Financial aid
Cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to the education you deserve. In fact, every student at Young Harris College receives some type of financial aid to help make the journey to graduation more affordable.
Types of aid
Need-based financial assistance is funded from federal, state, and institutional sources and can include grants, loans, and work-study.
Grants
Grants, which do not need to be repaid, help cover part of the cost of your education. They are typically based on financial need.
Loans
Loans, which must be paid back with interest, allow you to spread out the cost of education over time.
Work study
Student work-study positions are available based on financial need. They can also support your career goals.
Scholarships
Scholarships come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition to need-based scholarships, YHC also connects students to merit-based scholarships. These are awarded in recognition of special skills, talent, or academic ability.
All freshmen admitted to Young Harris College are automatically considered for merit-based academic, fine arts, and athletic scholarships.
How to apply for financial aid at YHC
Your eligibility for aid is determined by financial information submitted each year on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate a need for assistance every year.
Follow these four steps to apply for aid:
1. Apply to YHC
Complete the YHC admission application. Scholarship and financial aid awards are made only after you are officially accepted to the college.
2. Complete the FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA using YHC’s school code: 001604
The FAFSA determines eligibility for need-based grants, work-study, and loans. Filing the FAFSA is an annual process, and it must be renewed every year. We recommend that students apply early because most need-based funding is limited.
The student and one parent will need an FSA User ID and password to complete the FAFSA form online. Keep your FSA User ID and password information in a safe place for future reference. All forms and supporting documentation (if requested) should be completed by May 1 to receive priority consideration for federal, state, and institutional funds.
3. Georgia residents: Apply for the GTEG, Zell Miller, and HOPE scholarships
Georgia residents who do not file a FAFSA must complete a GSFAPPS to be considered for these state-based scholarships:
- GTEG pays $1000per academic year.
- The Zell Miller Scholarship pays $5,616 per academic year ($2,985 per semester).
- HOPE Scholarship pays $4,992 per academic year ($2,496 per semester).
Log in to your account at GAfutures.org to check your HOPE GPA.
4. Apply for other scholarships
All freshmen admitted to Young Harris College are automatically considered for merit-based academic, fine arts, and athletic scholarships.
However, you should also apply for as many outside scholarships as possible. Use scholarship websites to research and apply for external opportunities. Keep in mind, reputable sites typically do not charge for their services. Here are several websites the YHC team recommends:
- Bold
- Career One Stop
- College Board
- Fastweb
- GAfutures.org
- GBHEM or UMHEF (Methodist scholarship opportunities)
- Niche
- Peterson’s
- Rebecca (Becca) Lynn Kessler Scholarship (for current YHC students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; applications taken until November 15, 2023)
- Scholarships.com
- TyCobbFoundation.com
For Georgia residents:
- HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
- Georgia Tuition and Equalization Grant
- Check your HOPE GPA (registration required)