Financial Aid Checklist

Know Your Costs

• Tuition and Fees
• MyCSU - Student Account Portal
  • Check Account Balance (one to two days after course registration)
  • Authorize Other Users (Parents or Others)
  • Set up Refund Preferences

Financial Aid Options

• Submit the your FAFSA as early as possible.
  • CSU School Code = 001561
  • FAFSA is the application process for Federal Grants and Student Loans
  • FAFSA includes Fall through Summer (ex. Fall 2026 through Summer 2027)
• Check your eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship programs (Georgia Residents)
  • GAFutures
  • My HOPE GPA
• Scholarships
  • CSU Scholarships
  • Scholarship Universe - External Scholarships Outside of CSU

Financial Aid Next Steps

Return any requested documents to the Financial Aid Verification Portal - available in MyCSU, Financial Information and Resources

• Review Financial Aid Offer Letter once you receive it.
• If you plan to take out Student Loans:
  1. Accept loans through the Financial Aid Dashboard in MyCSU
  2. Complete Promissory Note
  3. Complete Loan Entrance Counseling
  4. Borrow only what you need — understand interest rates and repayment options

Still Need Additional Resources?

Alternative Financing Options

• Nelnet Payment Plan - short-term payment plan; check MyCSU, Financial Information and Resources
• Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan)
• Private Student Loan (credit-based)

Know the CSU Payment Deadlines - Plan Ahead!

Check the Academic Calendar for all upcoming dates and deadlines.

• If you are receiving an external scholarship, notify that organization of the CSU Student Accounts Mailing Address or via finaid@columbusstate.edu.
• If you are receiving third-party payments, see our College Savings Plans or Employer Tuition Assistance page.

Stay Eligible for Financial Aid

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Federal Financial Aid

• 2.00 cumulative GPA (undergraduate), 3.00 cumulative GPA (graduate)
• 67% cumulative pace of progression
• 185 attempted hours maximum time frame (undergraduate)

Maintain HOPE Program Eligibility

• HOPE Scholarship - 3.00 cumulative GPA in college
• Zell Miller Scholarship - 3.30 cumulative GPA in college

Course Program of Study (CPOS) - Work with your Academic Advisor to ensure registered courses are within your program of study; financial aid cannot pay for courses outside of your program

Contact Us

Office of Financial Aid

Email: finaid@columbusstate.edu
Telephone:706-507-8800