HOPE Zell Miller Scholarship Update: FAFSA Not Required
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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| HOPE | Zell Miller | |
| High School Eligibility Requirements | A high school GPA of 3.0 as calculated by GSFC | A high school GPA of 3.7 as calculated by GSFCAND an SAT score of 1200 or ACT of 26. |
| College Eligibility Requirements | Maintain a 3.0 HOPE GPA | Maintain a 3.3 HOPE GPA |
| Check-points (Losing and regaining awards) | Eligibility is checked at the end of each Spring semester and when 30, 60, and 90 credit hours have been attempted.Once lost, eligibility can be regained just once, and only at the 30, 60, 90 attempted hour checkpoints. | Eligibility is checked at the end of each Springsemester and when 30, 60, and 90 credit hours have been attempted.Once lost, eligibility can be regained just once, and only at the 30, 60, 90 attempted hour checkpoints. |
| Time and Credit Hour Limits |
HOPE can be received either
OR
HOPE eligibility may end seven (7) years from the date of high school graduation. |
Zell Miller can be received either
OR
Zell Miller eligibility may end seven (7) years from the date of high school graduation. |
| Award Amounts | Awards are based on anticipated enrollment in 15 credit hours each semester.For 2012-2013, annual awards will be set at a maximum of $6363, which is 90% of tuition for the 2010-2011 school year.For 2013-2014, annual awards will be set at a maximum of $6553.80.For students who are approaching the credit hour limit described above, awards are reduced based on remaining eligibility.Beginning Fall 2011, there are no awards for fees or books through this program. | Awards are based on anticipated enrollment in at least 15 hours each semester.For 2012-2013, the maximum annual award is $7718, which is 100% of 2012-2013 tuition for students who do not qualify for a prior “guaranteed tuition” rate.For 2013-2014, annual awards will be set at a maximum of $8258, which is 100% of 2013-2014 tuition for students who do not qualify for a prior “guaranteed tuition rate.”For students who are approaching the credit hour limit described above, awards are reduced based on remaining eligibility.Beginning Fall 2011, there are no awards for fees or books through this program. |
| Payment Amounts | Actual payment amounts for HOPE will be pro-rated down for students enrolled in fewer than 15 eligible hours. | Actual payment amounts for Zell Miller will be for exact tuition charges assessed by the Bursar for eligible courses. |
| How to Apply | 1. Annually, complete the colleges financial aid application AND 2.Complete the FAFSA, OR Complete the GSFAPPS (HOPE Application). | 1. Annually, complete the colleges financial aid application AND 2. Complete the FAFSA ORComplete the GSFAPPS (HOPE Application). |
| Appeals Process | If your final award notice did not include the HOPE scholarship and you believe you should qualify, appeal directly to GSFC. Please notify the college financial aid office of the outcome once a determination is made. | If your final award notice did not include the Zell Miller scholarship and you believe you should qualify, appeal directly to GSFC. Please notify the college financial aid office of the outcome once a determination is made. |
I am trying to find the application to apply for a Zell Miller Scholarship, but have not had any luck. Can one be forwarded to my email address? I am an honor 2015 graduate of Westover High School, Albany, GA.
Thank you,
Mia
Go to gacollege411 and set up an account. There is not an application for you to fill out. Your high school counselor will provide information to the college/university of interest. Contact your high school counselor. Complete account on gacollege411.