Georgia's HOPE Program helps students in several ways:
HOPE Scholarships for students in degree programs at public and private colleges and universities.
HOPE Grants for students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs at public colleges or technical college.
This information and much more can be found at www.GACollege411.org, Georgia's comprehensive website that helps you plan, apply, and pay for college. Visit the website to learn about the many financial aid opportunities available in addition to HOPE.
HOPE Scholarship
Click Here for Hope Rigor Requirements
Click Here for Hope Changes' Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarship Award Amounts
At a public institution, the HOPE Scholarship award amount covers tuition, HOPE-approved mandatory fees, and a book allowance.
At a private college or university, you may receive a HOPE Scholarship award of $3,000 per academic year if you are a full-time student. If you enroll as a half-time student, you may receive an award of $1500 per academic year. Full-time students attending eligible private colleges may also be eligible for a Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant; check with the college financial aid office or GAcollege411.org for additional information.
Eligibility
To be eligible as an entering freshman, you must have or meet the following qualifications:
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet the eligible non-citizen requirements
- Meet HOPE's Georgia residency requirements
- Meet the Selective Service registration requirements.
- Be a 1993 or later graduate of an eligible high school if you plan to attend a public college, university or technical college.
- Be a 1996 or later graduate of an eligible high school if you plan to attend a private college or university.
- Beginning May 1, 2007, all students entering college must earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all core curriculum coursework in the college preparatory curriculum (CPC) or
- Earn a 3.2 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all core curriculum in the career/technical curriculum. All core curriculum coursework attempted in the student's high school career (grades 9-12) will be counted toward the HOPE Scholarship cumulative grade point average, and numeric grades will be converted to the 4.0 scale.
HOPE Scholarship Award Limits
A college degree-seeking student becomes ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship once the student has:
- Received payment from any combination of HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, and Accel program funds totaling 127 semester hours (190 quarter hours) of credit; or
- Attempted 127 semester hours (190 quarter hours) of college degree credit, regardless of whether HOPE funds were received while attempting the hours; or
- Earned a baccalaureate (four-year) college degree, regardless of whether HOPE funds were received while earning the degree.
Applying for the HOPE Scholarship
The application process for HOPE:
- At a public college, university or technical college, you may apply for HOPE two ways: (1) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using either a paper or electronic application, or (2) by completing the online GSFAPPS application. You can complete both the FAFSA and GSFAPPS applications online at GAcollege411.org. Completing the FAFSA will also enable the college to consider you for other financial aid programs in addition to HOPE.
- At a private college or university, you can apply for the HOPE Scholarship online using the GSFAPPS application at GAcollege411.org.
- Some colleges also require the student to complete the school's financial aid application. Contact the college financial aid office for more information.
HOPE Grant
Grant Award Amounts
The HOPE Grant covers tuition, HOPE-approved mandatory fees and a book allowance.
Eligibility
Georgia residents meeting HOPE's citizenship requirements and who are attending a Georgia public technical college or public college or university and enrolled in a certificate or diploma program are eligible for HOPE assistance regardless of high school graduation dates or grade point average. Full-time enrollment is not required. You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress according to the college's policy to maintain eligibility, but a 3.0 citmulative grade point average is not required.
Hope Eligible Institutions
A student may receive the HOPE Grant for up to 63 semester hours (95 quarter hours) of study. However, any previous coursework for which you have received HOPE Scholarship and/or Accel payments will count toward the lifetime award limit of 127 semester hours (190 quarter hours) and will reduce the number of HOPE Grant hours for which you can receive assistance.
Applying for the HOPE Grant
You can apply for the HOPE Grant two ways:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the online GSFAPPS application
For Additional Information
More information on the HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program is available at GAcollege411.org. Also, you may call toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-505-GSFC. If you are in the Metro Atlanta area, call (770)724-9000.
The financial aid office at the college, university or technical college you plan to attend can provide information about residency determination and coursework eligible for HOPE assistance. Contact them directly.