Independent of the SAT or ACT test score requirement, current Georgia law also permits homeschool graduates to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship after starting college by earning a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 after the student has attempted 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours at an eligible college or university. But, in this instance, the hope scholarship funds are applied retroactively and not provided to the student until the end of the student’s freshman year.

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• Students must keep a minimum 3.0 HOPE grade point average (GPA) to stay qualified for the HOPE Scholarship.
• All college credit hours taken (attempted) since high school graduation are used in calculating the HOPE Attempted Hours and the HOPE GPA.
• HOPE Scholarship students are monitored to see if they are maintaining a minimum 3.0 HOPE GPA at the end of the semesters where they have attempted their 30th, 60th, 90th hours and at the conclusion of each spring semester.
• The HOPE Scholarship Award Amount is based on a per credit hour basis. Payment is maxed out or capped at 15 hours per semester.
• Once a student has 127 HOPE Attempted Hours or he/she has a total of 127 HOPE Paid Hours, or has earned a bachelor’s degree, the student is no longer eligible. This is applicable to all degree programs.
• HOPE Scholarship has a 127 hour “hard” maximum cap. As an example, if a student ends a semester with 126 HOPE Attempted or Paid Hours, the HOPE Scholarship will only pay for 1 hour of the HOPE award rate for the following semester (as long as the student satisfies other eligibility requirements).  However, if the degree program requires more than 127 hours, the HOPE Scholarship will cover the hours that are required for the degree program.
• Students who lose their HOPE Scholarship are only allowed to regain qualification one time.
• HOPE Scholarship eligibility for students who received HOPE Scholarship before summer 2011 will end June 30, 2015. Eligibility for students not receiving the HOPE Scholarship before the summer of 2011 will expire 7 years after the date of the students’ high school graduation.

See more information regarding the HOPE Scholarship Program that is available on the GAcollege411 Web site.

You can review the 2013-14 HOPE Scholarship regulations at the Hope Scholarship Knowledgebase.

Example HOPE Scholarship Award Amounts for the University of Georgia

The dollar amount of each semester’s HOPE Scholarship award is determined by multiplying $218.46 X the number of hours in which the student is enrolled, up to 15 hours.

Since the HOPE Scholarship amount is based on the total number of hours enrolled in the semester, the HOPE amount will be less when students enroll in fewer than 15 hours as reflected below. The HOPE Award Amount cannot be increased for students who enroll in more than 15 hours.  The award assumes that all tuition above 15 hours is actually capped at a 15 hour rate; that is, 15 hours and above is considered a full time rate and is charged at 15 hours.

See the GSFC “HOPE Award Amounts by Institution for Fiscal Year 2014, Beginning Fall Term” at here for enrollment in 15 hours or less.

Additional UGA Specific HOPE Scholarship Information

HOPE Grade Point Average (GPA) and HOPE Attempted Hours under at +/- system

As an example, the University of Georgia implements a Plus/Minus grading system; however, not all schools have a +/- system; therefore, for the purpose of calculating the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) for HOPE Scholarship eligibility, only letter grades of A through F are recognized so any Plus or Minus will be disregarded.

2013-14 HOPE Amounts (Maximum $218.46 per Credit Hour)

The Zell Miller Scholarship Program

For a student to qualify for the new Zell Miller Scholarship, the student must graduate from an eligible high school 2007 or later with at minimum 3.7 grade point average (GPA) as calculated by HOPE Scholarship regulations and the student also must have scored at least a 1200 on the SAT (Math and Verbal) or a 26 on the ACT Composite, in a single test administration prior to high school graduation or be their high school Valedictorian or Salutatorian.

Initial eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship is determined by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Students determined eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship are subject to all the HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements except they must maintain a minimum 3.3 grade point average (GPA) on all coursework attempted since high school graduation instead of the minimum 3.0 gpa required for HOPE Scholarship recipients.

You can review the 2013-14 Zell Miller Scholarship regulations at the Hope Scholarship Knowledge base.

Zell Miller Scholarship Award Amounts

For 2013-14 the Zell Miller Scholarship provides a maximum Award Amount of:

• $4,014 to students enrolled in 7 or more hours, and
• $2,385 to students enrolled in 6 or fewer hours.

Returning Students and the Zell Miller Scholarship

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) has provided colleges and universities the names of students who graduated from a Georgia high school prior to 2011 with at least a 3.7 grade point average (GPA) and (prior to high school graduation) scored at least a 1200 on the SAT or a 26 on the ACT in a single test administration or were their high school valedictorian or salutatorian. The Zell Miller Scholarship will be awarded to these students instead of the HOPE Scholarship if they are currently eligible for the HOPE Scholarship and their college HOPE Grade Point Average (GPA) at their most recent HOPE Scholarship checkpoint was at least 3.3.

Maximum 127 Attempted or Paid Hours

The Zell Miller Scholarship has a 127 Attempted Hour and Paid Hour hard cap. All college credit hours attempted since high school graduation are counted in determining the number of Zell Scholarship Attempted Hours. If the student finishes a semester with 126 HOPE and/or Zell Miller Scholarship Attempted or Paid hours, the Zell Miller Scholarship will only pay for 1 hour the following semester (assuming the student continues to meet other eligibility requirements).

Zell Miller Scholarship Grade Point Average (GPA) and Attempted Hours

As with the HOPE Scholarship, Plus/Minus grades are not used for calculation of the Zell Miller Scholarship GPA.  For the purpose of calculating the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) for HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility, regulations recognize only letter grades of A through F so any Plus or Minus will be disregarded.

2013-14 Zell Miller Scholarship Amounts

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According to the regulations from the Georgia Student Finance Commission dated July 1st, 2013, the first tier Zell Miller Scholarship Regulations are:

1. Graduate from an Eligible High School as the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian; or
2. Graduate from an Eligible High School with a minimum of a 3.70 Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale as calculated by GSFC for Zell Miller and HOPE Scholarship purposes; and
a) Receive a composite scale score of 26 on a single administration of the ACT on a test administration by the time of high school graduation; or
b) Receive a minimum score of 1200 combined critical reading and math on a single National Administration of the SAT on a test administration by the time of high school graduation.

The key requirement is “single administration” and “National administration”.  The definition of “National Administration” is:

“National Administration” means an administration of the SAT by the College Board on one of the regularly scheduled dates that it is administered in the United States or internationally. An administration of the SAT through the College Board’s SAT On-Campus Program is not considered to be a National Administration for purposes of these regulations.

The GSFC also defines academic eligibility of the Zell Miller Scholarship as:

“Academically Eligible” means the student entered an Eligible Postsecondary Institution in 2007 or later as a freshman with a high school Grade Point Average of 3.70 or higher as calculated by GSFC, and received a minimum score of 1200 combined critical reading and math on a single National Administration of the SAT on a test administration by the time of high school graduation; or received a composite scale score of 26 on a single administration of the ACT on a test administration by the time of high school graduation; or having graduated high
school being named the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian.

So, it is clear that the SAT Score Calculation for Zell Miller Scholarship is based on the combined math and critical reading scores from a single attempt at the SAT and not from the best math and critical reading scores from multiple SAT attempts.

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Here is a short list of requirements for the Hope Grant, Hope Scholarship, and Zell Miller Scholarship.  You can find more hope scholarship information at the hope scholarship knowledge base.

HOPE Grant Requirements

The HOPE Grant is available to students regardless of high school graduation date who are pursuing a certificate or diploma program.Students who are pursuing an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the HOPE Grant. To be eligible for the HOPE Grant, you must:

• be a legal Georgia resident
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements
• be enrolled in a certificate or diploma program
• not have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent
• be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs.
• not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program
• maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college
• have maintained at least a 3.0 HOPE grade point average at the 30th and 60th hour checkpoints.

HOPE Scholarship Requirements

HOPE Scholarship Requirements for Freshman

To be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship as a freshman student, you must:

• have graduated from a Georgia High School in 1993 or thereafter with at least a 3.0 grade point average for college preparatory diploma or a 3.2 grade point average for other diploma types
• be a legal Georgia resident
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program
• not have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent
• be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements
• be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs.
• not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program.
• maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college.

HOPE Scholarship Requirements for Transfer/Returning Students

To be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship as a transfer/returning student, you must:

• have maintained at least a 3.0 HOPE grade point average at the End-of-Spring checkpoint AND the 30th, 60th, or 90th attempted hour including all college/university attempted hours
• be a legal Georgia resident
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program
• not have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent
• be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements
• be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs.
• not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program.
• maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college.

Students who have attempted 127 hours or more (including all college/university credit hours), OR who have already completed a baccalaureate (four-year) degree are not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship or HOPE Grant.

Zell Miller Scholarship Requirements

To be eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship, you must have graduated from an eligible Georgia high school and meet ONE of the following academic requirements:

• graduate from a HOPE-eligible high school as the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian. These students are eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship without consideration of the GPA or ACT/SAT requirements OR
• graduate from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.7 GPA combined with a minimum score of 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT or at least a 26 composite ACT score in a single test administration OR
• Complete a HOPE eligible home study program with a 3.7 grade point average combined with a minimum score of 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT test or at least a 26 composite score on the ACT test in a single test administration OR
• Graduate from an ineligible high school or complete an ineligible home study program with a minimum score of 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT test or a 26 composite score on the ACT test in a single test administration, and then earn a 3.3 grade point average on 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college degree-level 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 OR
• Have first enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution between 2007 and 2010, meeting one of the academic qualifications listed above and having earned a 3.3 cumulative grade point average at the most recent HOPE Scholarship checkpoint.

Zell Miller Scholarship Requirements Award Guidelines:

• Percentage for academic year 2011-2012 will be 100% of the standard tuition rate charged in 2010-2011.
• No Book Allowances
• No payment of Mandatory Fees
• Remedial classes are not covered by the Zell Miller Scholarship.

You must also:

• be a legal Georgia resident
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program
• not have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent
• be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements
• be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs.
• not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program.
• maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college.
• maintain a 3.3 GPA in college

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Georgia HB 324 has been signed into law.  This removes the requirement that the FAFSA be completed by all Georgia resident students applying for HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship funds.  Instead, we understand that GSFC will reinstitute the GSFAPPS application.  We have provided this Hope Zell Miller Scholarship Update to try and provide the most recent information.

The information below is based on information provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) May, 2011. Additional details are available at GAcollege411 and the hope scholarship knowledge base.

HOPE and Zell Miller are merit based scholarship programs available to students who have met the University System of Georgia and the GSFC residency requirements and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree seeking program. Students may receive HOPE or Zell Miller, but NOT both at the same time. This page outlines the differences.  Since the law for this program can change each year, please check back often for further Hope Zell Miller Scholarship Update information.

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1. You must meet the U.S. Citizenship requirement
2. You must meet Georgia residency requirement
3. You must meet the Selective Service Compliance requirement
4. You must graduate from an approved Hope eligible High School
5. You must have a Hope Scholarship GPA calculation of 3.0 or better on core classes
6. A complete list for Hope Scholarship eligibility can be found here

The Application Procedure

The application procedure is a three step process:

1) Check with your High School guidance counselor or academic coordinator to determine your Hope GPA calculation. Verify that it meets the minimum GPA of 3.0.  The GPA only includes core academic classes so when calculating the GPA, electives are not included.  Make sure that your records are up to date and ready to be submitted by the school to validate your enrollment and GPA standing. Note, it is also important that your school note if you are a valedictorian or salutatorian since this is one way to become eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship.
eligibility.

2) Complete one of the following late winter of your senior year in high school
a) FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is only needed if you also want to be considered for financial need based assistance.
b) GSFAPPS (Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System) electronic application
c) GSFAPPS paper application

Note:  You only have to complete the FAFSA if you want to be considered for all financial aid based awards.  Since the hope scholarship is a merit based scholarship, FAFSA is not needed.  The minimum application requirement is the GSFAPPS application.

3) Many colleges and universities have their own financial and academic based award applications, so make sure that you check with the college/university that you plan to attend and complete any applications that they may also require. You should also confirm with them that they have you on record as a Hope Scholarship recipient.

Application Deadline

You have until the last day of classes or exams to submit your application for the semester or quarter that you will receive Hope Scholarship funds. It is highly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible since the funds are only disbursed after you apply and are confirmed into the program.

Once you are in the program, your eligibility for continued approval for award money is determined at certain checkpoints during your college career.  More information on the checkpoints and other questions can be found on the Georgia Hope Scholarship FAQ.

So, as you can see the process to apply for hope scholarship funds is not difficult; just one form to fill out and confirming with your high school and college that all is well. The real work begins the freshman year of high school to lay a strong foundation for the high school GPA required to win the merit based award.  For more help, contact the financial aid office for the college or university that you plan to attend or contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).

The post How to Apply for Hope Scholarship appeared first on Hope Scholarship.

What are the Hope Scholarship Award amounts?

Check the link for hope scholarship award amounts.

What is the difference between the HOPE Grant and the HOPE Scholarship?

HOPE Grant – the HOPE Grant is designed for students pursuing a certificate or diploma in non-degree programs at public institutions.  HOPE Scholarship – students who have demonstrated academic achievement and are enrolled in degree programs at public, private or technical colleges may qualify for the HOPE Scholarship.

Do I have to be a Georgia resident in order to receive the HOPE Scholarship?

Yes, a student must be a Georgia resident for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which the student is applying for the HOPE Scholarship.  A dependent student’s residency status is based on their Parents’ residency status. Once a student is deemed to meet the Georgia residency requirements for purposes of HOPE Scholarship eligibility and begins receiving HOPE Scholarship payments, the student will continue to meet the Georgia residency requirements for purposes of HOPE Scholarship eligibility unless there’s a break in enrollment. Students that have a  break in enrollment of one or more consecutive semesters who establish residency in another state must re-establish Georgia residency for 12 consecutive months before regaining eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship.

Do I have to be a U.S citizen to receive the HOPE Scholarship?

A student must be a U. S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the HOPE Scholarship is sought. “Eligible non-citizen” means a person who, in accordance with the Federal Title IV Regulations, is:

• A United Statespermanent resident with a Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551); or
• A conditional permanent resident (I-551C); or
• The holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing
• any one of the following designations:
• Refugee,
• Asylum Granted,
• Parolee; or
• Cuban-Haitian Entrant.
• Victims of human trafficking, in accordance with the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection
• Act, may also be considered eligible non-citizens.
• Persons with an F1 or F2 visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa are not eligible non citizens.

Are there any other requirements for the HOPE Scholarship?

Yes. In addition to the residency and citizenship requirements, students must also meet the following:

• Register with Selective Service (men only).
• Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Post secondary Education Act of 1990.
• Not be in default or owe a refund on a federal or state financial aid program.
• Not have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

One thing that is not required for the Hope is a background check sample; however some scholarships may require a background check as part of the application process.

Do I have to complete the FAFSA in order to receive the HOPE Scholarship?

No, completing the FAFSA is not a requirement for the Hope Scholarship because the scholarship is merit based and not financial based.  Update:  This has recently changed see the new FASFA requirements for hope.

How much is the HOPE Scholarship?

The scholarship is based on the tuition rate at the college which the student is attending.  See the Hope Scholarship Tuition rates here.

Do I have to be a full time student enrolled in 12 hours or more, in order to receive the HOPE Scholarship?

No.  Students attending a private college or university must be enrolled for at least 6 semester hours per term.

When is the HOPE Scholarship paid?

In most cases the Hope Scholarship awards are disbursed within a few weeks of the semester start dates once enrollment is verified.  Hope Scholarship award amounts will typically show up as a credit on the students tuition bill.

How do I apply for the HOPE Scholarship?

Follow the procedures for Hope Scholarship application.

When should I apply for the HOPE Scholarship?

First time applicants:  If you were not determined to be a HOPE Scholar upon high school graduation, you may apply for the HOPE Scholarship after attempting 30 semesters hours of college coursework and maintaining a 3.00 GPA.

Is there a time limit to when I can receive the HOPE Scholarship?

Yes, Effective with the FALL 2011 semester,  GSFC has added a timeframe to apply for the HOPE Scholarship. A student who has received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30, 2015, as long as the student continues to meet all other eligibility requirements. A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years after his or her high school graduation date, GED test date, Home Study program completion date or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma. The seven year period ends on June 30th of the seventh full year following the student’s high school graduation date.

I already have a bachelor’s degree.  Can I receive the HOPE Scholarship?

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.  The HOPE Scholarship is only for undergraduate students who have not earned a prior bachelor’s degree.  Once you have earned a bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.  However, you may be eligible for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG).

What if I have more than 30 attempted hours before I applied for the HOPE Scholarship?

If you have attempted more than 30 semester hours of college coursework, you must also have at least a 3.00 HOPE GPA at the end of the semester in which you attempted your 60th and/or 90th semester hours to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. Reminder: HOPE eligibility evaluates all credit hours attempted at the college level.

Is there a deadline for the HOPE Scholarship application?

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) allows the institution to set application deadlines for state grants and scholarships.  Contact the college or university that you plan to attend for specific dates.

How long does it take to get a determination of my HOPE Application?

This is also dependent of the university or college.  Contact the college or university that you plan to attend for specific dates.

If I received the HOPE Scholarship for a previous term, do I have to re-apply?

No, you do not have to apply for the HOPE Scholarship every semester as long as your meet the HOPE GPA requirements and there’s no break in enrollment.

Can I receive the HOPE Scholarship if I was not eligible when I graduated from high school?

Yes, after you have attempted 30 semester hours and maintained a 3.00 GPA or higher, you may be eligible forthe HOPE Scholarship.

Do I need all my transcripts from all my prior colleges, although I did not receive transfer credit?

Yes.  The GPA calculation for the HOPE Scholarship includes all credit hours attempted at the college level, including those attempted at other Institutions.

What if I disagree with my HOPE GPA calculation?

If you disagree with the Registrar’s evaluation of your academic eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship, you are welcome to contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) for a second opinion.  You can reach GSFC customer contact center toll-free at 1-800-505-GSFC or (770) 724-9000. Representatives are available Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. GSFC’s mailing address is:2082 East Exchange Place, Tucker,Georgia, 30084

How often do I get evaluated for HOPE?

The Georgia Student Finance Commission require colleges to verify your HOPE Scholarship eligibility at the end of the semesters in which you attempted your 30th, 60th, and 90th credit hours.  These are referred to as “checkpoints.”  Your GPA must be at least 3.0 each time you reach a checkpoint; otherwise you will lose your HOPE eligibility. There is also an End-of-Spring Semester Checkpoint for all HOPE Scholarship recipients. You must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of each Spring semester in order to remain eligible. If you lose the HOPE Scholarship at 30 or 60 attempted hours, you can regain the scholarship if you meet eligibility requirements at the next checkpoint. If you do not have a 3.0 GPA at the 90th credit hour checkpoint, you can never regain eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship.

What are the HOPE Checkpoints?

End-Of-Spring Checkpoints:  This checkpoint applies if you were enrolled in 12 or more hours for at least one of your first three terms at any post-secondary institution you have ever attended and at the end of every Spring term after that.

Second-Tier:  You must have a 3.00 or higher HOPE GPA at the end of the term in which you have attempted 30 semester or 45 quarter hours to remain eligible until the next checkpoint.

Third-Tier: You must have a 3.00 or higher HOPE GPA at the end of the term in which you have attempted 60 semester or 90 quarter hours to remain eligible until the next checkpoint.

Fourth-Tier: You must have a 3.00 or higher HOPE GPA at the end of the term in which you have attempted 90 semester or 135 quarter hours to remain eligible until the next checkpoint.

Students who are not eligible for HOPE after attempting 90 credit hours are permanently ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship.

Will the HOPE Scholarship cover my entire program?

Not necessarily.  There are limits to the HOPE Scholarship: Attempted-Hours limit and Paid-Hour limit. Once a student reaches the Attempted-Hours limit, the Combined Paid-Hours limit, or Seven year expiration he or she is no longer eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.Attempted-Hours limit:  For the purpose of HOPE GPA calculation, ALL credit hours attempted at the college level are counted, including those assigned “W”, “WP” or “WF”. You cannot exceed 127 attempted credit hours from all institutions combined

Paid-Hours limit: All hours for which students received payment from Accel, HOPE Grant (Summer 2003 forward), and the HOPE Scholarship program are included in calculating the total Combined Paid hours. Students are eligible for a combined payment for a maximum of 127 semester hours, unless they are enrolled in specific programs that require more than 127 semester hours for graduation.  In this case the maximum number of covered hours is the hours required for the specific program for graduation.

Seven Year Expiration of Eligibility date: Click here for more information. A student who has receivedHOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30, 2015, as long as the student continues to meet all other eligibility requirements. A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years after his or her high school graduation date, GED test date, Home Study program completion date or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma.

Are GED recipients eligible?

GED students enrolled in a degree-seeking program are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship once they have attempted their FIRST 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of study with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average. The entry points are based on all degree credit attempted and coursework converted to degree credit since the student earned their GED. NOTE: A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years after his or her high school graduation date, GED test date, Home Study program completion date or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma.

The post Georgia Hope Scholarship FAQ appeared first on Hope Scholarship.

Here is a list of the scholarships that I found using the name  “Hope Scholarship”.

1) Georgia Hope Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)
This is the primary focus of this blog. The Georgia Hope Scholarship helps students in Georgia with GPAs of 3.0 or better. The scholarship has two forms: one provides a full 100% scholarship (The Zell Miller Hope Scholarship) and one that provides a percentage of tuition (The Georgia Hope Scholarship).  More information can be found on the Georgia Hope Scholarship articles on the site.
2) Tennessee Hope Scholarship
This is also a focus of this blog. The Tennessee Hope Scholarship helps students in Tennessee with eligible GPA and ACT or SAT scores. The scholarship provides tuition assitance for students. More information can be found on the Tennessee Hope Scholarship on the site.
3) The H.O.P.E. Scholarship (Helping Others Pursue Education)
From the H.O.P.E. website: The H.O.P.E. Scholarship is a non-profit organization designed to empower financially challenged students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The organization was founded by two Howard University alumni committed to serving their communities. We are raising money to reward deserving students with scholarships through the assistance of students, alumni and supporters of the black
college community, frequent fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships.  Our mission is to make quality education affordable to deserving students. No student should be denied access to a quality education simply because they lack the necessary funds. Household incomes cannot continue to dictate academic outcomes.It does not require a person
with lots of money and lots of success to make a difference in society; hard work, determination and a passion for service can turn any dream into a reality.With the assistance of students and alumni in the black college community, frequent fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships, we are raising money to reward deserving students with $500 scholarships.

4) The Hope Scholarship Fund (Educating Children in Developing Countries)
From their website:
We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that works to provide hope and opportunities to impoverished children in developing countries. By providing them with access to an education, they gain the ability to choose their futures.The Hope Scholarship Fund to give children of families caught in the cycle of poverty the opportunity to pursue the life they wish to live. The student’s drive and natural abilities, rather than their poverty, will be what determines the career path they can take.

5) South Carolina Hope Scholarship Program
The SC Hope Scholarship has information on this blog. The South Carolina Hope Scholarship helps students in South Carolina. More information on the South Carolina HOpe Scholarship can be found on the site.

6) Project Hope Scholarship Program (Help One Person Excel)
This Scholarship is for students attending a specific college, in this case, Edison State College.
The Project HOPE (Help One Person Excel) Scholarship Program awards a limited number of academic scholarships for
students who meet certain eligibility criteria to complete their Associates of Arts or Associates of Science degree from
Edison State College.
7) HOPE Scholarship (Hispanic Organization for Public Employees)
From their website:
Amount: $1,500 (for students attending San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, St. Phillip’s College, Northwest Vista, and Northeast Lakeview College)
The scholarship is open to any incoming freshman or college student. Preference will be given to dependents of active or retired CPS employees who meet all the criteria. Must attend an Alamo Community College District Campus.
May pursue a degree in any concentration. No income requirement is set forth however, colleges/universities require applicants to fill out a free application for student financial aid. Have and maintain a 3.0 GPA or able based on a 4.0 scale each semester.Community service involvement is required.Provide two letters of recommendation. Must maintain full-enrollment status throughout the duration of the scholarship of the scholarship term.
8) Hope Scholarship Tax Credit
The Hope Scholarship provides a federal income tax credit based on the first $4,000 in postsecondary education expenses paid by the taxpayer during the tax year.The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5) included the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which expands the Hope Scholarship. This expansion is temporary, limited to the 2009 and 2010 tax years. However, President Obama’s FY2010 budget proposes making these changes permanent. The Hope Scholarship provides a tax credit of up to $2,500 per student per year for
qualified higher education expenses during the first four years of post-secondary education. (The amount of the Hope Scholarship is $3,600 for Gulf Opportunity Zone Students.) The amount of the credit is 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related expenses per student and 25% of the second $2,000 of qualified tuition and related expenses.

And there are probably many others. If you know of others and want them on the hope-scholarship.net site, just contact us.

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Alternative scholarships will have requirements that tend to restrict the available, eligible student population.   These are often referred to as niche, specialty, or targeted scholarships.  Some of these requirements are:

• Financial Need
• Employer scholarships for students of employees
• Ethnic Background
• Religious Background
• Declared Major
• County of residency
• College Attending
• Club membership
• Youth league membership
• Proficiency in a particular subject (Math, History, etc…)
• Any other unique, specific, personal item related to you

And here are some interesting, unique requirements:

• Height
• Handedness
• Ancestry

So, how do you find and apply for alternatives to the Hope Scholarship?  First, conduct an exhaustive online search using as specific as possible your search filters to find scholarships that are uniquely targeted to you. The key to finding these scholarships is 1) Search early; 2) Follow the instructions and qualification requirements for the scholarship exactly. Do not let paperwork prevent you from receiving a scholarship; 3) Meet all of the schedule deadlines.  Do not let a deadline make you ineligible; 4) Apply for as many as you can find. There is no penalty given for applying to multiple scholarship programs; and 5) Use all resources on the Internet to pursue these opportunities. However, be aware, make sure that you find and apply to legitimate scholarship opportunities. DO NOT SEND MONEY to apply for a scholarship. There are NO, repeat NO, legitimate scholarships that would ask recipients and applicants to pay money for an application. Stay away from these scams.

Finally, many of these alternative scholarships do not ask about other funding or scholarships. If you are eligible and receive the scholarship, you may use the money even if you receive funding from other sources such as the Hope Scholarship; therefore, you should research, find, and apply for these unique, niche scholarships even if you already have a Hope Scholarship or other scholarships or aid awarded to you.

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My older son is now a Junior at the University of Georgia, and I thought it would be interesting to look back at how the Hope Scholarship has affected his course of study now that he is at the half way point (I hope) of his undergraduate career.

First, was the choice of college. We knew that his grades and his SAT score, although above average, would not be sufficient to bring in scholarship dollars from out of state colleges or private colleges to the level that we were targeting. This was confirmed from a couple of offers from out of state schools. Good news is that he had choices. Along with the cost aspect of college choice goes the major selection. My son was firmly in the “undecided” camp with respect to college major. At the end of the day, the choice of “undecided” had more influence on deciding the choice of college than did anything else. My words to him were, “you can be undecided at the University of Georgia.” Given that he qualified for the Hope Scholarship, this made it an easy choice for him to make. Now that he is entering his junior year, he can choose to stay at UGA or transfer to another school if it helps him in his field of study. Fortunately, the Hope Scholarship rules allow students to move within the University System of Georgia schools and maintain eligibility for the funds from Hope to apply to tuition. Of course, none of it applies towards out of state schools.

The second affect that the Hope Scholarship has had on his first two years of college is his overall grade point average (GPA). My “deal” with him was that his main job was (and is) to maintain Hope eligibility. If he does this, I pay for any difference in tuition that Hope does not cover and I pay all other expenses for college: books, fees, transportation, food, living expenses, etc… It’s a great deal for him. It means that he does not need to get a job during his college semesters and can concentrate instead on his course of study. The result so far looks promising. He has maintained grades well above the Hope minimum. So, far so good… Nothing motivates a college student more than $$$. The bill from the school goes to his account. He sees the multi-thousands of dollars that he owes and the amount that is cleared due to funds from the Hope Scholarship. It is a great lesson for effort = reward.

The next benefit is occurring this summer. He is own a study abroad program in Rome, Italy. And, since the three classes that he is taking are University of Georgia classes, the Hope Scholarship funds are applied to the tuition for these classes. The cool thing about the Hope Scholarship is that it pays based on total hours taken and not when the hours are taken. It means that you can use funds toward tuition for classes taken in the Fall, Spring, May-mester, or summer. It doesn’t matter. The only rule in effect has to do with the total hours taken and the students GPA at those points. Hopefully, the GPA at the end of these 9 hours is not hindered by other aspects of being in Rome while taking the classes.

Lastly, the Hope Scholarship is vindication and recognition of 4 years of hard work during high school and continued effort during college. For some students, it is the first real world “black and white” experience. That is, you either qualified or you didn’t. There is no shade of gray. It was a goal for him during high school and continues to be a motivator as he starts the last half of his undergraduate career.

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