Savonte Wilson (BS ’21) always knew he wanted to go to the University of Georgia.
The Moultrie native worked hard in hopes of becoming a Bulldog — maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school — but when his dream came true and he opened his acceptance email, he couldn’t celebrate.
“The cost was too much for my family,” Wilson says. “Initially, they were against me going because I would have to take out loans. But this was my dream school, so we were all very conflicted.”
A few weeks later, Wilson received a second email, this one from the Office of Student Financial Aid. It notified him that he would be part of the first class of Georgia Commitment Scholars, a remarkably successful need-based aid program launched in 2017. It has removed financial barriers for hundreds of deserving students and continues to empower the many UGA students faced with significant need.
“If it weren’t for the kindness and generosity of the donors who created my scholarship, I couldn’t have gone to UGA,” Wilson says. “That scholarship allowed me to grow in my faith, grow in my major, and get more involved at UGA.”
Throughout his first stint at UGA, Wilson was involved in collegiate ministries, youth mentorship, UGA Club Track, a UGA choir, and community theater while completing his bachelor’s in psychology. “First stint” is important to note because Wilson’s college experience was so impactful that he’s now pursuing a second degree at UGA, a bachelor’s in Spanish.
“My experience with Georgia has been everything I wanted and more, and none of it would’ve been possible without my God providing a way for me to be the first recipient of my scholarship,” Wilson says.
WHY IS NEED-BASED AID IMPORTANT?
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 17% of UGA undergraduates received the federal Pell Grant, which is awarded to students who display exceptional financial need. Because of need-based scholarships, UGA is able to help bridge the gap for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend UGA. Need-based aid targets those driven students who pursue education in the face of financial strain, giving them the resources to focus on their studies. Through need-based aid, students can build their future with a UGA education to match their Bulldog determination.
Of the 5,767 UGA students who received a Pell Grant in the 2023-2024 academic year:
- 19% reported a family income less than tuition and fees.
- 42% received no financial contributions from their families.
- Those who received no family financial support had an average cost-of-attendance gap of $11,945.
Georgia Commitment Scholarships (GCS) demonstrate the potential need-based aid has to positively impact UGA students. In the 2023-2024 academic year:
- 716 students benefitted from GCS.
- Students from 119 counties in Georgia received a GCS.
- 43% of GCS recipients were first-generation college students.
- 95% of first-year GCS students in 2023 returned for their second year.