Bridge Scholars Program

bridge scholars
BSP
BSP posing
BSP posing

A Unique First-Year Experience

The Bridge Scholars Program is for first-year applicants who demonstrate potential for success in college, but who we feel would benefit from a transitional support program in order to maximize their achievements at Georgia College & State University. Bridge candidates are nominated for the program by the Admissions Office following a review of the application materials and then must interview for a competitive spot in the program.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis following each interview date until the program is full. Enrollment is limited to approximately 125 students.  Students are notified of their admission status within one to two weeks of the interview. Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Once admitted, students begin their first year with an intensive five-week summer program that is designed to assist them in transitioning from high school to college and help them to build a strong academic foundation. Students who pass the summer semester with a grade of C or better in all classes, complete BSP summer participation requirements, and maintain a clear judicial record are invited to return to Georgia College in the fall.

BSP is a Residential Learning Community at Georgia College focusing on freshman success. Students in the BSP commit to spending their first year living and learning together as a group. Peer mentoring, tutoring, and special programs such as speakers, workshops, community service projects and socials are offered exclusively to the BSP community.

Important Information

Summer Program Dates

BSP Orientation & Move-In
June 15, 2024

Classes
June 17 – July 18, 2024

Holiday Break (no classes)
July 4-5, 2024

Closing Banquet
July 18, 2024

Apartment Checkout*
July 19, 2024

*Please note that students will be allowed to leave belongings in their apartments until they return for the fall semester in August.

Cost of the Program

Please note that these are estimated costs only and subject to change. Final costs are based on state budgets determined by decisions of the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia. 

Program Fee (one-time annual fee)
$300

Tuition (in-state)
$1,750

Student Fees
$745

Housing Pre-Payment Fee (will be applied to Fall 2024 housing costs)*
$200

Housing Application Fee (non-refundable)*
$35

Housing (4-person apartment)
$968

Meals (25 Block Meal Plan)
$235

*Housing deposit is due by May 1, 2024 or a late fee of $50 will be applied

Financial Aid

Students must complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application in order to apply for federal and state aid programs for Summer 2024 semester. Eligibility for federal financial aid programs will be determined based on this FAFSA, which includes grants and student loans as well as Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program. Students should also complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA in order to apply for financial aid for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. If the student is only interested in receiving the HOPE Scholarship, an alternative application (GSFAPPS) may be completed at www.GAfutures.org. For more information, visit www.gcsu.edu/financialaid or contact the GC Office of Financial Aid at 478-445-5149 or financialaid@gcsu.edu.

Program Fee

Admitted students must be one of the first 125 students to submit their $300 BSP fee in order to secure placement within the program. More students will be offered placement in BSP than spaces are available, so it is important that payment is made as quickly as possible.  Because space is very limited, we cannot guarantee you a space in the program until this fee has been paid.  Please contact Lauren Easom at (478) 445-5384 if you would like information about a needs-based deferral of your $300 fee.

Once a student has been offered a spot in the Bridge Scholars Program, they may pay their program fee which can be accessed in the application status portal. 

Reserve your spot here