The HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program awarded by the State of Georgia to students seeking a college degree at an eligible public or private college or university in Georgia. The goal of the HOPE Scholarship is to help Georgia students achieve their dream of a college education.
HOPE Scholarship Qualifications
To qualify for the HOPE Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Georgia resident. Students must have legally resided in Georgia for at least 12 months prior to the start of the school year.
- Graduate from an eligible high school in Georgia with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in core classes. Homeschool and private school students must pass a nationally-normed test and meet the GPA requirement.
- Enroll in an eligible public or private college or university in Georgia within 7 years of graduating high school.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in college to remain eligible each semester.
HOPE Scholarship Benefits
The HOPE Scholarship provides the following benefits to eligible Georgia students:
- Pays a percentage of tuition and mandatory fees at eligible public and private colleges and universities in Georgia. The percentage covered depends on if the student attends a public or private institution.
- Provides up to $1,500 per year for books and supplies.
- Can be used for up to 127 attempted credit hours or seven years after high school graduation, whichever comes first.
- Has no repayment requirement as long as the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.
Applying for the HOPE Scholarship
To apply for the HOPE Scholarship, students must complete the following steps:
- Graduate from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA in core classes.
- Complete a HOPE Scholarship application after being accepted to an eligible Georgia college or university but before the first day of class. Applications are available on the Georgia Student Finance Commission website.
- Submit official high school and/or college transcripts along with the application to verify eligibility requirements are met.
- Maintain a 3.0 college GPA each semester to remain eligible for the scholarship.
- Reapply each year by the deadline if attending a private institution in Georgia. Students at public colleges do not need to reapply annually.
HOPE Scholarship FAQs
Q: Can I use the HOPE Scholarship at a technical college in Georgia?
A: Yes, the HOPE Scholarship can be used at any public technical college in Georgia. Eligibility requirements are the same as for public and private colleges and universities.
Q: What if my GPA drops below a 3.0 in college?
A: If your GPA falls below a 3.0, you will lose HOPE eligibility. You can regain eligibility by bringing your cumulative GPA back up to a 3.0. You have 30 attempted credit hours to regain eligibility.
Q: Is the HOPE Scholarship just for freshmen?
A: No, the HOPE Scholarship can be used for up to 127 attempted credit hours or seven years after high school graduation, whichever comes first. This allows students to use it through multiple years of college.
Q: Can I use HOPE at more than one school?
A: Yes, but the 127 attempted hour and 7-year limit applies to all eligible schools attended. Make sure to coordinate HOPE usage between schools to avoid losing eligibility prematurely.
Q: What if I have to wait a year before starting college?
A: Students have seven years after high school graduation to begin using their HOPE Scholarship eligibility. As long as you enroll in an eligible college within seven years, you can take time off between high school and college without penalty.
In Summary
The HOPE Scholarship is a significant merit-based scholarship available to Georgia students pursuing higher education. With the proper high school preparation and college performance, HOPE can help many students achieve their goal of a college degree. Understanding the eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process is key to taking full advantage of this educational opportunity.