UNCF/Aflac Scholarship Program Offers Up to $3,000 to Eligible Columbus College Students

Application deadline set for Nov. 6; scholarship supports undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need

College students from the Columbus area have an opportunity to receive up to $3,000 in financial assistance through the UNCF/Aflac Scholarship Program, an initiative designed to help eligible undergraduate students overcome financial barriers and continue pursuing their college degrees.

The need-based scholarship is available to qualifying students who are permanent residents of Columbus and enrolled full time at a four-year college or university during the 2026-27 academic year.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

The program reflects an ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education and helping students who demonstrate financial need remain on track toward graduation.

As the cost of higher education continues to place financial pressure on students and families, scholarship opportunities such as the UNCF/Aflac program can provide critical assistance in closing the gap between available financial aid and the actual cost of attending college.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.
• Demonstrate unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.
• Be a permanent resident of Columbus, Georgia, within one of the designated eligible ZIP codes.
• Be enrolled full time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or fifth-year undergraduate student at an accredited four-year college or university during the 2026-27 academic year.

Eligible ZIP codes include 31801, 31808, 31820, 31829, 31901, 31902, 31903, 31904, 31905, 31906, 31907, 31908, 31914, 31917, 31993, 31995, 31997, 31998 and 31999.

Application Process and Deadline

Students interested in applying must complete the online scholarship application through the UNCF scholarship portal no later than Nov. 6.

In addition to the application, students must submit a one-page personal statement outlining their career interests and upload a current academic transcript, either official or unofficial.

All required materials must be received by the application deadline for consideration.

Applicants who submit complete applications will be notified of scholarship decisions approximately eight to 10 weeks after the application period closes.

Encouraging Students to Take Advantage of the Opportunity

College and university administrators, financial aid officers, academic advisers and student affairs professionals are being encouraged to share information about the scholarship with eligible students.

The program offers financial support that could make a meaningful difference for students facing challenges in meeting tuition and other educational expenses.

For many students, even a relatively modest scholarship can help reduce financial stress, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and remain focused on earning their degrees.

How to Apply

Students can access the scholarship application through the UNCF website at:

https://opportunities.uncf.org/s/program-landing-page?id=a2iVJ00000ju5KrYAI

For questions regarding the application process, contact Ruby Garcia at ruby.garcia@uncf.org.

Students experiencing account login difficulties may contact UNCF at 202-810-0258, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.

The application deadline is Nov. 6, 2026.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply early to ensure that all required documentation is submitted before the deadline.

For Columbus-area students working toward a college degree, the UNCF/Aflac Scholarship Program represents more than financial assistance. It is an opportunity to continue their education, pursue their career aspirations and invest in a brighter future.