However, In July, 2008, House Bill 152 in Georgia passed 43-2 allowing home school graduating seniors to be eligible for the Hope Scholarship as long as they score in the 85th percentile on the SAT or ACT standardized test.  The bill was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue.

As a reminder, The Hope Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) is a program in the state of Georgia that gives Georgia students financial assistance in achieving college degrees and post high school certificate programs. To receive the scholarship, students must go to an eligible Georgia public or private college, university, or technical college. The Hope program was started in 1993 and has given more than 3 billion dollars to more than 900,000 students.

Prior to HB 152, in order for homeschoolers to receive the Hope Scholarship they would need to earn a B average in their first year of college.  They would then retroactively qualify for the award. The change in the law ensures that one student population is not penalized for a home school education versus a student attending public or private school.  The standardized test scores are a good way to set a standard for home school students.

If you live in Georgia and have (or are) a college bound high school student, you can apply for the Home Scholarship by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the Hope Application. You can get these forms at Colleges, Universities, Technical Colleges, and online at http://www.gsfc.org/HOPE.

The post Are Homeschoolers Eligible for Merit Based Awards in Georgia? appeared first on Hope Scholarship.

There are a number of hard and fast rules in the legislation which specifically answers the question concerning “Can I use the Hope Scholarship for Graduate School?”

According to the regulations, regardless of the number of Attempted-Hours or Combined Paid-Hours a student has accumulated, such student is ineligible for HOPE Scholarship payment if he or she has attained a Baccalaureate Degree of any kind, at any time, from any post-secondary institution, including the equivalent of a Baccalaureate Degree from a foreign institution as indicated by the foreign academic transcript and/or foreign academic transcript translation.

There is also a paid hours limit: A student is ineligible to receive HOPE Scholarship payment once he or she reaches the Combined Paid-Hours limit of 127 semester or 190 quarter hours from any combination of Zell Miller or HOPE Scholarship Paid-Hours, plus HOPE Grant Paid-Hours.  The limit can be extended if the course of study actually requires more hours than these to complete the degree requirements for the course of study.  In this case, the minimum hours are extended to meet the course of study requirements.

Finally, there is a time limit of seven years to use the hope scholarship: a student  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.

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In general, the answer is yes. However, there are a few requirements that must be met before the student is eligible to receive a hope scholarship or tuition equalization grant.

First, and most important, being a child of a military parent stationed in Georgia does not remove the requirement that the student must graduate from a Georgia high school to be eligible for an award during the Freshman year at a qualified Georgia public or private institution.  If the student did not graduate from a Georgia high school, the student will need to establish and fulfill the residency requirements after the Freshman year in order to then be considered for a hope scholarship or equalization grant.

Second, the student must fulfill the academic requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA on qualified classes and, for Zell Miller Scholarship, the ACT and/or SAT scores are also important as well as class rank.

Finally, all other requirements for the hope scholarship must also be met to obtain the scholarship as an entering Freshman at a qualified institution.

Once a student is enrolled in college, the checkpoint hours are used to determine eligibility during the Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years in college. After the freshman year, the student will need to continue to show Georgia residency status either with a parent in full time military service stationed in Georgia or by meeting the normal residency requirement of establishing Georgia residency for 24 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the quarter or semester for which the hope scholarship is awarded.

As you can see, children of military parents stationed in Georgia are indeed eligible for the Hope Scholarship as long as you keep your GPA (Grade Point Average) above 3.0, graduate from an eligible GA. highs school, maintain or establish Georgia residency, attend a qualified institution, and meet the other requirements.

The post Are Children of Military Parents Eligible for the Hope Scholarship? appeared first on Hope Scholarship.

According to the legislation, to be eligible for a Hope Scholarship, a new freshman student seeking an associate
or bachelor’s degree shall:

1) Meet residency requirements for the State of Georgia (for the Georgia Hope Scholarship)
2) Meet achievement standards.  These are merit based GPA and/or standardized test scores.
3) Meet enrollment standards.  These are set by the institution which the student will attend.

Item #1, “meet residency requirements” provides that the student must be a legal resident of Georgia and defines what this means.

Item #2, “meet achievement standards” provides that the student must meet minimum GPA requirements and defines the methods used to calculate the valid GPA score for the standard.

Item #3, “meet enrollment standards” provides the required standards for being admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in a matriculated status and defines what this means.

These are, in total, the top level eligibility requirements to receive a hope scholarship. You will note that none of these
requirements mention financial standing of the family, income limits, other scholarships/grants/aid received, or any other indicators relating to income or finances. In fact, unless the institution that you are attending requires it, you do not have to complete a FASFA application because it is not based on financial standing.  Please make sure you check with the admission and aid requirements for your college or university so that you are following the application procedures correctly.

So, for the question “Is there a family income cap to receive the hope scholarship?”, both the short and the long answer is, No.  Since this is a merit based scholarship, the student must maintain a commitment to scholarship throughout his or her high school career starting with the Freshman year and throughout all of high school.

The post Is there an income cap to receive the 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.

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