Georgia HOPE Scholarship 2026: How to Qualify, Award Amounts & What You Need to Know
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
March 5, 2026
HOPE pays up to $10,512/year for Georgia students with a 3.0 GPA. Zell Miller covers full tuition with a 3.7 GPA. Complete guide.
What Is the HOPE Scholarship?
The HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship is Georgia's signature merit-based aid program, funded by the Georgia Lottery. It helps Georgia residents attend public colleges and universities at reduced or zero cost.
Eligibility Requirements
- Georgia resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- 3.0 GPA in high school (as calculated by GSFC) with at least 4 full rigor credits
- Pursuing first bachelor's degree — not available once you have a bachelor's
- Maintain 3.0 GPA in college at 30, 60, and 90 credit checkpoints and at the end of every spring semester
Award Amount
For 2025-26, the HOPE Scholarship pays up to $10,512 per year (two semesters of 15 credit hours). The exact amount varies by institution and is set annually by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
HOPE vs. Zell Miller Scholarship
| HOPE | Zell Miller | |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | 3.0+ | 3.7+ |
| SAT/ACT | Not required | 1200+ SAT or 26+ ACT |
| Award | Partial tuition (~80-90%) | Full tuition |
| College GPA to maintain | 3.0 | 3.3 |
The Zell Miller Scholarship is the premium version — if you have a 3.7+ GPA and 1200+ SAT, you get full tuition at any Georgia public college or university.
HOPE Grant (for Technical Colleges)
Separate from the HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant covers tuition at Georgia technical colleges (TCSG institutions) for students pursuing certificates and diplomas. Students with a 3.5+ GPA get 100% of tuition covered.
How to Apply
- Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- GSFC automatically evaluates your eligibility — no separate HOPE application
- Check your status at GAfutures.org
What HOPE Covers at Top Georgia Schools
| School | Tuition | HOPE Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia State University | $8,478/yr | Most of tuition |
| Kennesaw State | $5,786/yr | Most of tuition |
| UGA | ~$12,000/yr | Significant portion |
| Georgia Tech | ~$12,000/yr | Significant portion |
| Atlanta Technical College | $3,164/yr | Most to all |