FAQ's
How can I use my scholarship money?
Scholarships are awarded by Kennesaw State University (KSU) for educational expenses such as: tuition, fees, housing, 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?
The Office of Development will notify students in writing if they were
selected as a scholarship recipient. Notifications of awards will be
sent beginning in May. However, some award letters will continue to be sent as late as
August. You will also see awards listed on Owl Express.
How do I apply for KSU scholarships?
www.kennesaw.edu/scholarships
When can I expect to receive funds if I
am awarded a scholarship?
Financial aid is disbursed on the final payment deadline for each semester to the students account. The HOPE Scholarship, Student Loans, Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and scholarship money are applied to institutional charges (tuition and fees) and any excess financial aid will be refunded to the student
Can I apply for and receive a
scholarship in addition to the HOPE Scholarship?
Yes.
I received a scholarship last year.
Must I reapply for the same scholarship or will it be renewed
automatically?
If a scholarship is renewable, it will be noted in the criteria. Most require you to reapply each year.
Can I submit the same application for different scholarships?
Yes, only one application is required when applying for KSU scholarships. Prior to applying for scholarships, students should use the scholarship search function to determine if additional information may be required. i.e. Letters of Recommendation, Community Service Experience, or Essays. Although some questions on the application are optional it is strongly suggested that students fill out all questions in order to match as many scholarships as possible.
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.
Who reviews my scholarship application
once I submit it?
Applications are reviewed by the committee responsible for awarding the
scholarship.
2Financial Aid Questions
What is a Need-Based Scholarship?
Applicants must demonstrate need to be considered for these
scholarships.
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.
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.
When must I have my FAFSA filed?
Applicants must complete their FAFSA anytime after January 1 each year.
KSU recommend's applicants file file as early as possible. Applicants must complete their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
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.
2Thank You Letters
Am I required to formally thank the
donor for my scholarship?
Yes. There will be an attachment to the award letter giving information on
the criteria and the name of the benefactor of the scholarship.
A thank
you letter should be returned in the envelope enclosed with your award letter. Click here for a Sample thank you letter
All students who receive a scholarship are required to submit a thank you letter as a criteria condition prior to receiving your award.
Thank you letters should always be addressed to the donor by name(never address your thank you letter Dear Donor)
Letter can be handwritten or typed (handwrite only if it is legible).
Proofread your letter.
A store-bought card can be nice-be sure to add your own personal note.
One page is sufficient. Donors like to know how receiving this scholarship will help you achieve your academic goals (add GPA, clubs/organizations, and work experience if you wish).
Donors like to know something about the person who is receiving their scholarship
Tips in writing scholarship essays
-When creating your essay follow these tips and remember to always proof read and spell check your essay before submitting your application.
-What are your major accomplishments, and why do you consider them accomplishments?
-Does any attribute, quality, or skill distinguish you from everyone else? How did you develop this attribute?
-What is your strongest, most unwavering personality trait? Do you maintain strong beliefs or adhere to a philosophy? How would your friends characterize you? What would they write about if they were writing your scholarship essay for you?
-What have you done outside of the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by universities? Of these, which means the most to you?
-What are your most important extracurricular or community activities? What made you join these activities? What made you continue to contribute to them? What are your dreams of the future? When you look back on your life in thirty years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What people, things, and accomplishments do you need? How does this particular scholarship fit into your plans for the future?
Also review these tips Writing the Scholarship essay
2Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Am I required to attend the annual
Scholarship Luncheon held in fall of each year?
Yes, If invited you will be required to attend the Luncheon, as with the thank you letter this is a required criteria condition. Many benefactors attend the luncheon expecting to meet the recipient of the scholarship they support. It is a wonderful chance for you to thank them in person and show your appreciation for the scholarship.
2General Questions
What are the criteria for full time and
part time enrollment?
- Full Time enrollment is 12 hours minimum undergraduate and 9 hours graduate
- Part Time enrollment is 6 hours minimum undergraduate and 5 hours graduate
2Community Service Opportunities
Many of our scholarships require community service.
Listed are a few of the volunteering opportunities available in the local area.
*KSU
employees are eligible to apply for the KSU Staff Senate Annual Scholarship only as they can apply for tuition assistance (TAP). Contact Human Resources for more information.
Kennesaw State University