When you accept Georgia Southwestern State University’s offer of student financial aid, you agree to fulfill the following responsibilities, including the Terms and Conditions set forth by federal and state regulations for student financial aid:

• Be admitted into a degree-seeking program of study. (Certificate Programs may qualify for some aid)
• Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security Number.
• Register with Selective Service. (Males only. Required for state aid)
• Renew my FAFSA each year.
• Aid offers are based on full-time enrollment. (Undergraduates: 12 hours; Graduates: 9 hours)
• Aid offers not accepted within 30 days are subject to cancellation.
• Canceled aid awards will only be reinstated pending the availability of funds.
• Loan offers will be canceled if I fail to complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN), and attend/participate in a minimum of (Undergraduate: 6 hours; Graduate: 5 hours) each semester.  
• GSW will offer me up to the maximum federal loan amount, and I may reduce the offer when accepting.
• Federal Pell Grant awards may be awarded for less than 6 hours of enrollment.
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. I understand this policy is separate from the university's policy for academic continuance.
• The traditional GSW financial aid award year is fall and spring. The FAFSA is valid for fall, spring, and summer. Summer will require a separate institutional ‘summer application’.
• If I withdraw, drop, or do not otherwise complete all of the courses that I am scheduled to attend in a term, disbursed funds may be returned to the federal government and I will owe a balance to Georgia Southwestern University. This is called the Return of Title IV process.
• Attend 60% of any semester to earn 100% of your federal financial aid.
• Disbursed aid will be prorated according to reported class attendance or participation. You must participate in or attend classes to establish eligibility and remain eligible for federal aid.
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment from a federal grant overpayment.
• Students with federal or state drug convictions that occurred while receiving financial aid may be ineligible for additional financial aid. (state aid only)

Additional Information:

• The Georgia HOPE & Zell Scholarship programs are administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Recipients are responsible for their awareness of all guidelines and information governing Hope & Zell Scholarships.

• Email Address for Financial Aid Notices: The FAO uses the Radar email to communicate. This commitment insures your privacy within the confines of our academic community. It is necessary to monitor your RAIN account regularly.

• Disbursement: Generally, financial aid begins disbursing on the 14th day of the semester and refunds are released to eligible students by day 28th, 14 days after your disbursement posts to your account.

• Warning: If you purposely provide false or misleading financial aid information you may be fined, sent to prison, or both.