Eligibility
Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Graduate from a HOPE-eligible high school as the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian.
- Graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.7 grade gpa combined with a score of 1200 on the reading and math portions of the SAT test or a 26 composite score on the ACT test in a single test administration.
- Complete a HOPE eligible home study program with a 3.7 gpa combined with a score of 1200 on the reading and math portions of the SAT test or a 26 composite score on the ACT test in a single test administration.
- Graduate from an ineligible high school or complete an ineligible home study program with a score of 1200 on the SAT reading and math portions or a 26 composite score on the ACT test in a single test administration and then earn a 3.3 gpa on 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college coursework taken after high school graduation or home study completion. This option allows for payment of the first 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours after they are taken.
- Have first enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution in 2007 or later, as a freshman, meeting one of the academic qualifications listed above and having earned a 3.3 cumulative gpa at the most recent HOPE Scholarship checkpoint.
Award Amounts
The money provided to Zell Miller Scholars varies and depends on the type of institution you are attending and your specific enrollment. (see award amounts).
Private Institutions
Students attending private colleges or universities receive the following:
- Full-time students: $2,000 per semester, $1,333 per quarter
- Half-time students: $1,000 per semester, $666 per quarter
Award Limits
A college degree-seeking student is ineligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship if the student has:
- Received payment from any combination of Hope Grant, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, and Accel Program funds (through Spring term) totaling 127 semester (190 quarter) hours of credit; or
- Attempted 127 semester (190 quarter) hours of college credit, regardless of whether or not Zell Miller funds were received while attempting the hours; or
- Has earned a 4 year college degree, regardless of whether or not Zell Miller funds were received while earning the degree.
- Graduated from high school more than seven years ago and did not receive a HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011.
Application Procedure
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) By using your GAcollege411 account and accessing the FAFSA application from GAcollege411, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete this form.
- Electronic application, with GAcollege411.
- Printable paper application.
Application Deadline
While you have until the last day of classes or exams to submit your application in order to receive Zell Miller funds for that semester or quarter, you should submit your HOPE application as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the earlier the funds are disbursed to your school and credited to your account.
Where to Go for Help
If you need help filling out an application or have other questions relating to the Zell Miller Scholarship, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, talk with your high school counselor, or contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).
You can contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) by:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-505-GSFC (4732)
In Metro Atlanta: (770) 724-9000
A representative is available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.