GA SB526

Establishes the Georgia Good Faith Grant Program, a needs-based grant program administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission to help eligible students attend University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or eligible private institutions in the state.

Requires applicants to have graduated from an accredited Georgia high school or completed a home study program, earned at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, be classified as in-state for tuition purposes, and complete a FAFSA each year of enrollment.

Calculates financial need as the difference between a student's cost of attendance and their Student Aid Index plus all other grant aid, scholarships, and subsidized federal direct loans; students with zero or negative demonstrated need are ineligible.

Grants are renewable for up to 6 semesters (9 quarters) at non-baccalaureate institutions or 12 semesters (18 quarters) at baccalaureate institutions, with a cap of fewer than 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) and loss of eligibility upon earning a bachelor's degree.

Students at participating independent or private colleges must receive a matching grant from their institution equal to the program grant amount as a condition of receiving the state funds; funding is subject to General Assembly appropriations and the Lottery for Education Account.