The SC HOPE Scholarship Program was established under the South Carolina Education Lottery Act and began with the 2002-03 academic year. It is a merit-based scholarship, good for one year,  for
first-time freshmen attending a 4 year college who are not eligible for the LIFE or Palmetto
Fellows Scholarships, but graduate from high school with a minimum B average. Funding for the program is
dependent upon annual dollars generated by the South Carolina Education Lottery.
Award Amount:
Students attending an eligible four-year public or private college or university will receive up to $2,800*
(including a $300 book allowance) towards the cost-of-attendance during the first-year of attendance only.

In order to qualify for the SC HOPE Scholarship, a student MUST meet the following general and initial eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility Requirements
• Graduate from high school or complete an approved home school program as prescribed by law;
• Attend an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university;
• Be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment;
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (who meets the definition of a eligible non-citizen
according to State Residency Statutes);
• Be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student;
• Certify that he or she has never been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any second
alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year;
• Verify that he or she is not in default and does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State
financial aid; and
• Must not be a recipient of a LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition
Assistance.
Initial Eligibility Requirements:
In order to qualify for the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship, first-time entering freshmen must meet the following
criteria:
• Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point ratio (GPR) based on the Uniform Grading Policy (UGP)
upon high school graduation

What happens if You Plan to Transfer?

• First-time entering freshman who were eligible to receive the scholarship and transferred mid-year
(spring term) to another institution may be eligible to receive the scholarship for the spring term if
transferring to the same type of institution (four-year to four-year). Eligibility at the transferring
institution will be based on whether or not the student met the initial eligibility requirements at the
beginning of the academic year prior to transfer.
• A student who transfers from a two-year college or university to an eligible four-year college or
university who enrolled in remedial courses during the freshman year may be eligible to receive the
SC HOPE Scholarship. The terms of eligibility to receive scholarship funds must not include the
period of time the student was enrolled in remedial courses at a two-year college or university, unless
the student completed at least twelve credit hours of non-remedial course work during the first
term(s) during the freshman year. The student will be eligible to receive the scholarship for the
maximum terms of eligibility following completion of remediation if the student was eligible to
receive the SC HOPE Scholarship upon high school graduation.

How do I apply for the SC HOPE Scholarship?

There is no application required for the SC HOPE Scholarship. The college or university will determine
eligibility based upon the final official high school transcript and will notify students if eligible to receive the
scholarship. If you believe that you are eligible, but have not received information from the college or
university, please contact the financial aid office at the college to inquire about your eligibility.

How long can I receive the HOPE Scholarship?

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship for no more than two terms (or its equivalent) during
the first year of attendance only. The maximum number of terms of eligibility is based on the student’s
initial college enrollment date with the exception of credit hours earned during the summer session
immediately prior to the student’s initial college enrollment. For example, if a student enrolls in college in
Fall 2005, the last term of eligibility to receive the HOPE Scholarship will be Spring 2006.

Can I qualify for the HOPE Scholarship if I graduated from a high school out of-state or completed an approved home school program as prescribed by law?

Yes, as long as you can provide verification to the college that you were a dependent of a South Carolina
resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment and you met all other
eligibility criteria. If you were home schooled, this information must be provided by the approved home school association. If you attended an out-of-state high school, then the information must be provided by the public high school you would have attended if you did not attend an out-of-state high school. An official letter on the publichigh school’s letterhead must be submitted to the eligible college or university you are planning to attend in South Carolina.

What happens if I drop out of school and re-start the next semester?

The HOPE Scholarship is a continuous program. Therefore, if you drop out or take a leave of absence from
the institution, the “clock is still ticking” so to speak. The term(s) you are out will count against your two
terms of eligibility.

Will I lose the HOPE Scholarship if I need to drop a class one quarter or term?

No, you will not automatically lose the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually and refunds are
based on the policies and procedures of the institution. However, a student must be enrolled full-time to
receive the scholarship.

What happens if I have been convicted of an alcohol or other drug-related
misdemeanor offense?

Students who have been adjudicated delinquent or have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to
any second alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor offense are ineligible for the scholarship for one
academic year after the adjudication, conviction, or plea occurred. The student will lose eligibility the next
academic year (fall and spring terms) immediately following conviction.

What happens if an extenuating circumstance prevented me from being eligible
to receive the HOPE Scholarship for the maximum terms of eligibility?

If an extenuating circumstance prevented you from receiving the maximum terms for the HOPE Scholarship,
you may submit an appeal. Appeal applications can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office at the college
or university, the Commission on Higher Education or http://www.che.sc.gov. Applications are reviewed
annually and the deadline for receipt of appeal applications is in late September. Please check the CHE
website for official appeals deadlines.

May I qualify for the HOPE Scholarship if I complete my high school
graduation requirements a semester early?

Students who complete their high school graduation requirements prior to the official graduation date
reported on the final high school transcript may be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship pending the
approval of their college or university. An Early Graduation Application Form can be obtained from your
institution’s financial aid office.

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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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Here is a short list of states with lottery funded scholarships.  This is not an all inclusive lists and does not attempt to describe the details of each scholarship and only covers programs for students that will attend four year state colleges full time and does not include technical schools or community colleges.

Also, please be aware that these programs can and do change every year based on changes in state law, lottery funding proceeds, and costs of tuition.  This list is based on data available for 2011-2012 school year.

The states with lottery funded scholarships include:

Arkansas — (The Arkansas Lottery Scholarship)  For high school graduates with a 2.5 grade point average or 19 on the ACT receive $5,000 per year.

Florida — (The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship)  For high school graduates scoring a 1270 or better on the SAT or a 28 or better on the ACT receive $3,750 per year. Students with a 970 or better on the SAT or a 20 or better on the ACT are awarded $2,820.

Georgia — (Georgia Hope Scholarship) For high school graduates earning a 3.0 grade point average or better get a percentage of  tuition.  For students with a 3.7 gpa and a minimum of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT, the Zell Miller Scholarship is available which funds 100% of tuition.

Kentucky — (Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship or KEES) For high school graduates with a 2.5 grade point average can receive at least $125 a year, with higher award amounts for better grade acheivement. Additional money is available for low-income students or those with higher scores on the ACT.

New Jersey — For high school graduates in the top 15 percent of their class.  The award gives full tuition for five semesters.

New Mexico — (Lottery Success Scholarship)  For college students who achieve a 2.5 or better GPA in their first semester.

New York — (New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) One student with at a B average or better from every high school in the state is chosen to receive a $5,000 award.

South Carolina — (South Carolina Hope Scholarship) High school graduates with a minimum 3.0 grade point average can receive up to $2800 for their freshman year in college.

Tennessee — (Tennessee Hope Scholarship)  High school graduates with a 3.0 GPA or a 21 on the ACT get up to $6,000 a year.

West Virginia — (Promise Scholarships) High school graduates with a 3.0 GPA and a 22 on the ACT receive $4,750 a year.

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The South Carolina HOPE Scholarship Program was established under the South Carolina Education Lottery Act during the 2001 legislative session.  The program is a merit-based scholarship created for students attending a four-year institution who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.  The scholarship is awarded during the freshman year of attendance only.   Funding for the program is included in the annual appropriation to the Commission on Higher Education and will be dependent upon the annual proceeds generated by the South Carolina Education Lottery.

Award Amount and Renewal

• Up to $2,800 towards the cost of attendance. This amount is based on the previous year’s funding and is determined each year by the S.C. General Assembly

Renewal Requirements:

• The HOPE Scholarship is for the first year only.
• Students must earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 30 credit hours (excluding Foundations classes) to receive the SC LIFE Scholarship for subsequent years.

How do I apply for the SC HOPE Scholarship?

There is no application required for the SC HOPE Scholarship. The college or university will determine
eligibility based upon the final official high school transcript and will notify students if eligible to receive the
scholarship. If you believe that you are eligible, but have not received information from the college or
university, please contact the financial aid office at the college to inquire about your eligibility.

How long can I receive the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship?

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship for no more than two terms (or its equivalent) during
the first year of attendance only. The maximum number of terms of eligibility is based on the student’s
initial college enrollment date with the exception of credit hours earned during the summer session
immediately prior to the student’s initial college enrollment. For example, if a student enrolls in college in
Fall 2005, the last term of eligibility to receive the HOPE Scholarship will be Spring 2006.

Can I qualify for the SC HOPE Scholarship if I graduated from a high school outof-state or completed an approved home school program as prescribed by law?

Yes, as long as you can provide verification to the college that you were a dependent of a South Carolina
resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment and you met all other
eligibility criteria.
If you were home schooled, this information must be provided by the approved home school association or
the parent. If you attended an out-of-state high school, then the information must be provided by the public
high school you would have attended if you did not attend an out-of-state high school. An official letter on

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The South Carolina Hope Scholarship is a merit based scholarship.  It is for first year college students at eligible institutions (see below…)

Eligibility requirements and eligible institutions for South Carolina Hope Scholarship Program

Institutions Eligible to Participate in the
SC HOPE Scholarship Program

P = Public Institutions;           R = Independent Institutions

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