Scholarships FAQs

Clayton State University offers outstanding students a variety of competitive institutional scholarships. Most are based on academic merit, and some are financial need based.

There are also Department Scholarships that are awarded by specific departments at Clayton State or private organizations and groups. Application deadlines and award amount for the Department Scholarships are determined by the private organization and/or group offering the scholarship.

Most scholarships require a 3.0 or above institutional grade point average. Other criteria may include leadership skills, major, financial need, and extracurricular involvement.

Some Clayton State scholarships are need-based. To be considered for need-based scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the appropriate academic year by April 1.

It is no longer necessary to complete a scholarship application or submit recommendation forms for Clayton State University scholarships managed by the Financial Aid Office. We utilize a scholarship software program that will identify students who meet the criteria for each scholarship.

For the scholarships managed by the Financial Aid Office, students do not need to take any action to be considered. All accepted entering freshmen, entering transfer, and enrolled continuing students will be automatically considered for each University-administered scholarship for which they are eligible.

Some Clayton State scholarships are need-based. To be considered for need-based scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the appropriate academic year by April 1. Students must be accepted and enrolled by July 1 to be considered for Clayton State scholarships.

In some cases additional information will be needed before a particular scholarship can be awarded. In that case all students who meet the criteria will be sent an email to their Clayton State account informing them of their consideration for a particular scholarship. The email will contain instructions on what needs to be done if the student wishes to be considered further for that particular scholarship. Reminder - check your Clayton State email account frequently so that you don't miss any important information!

Students who are interested in Department Scholarships must contact the office or organization listed for application information.

Not all eligible and qualified students will receive a scholarship since funds are limited.

Scholarships managed by the Office of Financial Aid do not require a separate application; however, students must be accepted and enrolled by July 1 to be considered for Clayton State scholarships.

International students are eligible unless the guidelines indicate that applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree may apply, but priority is given to students who are seeking their first undergraduate degree.

Award amounts for vary as the amount is dependent upon income generated by the endowment. Please note that scholarship awards are contingent on investment performance as well as annual contributions from our donors. While Clayton State University makes every effort to publish the most current information, available scholarships may change prior to their actual award.

Award amounts for Department Scholarships are determined by the office or organization offering the scholarship.

Students receiving Clayton State University scholarship assistance cannot be awarded more than the total cost of attendance as defined annually. This applies to all financial aid regardless of source. In some cases loans, work-study, and/or scholarship awards must be adjusted to ensure that no overaward occurs.

Students who are selected for a Clayton State scholarship that is managed by the Financial Aid Office will receive notification through their Clayton State email account. For most Clayton State Scholarships, students will be notified by the end of July if they were selected for a scholarship. Not all eligible and qualified students will receive a scholarship since scholarships are competitive and funds are limited.

Notifications for Department Scholarships are made by the office or organization offering the scholarship.

Please contact us at Scholarships@clayton.edu if you still have questions after reviewing the information on our website.