GEORGIA MATCH

Program Description:

GEORGIA MATCH is a state-run direct admission program that offers provisional admission at Georgia colleges and universities to qualifying Georgia learners. It uses high school students’ GPA to help identify where they are eligible for admission in Georgia. GEORGIA MATCH operates in conjunction with a state-run scholarship program that pays for four years of college or university tuition for any learner who graduates high school with a B grade average and maintains that through college.

Learners will automatically qualify for certain colleges based on their GPA, which provisionally “hold” a spot for them. Learners can select three colleges at which to “claim” their spot through their online dashboard. They can apply to as many institutions as they want outside of the GEORGIA MATCH program. They must then complete an application for these colleges, but are guaranteed admission as long as they continue to meet the provisional admission requirements.

In March and November, college application fees are also waived to further address financial barriers. Currently, 22 technical colleges and 23 University System of Georgia institutions participate in GEORGIA MATCH.

Impact:

The program aims to increase enrollment in postsecondary education by targeting learners who would otherwise not consider applying to college, or who might not be aware that they already qualify for local, affordable higher education.

Over 130,000 high school students receive letters with potential colleges via GEORGIA MATCH each year. Research on other state-run direct admission programs shows that direct admission increases college applications, particularly among underserved groups.

Population Served:

Georgia learners at both public and private accredited high schools. Lower-income students, first-generation college students, and students of color are all groups who benefit from the program. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026