All applicants, including HOPE recipients, must reapply for financial aid each year. The priority deadline to renew your financial aid is May 1. All financial aid awards are reviewed annually based on:

  • the timely completion of the financial aid application process
  • continued demonstrated financial need
  • maintenance of Standards of Progress
  • good standing at Valdosta State University
  • availability of resources

If you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for financial aid for the previous academic year, you should receive a Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (RFAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education in November or December in the mail or a PIN number to resubmit the application electronically. You must also complete the Valdosta State University General Scholarship Application again each year for consideration of these funds.

For Georgia residents applying for ONLY the HOPE Scholarship, the Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System (GSFAPPS) is the primary means for applying for the HOPE Scholarship administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).

GSFAPPS is a web-based application process that captures and edits all required application data to meet each GSFC program's unique requirements. To apply an applicant must register as a user of Georgia College 411.

You must select Valdosta State University as the school you will attend.

HOPE students and those students wishing to receive funds from outside scholarship sources must still complete the Valdosta State University General Scholarship Application so that the Office of Financial Aid can schedule your funds to disburse correctly.

Failure to reapply for financial aid each year will result in a loss of financial aid for that year and possibly subsequent years.