tuition, fees, books, housing, meal plans, etc.) up to $30,000 a year for undergraduates enrolled at least 6 hours at an eligible Georgia public or private college or technical college. Qualifying pathways: in Georgia DFCS custody for at least six months after your 14th birthday; currently in DFCS custody or its independent living program; adopted from DFCS permanent custody after your 14th birthday; or your family receives/received state-funded adoption services. Must be under 26 at the start of the term; ends at 127 attempted hours, a bachelor's degree, or ten years after high school. As of 2026-10-05 the application page says that, due to limited funding, GSFA is not currently determining initial eligibility; applications are still accepted and will be reviewed first-come, first-served if more funding becomes available.
More money from Georgia
- Georgia Zell Miller Scholarship100% of standard undergraduate tuition at public colleges; up to $5,309 per semester (Georgia Tech, 2026-27); amount varies by college and hours
- Georgia HOPE ScholarshipPer-credit-hour award toward standard tuition; up to $5,256 per semester at 15 hours (Georgia Tech, 2026-27); amount varies by college and hours
- DREAMS ScholarshipUp to $1,500 per term, $3,000 per year (capped at unmet need)
- Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG)Up to $2,500 (lifetime maximum), applied to your outstanding balance
- Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)$550 per semester ($367 per quarter), up to three semesters or four quarters a year (2026-27)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.