Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG)

GCCG serves students who have completed much of a program but face a financial gap that may keep them from finishing. It is not an entry scholarship for every high-school graduate or a national-style application; eligibility is reviewed at a participating college and depends on funds allocated to that institution.

Beginning in FY2026, students in two-year programs must have completed at least 45% of required credits; students in four-year programs must have completed 70%. The student must also owe direct institutional costs for the requested term and have a current FAFSA. Financial aid should confirm what it counts as an eligible balance and which payments have already posted.

The grant is applied to direct college costs, not outside expenses such as rent, meals, or transportation. State allocations now use a methodology tied to the share of Pell recipients at each institution, and colleges make awards under state rules. The official trends report lists a $2,500 maximum per program; actual payment depends on the eligible gap and available funds.

Ask the financial-aid office to review your account before stopping out because of a small balance. Bring FAFSA, your bill, a degree audit, and a list of remaining courses; ask whether the institution participates, how it calculates completion percentage, and when it awards funds. If funding is insufficient, ask about campus alternatives and do not mistake this grant for a loan.

This program targets the final stretch: the college must verify the share of credits completed and that the student falls within the degree window. Published thresholds differ for programs of two years or less and four-year degrees. Being “close to graduation” is not enough; the institution determines the official count of applicable credits.

The grant addresses a remaining institutional-cost gap after other resources are applied, so an outside scholarship, Pell Grant, or waiver may reduce the amount available. Ask which charges count as direct institutional costs and what balance will remain. Because funds are allocated to campuses, applying does not guarantee the maximum award.

Prepare the current FAFSA, enrollment status, and a graduation plan reviewed by an academic adviser. If you change majors or schools, ask for a new progress calculation: credits that do not apply to the new program can affect eligibility. The college should explain whether the award posts to your account or whether other holds must be resolved first.

Who it serves and what it can cover: GCCG serves students who have completed much of a program but face a financial gap that may keep them from finishing. It is not an entry scholarship for every high-school graduate or a national-style application; eligibility is reviewed at a participating college and depends on funds allocated to that institution. Beginning in FY2026, students in two-year programs must have completed at least 45% of required credits; students in four-year programs must have completed 70%. The student must also owe direct institutional costs for the requested term and have a current FAFSA. Financial aid should confirm what it counts as an eligible balance and which payments have already posted.

How to apply or get help: The grant is applied to direct college costs, not outside expenses such as rent, meals, or transportation. State allocations now use a methodology tied to the share of Pell recipients at each institution, and colleges make awards under state rules. The official trends report lists a $2,500 maximum per program; actual payment depends on the eligible gap and available funds. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information