18 verified resources.
18 Resources
1. University System of Georgia (USG) — Paid
System of 26 public colleges and universities in Georgia ranging from research universities to state colleges and two-year institutions. Financial aid, admissions, and degree programs are available for adult learners and working fathers. Institutions include Georgia Tech, UGA, and Georgia State. Visit usg.edu to compare schools by program and location. Call 404-656-2202 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for system-level information and guidance on choosing a USG institution.
404-656-2202 · 270 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
2. Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) — Paid
System of 22 technical colleges statewide offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in workforce-ready fields. Programs cover healthcare, construction, IT, business, and more. GED/HiSET preparation and adult literacy are also available. Many programs take less than two years to complete. Call 404-679-1600 or visit tcsg.edu to find the campus nearest to you and explore programs that fit your schedule and career goals.
404-679-1600 · 1800 Century Place NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30345 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
3. HOPE Scholarship (Georgia) — Free
State lottery-funded scholarship for Georgia residents attending eligible colleges. Covers a significant portion of tuition at public universities and a set amount at private Georgia institutions. Requires a 3.0 GPA maintained in college. Available to students at USG, TCSG, and eligible private colleges. Apply through GAfutures.org before the college deadline. Call 800-505-4732 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for eligibility questions. HOPE Grants also fund certificate programs at TCSG colleges.
800-505-4732 · 2082 E Exchange Pl, Tucker, GA 30084 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
4. Zell Miller Scholarship — Free
Full tuition scholarship for Georgia students who graduate with a 3.7 or higher GPA. Covers 100% of tuition at public universities and a set annual amount at eligible private Georgia schools. Requires maintaining a 3.3 college GPA to renew. Available at USG and eligible private institutions. Apply through GAfutures.org. Call 800-505-4732 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for eligibility and application deadline details. One of the most generous state merit scholarships in the country.
800-505-4732 · 2082 E Exchange Pl, Tucker, GA 30084 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
5. FAFSA / Federal Student Aid — Free
Apply for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study at studentaid.gov. Required for all federal and most state aid in Georgia including HOPE. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year and should be filed as early as possible. Based on income and household size. Fathers returning to school can apply regardless of age. Call 1-800-433-3243 for assistance. Free to submit. Bring tax returns and Social Security numbers for all household members when filling out the form.
1-800-433-3243 · Online application · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
6. GED / HiSET Testing – Georgia (TCSG) — Paid
Free or low-cost GED and HiSET preparation and testing at Technical College System campuses statewide. The HOPE GED Grant covers testing fees for qualifying Georgians. Adult education classes help students prepare at their own pace. Available evenings and weekends at many campuses. Call 404-679-1600 or visit tcsg.edu/adult-education to find the nearest campus with adult education services. Bring photo ID and proof of Georgia residency to enroll.
404-679-1600 · Statewide TCSG campuses · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
7. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) — Free
Free vocational training, education, and job placement services for Georgians with physical, mental, or learning disabilities. Services include career counseling, education funding, assistive technology, and supported employment. Fathers with disabilities can access GVRA to gain new job skills or transition to a new career. Located at 2 Peachtree St NW in Atlanta. Call 404-232-1998 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for an intake appointment. Multiple regional offices across Georgia.
404-232-1998 · 2 Peachtree St NW, Suite 35-415, Atlanta, GA 30303 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
8. Path2College 529 Plan — Free
Georgia's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan. Georgia taxpayers can deduct up to $8,000 per year per beneficiary if married filing jointly, or $4,000 if filing single. Savings grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Open an account online at path2college529.com. No minimum opening deposit required. Fathers can start saving for their child's education at any age. Call 877-424-4377 for plan details and investment options.
877-424-4377 · Online statewide resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
9. Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) — Free
Administers all Georgia state scholarships and grants including HOPE, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE GED Grant, and Georgia REACH. Apply at GAfutures.org after completing the FAFSA. Located at 2082 E Exchange Pl, Suite 100, Tucker, GA 30084. Call 770-724-9000 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for questions about award amounts, eligibility, and renewal requirements. Disbursements are sent directly to your college. GAfutures.org also tracks your award status online.
770-724-9000 · 2082 E Exchange Pl, Suite 100, Tucker, GA 30084 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
10. Georgia State University — Paid
Major public research university in downtown Atlanta offering bachelor's through doctoral programs across more than 100 fields of study. Known for strong adult learner support, evening programs, and an urban campus accessible via MARTA. Call 404-413-2000 or visit gsu.edu for admissions and financial aid information. Located at 33 Gilmer St SE in Atlanta. GSU is one of the most diverse research universities in the country and a top destination for working adults.
404-413-2000 · 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
11. Kennesaw State University — Paid
Large public university serving the northwest Atlanta metro with 150+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Offers flexible scheduling options including evening and online courses, making it accessible for working adults and fathers. Located at 1000 Chastain Rd in Kennesaw. Call 470-578-6000 or visit kennesaw.edu for admissions, financial aid, and program information. KSU is one of the largest universities in Georgia by enrollment.
470-578-6000 · 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
12. Atlanta Technical College — Paid
TCSG college in Atlanta offering technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in healthcare, business, IT, and trades. GED preparation and adult literacy classes are also available. Programs designed for working adults with evening and weekend options. Located at 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW in Atlanta. Call 404-225-4400 or visit atlantatech.edu for program details and enrollment information. Financial aid and HOPE Grants are available for qualifying students.
404-225-4400 · 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
13. Augusta Technical College — Paid
Technical college offering workforce certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in the Augusta area. Programs cover healthcare, construction, business, and industrial technology. GED preparation and adult education classes are available for those needing basic skills improvement. Located at 3200 Augusta Tech Dr in Augusta. Call 706-771-4000 or visit augustatech.edu for enrollment information. Financial aid, HOPE Grants, and employer-sponsored training partnerships available.
706-771-4000 · 3200 Augusta Tech Dr, Augusta, GA 30906 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
14. Savannah Technical College — Paid
Technical college in the Savannah area with career-focused certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in healthcare, hospitality, IT, and trades. Adult literacy and GED preparation classes also available. Located at 5717 White Bluff Rd in Savannah. Call 912-443-5700 or visit savannahtech.edu for program and enrollment information. HOPE Grants and financial aid available. Evening and weekend class options provided for working adults in the coastal Georgia region.
912-443-5700 · 5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31405 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
15. Central Georgia Technical College (Macon) — Paid
Technical college serving central Georgia with career training certificates, diplomas, and degrees at multiple campuses including Warner Robins, Macon, and Milledgeville. Adult education and GED programs are available for those building basic skills. Call 478-757-3400 or visit centralgatech.edu for enrollment information. Located at 80 Cohen Walker Dr in Warner Robins. Financial aid and HOPE Grants are available. Programs include healthcare, business, manufacturing, and IT.
478-757-3400 · 80 Cohen Walker Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
16. Columbus Technical College — Paid
TCSG college in Columbus offering workforce training certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees for the west Georgia area. Programs include healthcare, business, IT, and industrial technology. Adult literacy and GED preparation available. Located at 928 Manchester Expy in Columbus. Call 706-649-1800 or visit columbustech.edu for enrollment details. Financial aid and HOPE Grants available for qualifying students. Evening and weekend options make this accessible for working adults.
706-649-1800 · 928 Manchester Expy, Columbus, GA 31904 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website
17. Pell Grant (Federal) — Free
Federal need-based grant for undergraduate students up to $7,395 per year for the 2024-25 award year. Does not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Available to full- and part-time students at eligible institutions. Fathers returning to school to improve their earning potential should apply. Apply for free at studentaid.gov. Call 1-800-433-3243 for help completing the FAFSA or understanding your award.
1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
18. Georgia REACH Scholarship — Free
Need-based scholarship for Georgia students from low-income families attending eligible public or private colleges. Provides up to
0,000 per year combined with mentoring and advising support. Designed to help first-generation and low-income students succeed in college. Apply through GAfutures.org alongside the FAFSA. Call 770-724-9000 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the list of participating institutions across Georgia.
770-724-9000 · Apply at GAfutures.org · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
College & Education — Common Questions
- What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
- Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
- Is there childcare on college campuses?
- Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
- Can I get a GED online?
- Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
- What is WIOA training?
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.