Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Applying For Scholarships Awarded By Kennesaw State University

Using The KSU Scholarship Application Webpages

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What can I use Scholarship money for?

Scholarships awarded by Kennesaw State University may be used for any educational expenses. Relative to scholarships awarded by KSU, educational expenses include tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. Scholarships that are not awarded by Kennesaw State University may have their own set of requirements and definitions.

When and how will I be notified if I am selected as a scholarship recipient?

Award notifications will go out by e-mail From the Office of Student Financial Aid beginning in May. Check your status on Owl Express. Some departments or committees may also send out their own notifications upon completion of the selection process. The Office of Student Financial Aid will continue to send out notifications until all awards have been made.

When can I expect to receive funds if I am awarded a scholarship?

Upon receipt, scholarship money is applied to institutional charges (tuition and fees) first. If you have additional financial aid (including the HOPE Scholarship, Student Loans, Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and/or other types of aid) excess scholarship funds and other financial aid will be disbursed after the drop/add period is over. You may check Deadlines, the Bursar's Office, or refer to the Course Catalogs for the exact date.

Can I apply for and receive a scholarship in addition to the HOPE Scholarship?

Yes, you may.

Why can't I get my online KSU scholarship application to submit?

Every field of the Scholarship Application must have a value entered. If a field does not apply to you, place an "X" in the field. Our experience indicates that very often applicants leave the "Work Phone" field blank. Additionally, some versions of various web browsers have had trouble with the scholarship application webpages. You may want to try an updated browser (updates are free!) or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Office to use one of our computers.

How many scholarships may I apply for?

You may apply for as many KSU Scholarships as you feel qualified for.

I received a scholarship last year. Must I reapply for the same scholarship or will it be renewed automatically?

Some scholarships are automatically renewed. Other Scholarships require students to complete an application each year. Currently the only renewable scholarships are the Goizueta Foundation Scholarship, Foundation Scholars Scholarship, and the Foundation Fellowship Scholarship. However, it is the responsibility of the recipient to familiarize themselves with and abide by the specific requirements of a particular scholarship.

Can I submit the same application for many different scholarships?

You must apply for each KSU Scholarship individually. While you may wish to submit similar information for each KSU Scholarship application, common sense requires that your essay should be specific to a particular scholarship.

Do I have to be currently enrolled to apply for a scholarship?

Not necessarily. Some scholarships (for example the KSU Foundation Scholar, the KSU Foundation Fellowship and the Goizueta Foundation Scholarship) are awarded to incoming students. You may apply for these KSU Scholarships while applying for admission.

Who reviews my scholarship application once I submit it?

Individual applications are reviewed by the committee responsible for awarding the scholarship.

If I apply for multiple scholarships, are all my applications reviewed by the same committee?

Many committees are responsible for multiple scholarship selections. Therefore, it is possible, depending on the scholarships that you apply for, that more than one of your applications may be reviewed by the same committee.

What is a Need-Based Scholarship?

Need-Based Scholarships require that a student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to have their need determined by the Department of Education (DOE). Need is determined by subtracting the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost of Attendance (COA). COA - EFC = Need. Applicants must demonstrate need to be considered for these scholarships.

How is my financial need determined and who is responsible for making that determination?

As noted in the question "What is a need based scholarship?" need is determined by subtracting the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost of Attendance (COA). The federal government determines your EFC based on information obtained from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and tax returns. The COA estimate includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. COA figures are calculated by individual institutions and approved by the Board of Regents.

Since the Scholarship webpage closes on March 2, how can I submit my FAFSA in time to be considered for the scholarships that require need?

You must complete the Scholarship Application online before the web page closes on March 2. However, we will not start checking for your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until April 1. Your File must be complete by April 1 to be considered for a need-based scholarship.

It is recommended and preferable that you complete your tax returns prior to filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) However, you do have the option of estimating your information on the FAFSA. Please be advised that estimating your tax information on the FAFSA can slow the process down and may result in your file being chosen for verification.

When should I complete and submit my Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

You may complete and file your FAFSA anytime after January 1 each year. We recommend you file as early as possible.

How long does it take for KSU to receive my FAFSA?

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That depends. If you file electronically and sign with a PIN it usually takes the Department of Education approximately 72 hours to process a completed FAFSA. Other methods of filing will slow the process down considerably.

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Beginning in February, Kennesaw State downloads information from the federal government once a week. For information about the status of your financial aid application please check Owl Express.

What are the criteria for full time and part time enrollment?

Full Time enrollment is 12 hours or more for undergraduates and 9 hours or more for graduate students. Part Time is considered 6 hours or less for undergraduates and 5 hours or less for graduate students.

How may a person or organization establish a scholarship for Kennesaw State University students?

It is very simple. The process begins with a phone call to the Kennesaw State University Office of Development at (770) 423-6027. They will be happy to work with you to establish eligibility criteria and naming for an endowed or annual scholarship. Endowed scholarships usually require a minimum gift of $20,000 while a minimum annual gift of $1,000 will normally fund an annual scholarship.