Albany State University provides financial assistance for promising students who, without such help, would be unable to attend. The University believes, however, that the student is, first and foremost, responsible for financing his or her education.
The financial aid program is based on the financial need of the student. Need is the difference between the cost of education at Albany State University and the amount the applicant is expected to contribute toward the cost of education.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Instructions for completing the form and the appropriate address are all contained within the FAFSA application.
• You must be accepted for Graduate Admissions by the Graduate Admissions Office as a Provisional Admit or Regular Admit.Title IV Funds are available for students seekins Graduate Certification.

Sources of Financial Aid

• Graduate Assistantship
  The University offers a limited number of graduate assistantships worth $7,000 per year. A graduate assistant works 20 hours a week and receives in return a stipend of $3,500 per semester. The work performed should be of professional nature and involve research support of faculty as much as possible. Tuition and fees are deducted from the stipend and the balance is paid to the assistant in monthly installments. Application for all graduate assistantships should be made through the Graduate School Office.
  
  
• HOPE Teacher Scholarship Program
  This program assists students (teachers, counselors) who are seeking an advanced degree in a critical field of study. Financial assistance of up to $10,000 will be awarded toward the cost of attendance. The program operates as a forgivable loan that will be repaid by teaching in a Georgia public school. The HOPE Teacher Scholarship Program addresses the following areas:
  

• Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8) with primary concentration in: Math, Science or Math and Science.
  Mathematics Education (grades 7-12)
  Science Education (grades 7-12)
  Foreign Language Education (grades P-12)
  Special Education (grades P-12) BD., Interrelated, and Interrelated/ECE
  Business Education (grades 7-12)
  

• Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA) Service Calcelable Loans
  Legal residents of Georgia may apply for service cancelable loan assistance for professions in which there is a critical manpower shortage in Georgia. Currently, the areas in which Albany State University participates include health fields – nursing. The maximum loan amount per academic year is $2,000. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) and Albany State University Financial Aid Application are required.
   
• Federal Perkins Loans
  Funds are provided to the University for the purpose of making low-interest, long-term loans available to students who demonstrate need. Loans are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Repayment of Perkins loans begins nine months after the student leaves college, graduates or drops below halftime. The interest rate is 5 percent. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) and Albany State University Financial Aid Application are required.
  
• Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans)
  The federal government will pay the interest on these loans while students are in school and during deferments (postponements of repayment). Students must demonstrate financial need to receive this type of loan. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) is required.
  
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans)
  Students can get these loans regardless of financial need but will have to pay all interest charges, including the interest that accumulates during deferments. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) is required. The interest rates are variable and adjusted each July. The maximum rate for the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan is 8.25 percent.
  
• Veterans Assistance Program
  Veterans, active duty personnel and eligible dependents are encouraged to take full advantage of benefits available through the Veterans Administration. Those students eligible for benefits should apply for Admissions to the University and complete the Admissions process. An application for VA Educational Benefits should be completed prior to entering the institution.

The veteran or other eligible persons are advised to have money available to cover their semester’s tuition and fees at the time of enrollment. Albany State University does not participate in advanced payment with the VA.