How should I compare merit scholarship offers from FSU and the University of Georgia?

Compare the offers by calculating your four-year net cost, not by comparing the scholarship headlines. For each school, subtract only guaranteed, renewable grants and scholarships from the school’s official cost of attendance, then add realistic increases in tuition, housing, food, travel, books, and personal expenses. A smaller scholarship at your in-state school can be worth more than a larger award that still leaves substantial nonresident tuition.

FSU may be especially attractive for a Florida resident whose award works alongside Bright Futures or other state aid, or for a nonresident whose package includes a clearly stated out-of-state tuition waiver. Read the FSU letter closely to see whether the award applies to tuition only, can be used for housing or fees, and whether it is automatically renewed. Many FSU renewable awards require satisfactory academic progress, a specified cumulative FSU GPA, and a minimum number of earned credits; verify the exact terms for your named award rather than relying on a general rule.

UGA can make sense for a student whose award meaningfully reduces its higher nonresident cost, or for a Georgia resident who can combine institutional aid with state programs such as HOPE or Zell Miller, if eligible. UGA scholarships vary substantially: some are one-time awards, while others renew only if you meet particular GPA, enrollment, credit-completion, or participation requirements.

Make a side-by-side sheet with: annual scholarship amount, tuition residency status, fees, estimated housing and meals, state aid, expected family contribution, loan amount needed, renewal GPA and credit rules, and whether the scholarship can be lost after one weak term. Also ask each financial-aid office whether institutional merit stacks with state scholarships, outside awards, honors-program funding, and tuition waivers.