Fixing a Grant Access Issue for Georgia’s College Students
In a move that could provide crucial financial relief to many students, the Georgia House Higher Education Committee recently passed a bill aimed at broadening access to the Georgia College Completion Grant. This initiative is designed to assist students nearing the end of their degree programs, but a mathematical oversight had left many students excluded from eligibility. The bill, approved on Wednesday, seeks to correct this issue and ensure more students can take advantage of available funds to complete their education.
The Georgia College Completion Grant, which was established in 2022, was originally created to help low-income students who were close to completing their college or technical programs. Eligible students could receive up to $2,500 in grant money to cover the final stretch of their degree. However, a specific eligibility requirement was preventing many students from qualifying. Under the original guidelines, students had to complete at least 80% of their credit requirements to be eligible for the grant.
The Problem with the 80% Completion Rule
The challenge with the original rule was its application to students in shorter programs, particularly those attending the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The structure of these programs often made it impossible for students to reach the 80% completion threshold before they finished their studies.
Lynne Riley, President of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, explained the dilemma. For students enrolled in a typical one-year program, such as those offered by the TCSG, reaching 80% completion was an unrealistic goal. By the time these students had completed two semesters, they would have only completed around 50% of their program requirements—far below the 80% required to qualify for the grant.
Similarly, students in two-year programs were also affected. Even after three semesters, these students would typically have completed only 75% of their coursework, which was still insufficient for eligibility under the original rules.
But it wasn’t just technical college students who faced challenges. The problem extended to students at four-year universities and private institutions within the University System of Georgia (USG). Most of these students also struggled to meet the 80% completion requirement, particularly because their financial aid is typically packaged annually. By the time many students reached their third year, they would be only 75% of the way toward completing their program, disqualifying them from receiving the grant.
The New Bill: Expanding Eligibility for More Students
In an effort to fix these issues, the Georgia House Higher Education Committee approved a bill that would modify the completion requirements for the Georgia College Completion Grant. Under the new rules, students who have completed 70% of a four-year degree or 45% of a two-year degree would be eligible for the grant.
This adjustment will make the grant available to many more students, especially those nearing the end of their programs who need financial assistance to cross the finish line. For students in the technical college system, this change is particularly significant, as it ensures they won’t be penalized by the program’s short duration.
The committee’s unanimous vote on Wednesday highlights a growing awareness of the challenges that students face in completing their degrees. Lawmakers recognize the importance of addressing these barriers, which can often keep students from graduating, even when they are so close to the finish line.
Why the Grant Matters
The Georgia College Completion Grant is designed to assist students who are facing financial difficulties as they near graduation. Many students in Georgia—especially those enrolled in public colleges and technical programs—struggle with the costs associated with completing their degrees. For some, this final stretch is the most challenging part of their education, both financially and personally.
In fiscal year 2024, a total of 10,069 students received nearly $11 million in grant funding, helping them stay on track to complete their degrees. The state capped the total cost for the program at $10 million, with any unused funds rolling over to the next year. However, the grant’s effectiveness was limited by the previous eligibility requirements, which excluded too many students.
By expanding the eligibility criteria, lawmakers hope to make sure that more students who are almost finished with their studies will have access to the resources they need to graduate. For many, the Georgia College Completion Grant is a vital resource that can make the difference between finishing their education or dropping out due to financial strain.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The next steps for this bill involve its passage through the full House and eventual consideration in the Senate. If the bill is signed into law, it could mean a significant change in the way the state supports students who are close to earning their degrees.
The bill is expected to be well-received, as it has the support of both legislators and education advocates who see the grant as an essential tool for helping Georgia students achieve their academic and professional goals. With the state’s college and technical programs already facing enrollment challenges, this bill could help improve retention rates and increase graduation rates by providing crucial financial support.
This legislative move reflects a growing commitment to addressing the unique financial challenges faced by Georgia’s college students and ensuring that financial aid policies are aligned with the realities of completing a degree.
