Georgia Financial Aid & Scholarships

Discover comprehensive financial aid opportunities in Georgia, including the renowned HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships that make college affordable for qualified students.

Major Financial Aid Programs

Georgia offers some of the nation's best state-funded financial aid programs alongside federal aid opportunities.

State Merit Scholarship
HOPE Scholarship

Georgia's flagship merit scholarship covering tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

100% tuition at public colleges
Award Amount
Last day of classes
Deadline

Eligibility:

  • Georgia resident
  • 3.0 high school GPA
  • Maintain 3.0 in college
State Merit Scholarship
Zell Miller Scholarship

Enhanced HOPE Scholarship for top academic performers with full coverage of expenses.

100% tuition + fees + books
Award Amount
Last day of classes
Deadline

Eligibility:

  • 3.7 high school GPA
  • 1200 SAT or 26 ACT
  • Maintain 3.3 in college
State Grant
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant

Need-based grant for Georgia residents attending eligible private colleges in Georgia.

Up to $1,200/year
Award Amount
September 1
Deadline

Eligibility:

  • Georgia resident
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Private college enrollment
Federal Grant
Federal Pell Grant

Federal need-based grant that doesn't need to be repaid.

Up to $7,395/year
Award Amount
June 30 (FAFSA)
Deadline

Eligibility:

  • Financial need
  • U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen
  • Undergraduate student

HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarship Details

HOPE Scholarship

Requirements:

  • • Graduate from eligible Georgia high school
  • • Achieve 3.0 GPA in high school core courses
  • • Maintain 3.0 GPA in college (checkpoints)
  • • Be Georgia resident for 12+ months

Coverage:

  • • 100% tuition at public colleges
  • • Partial tuition at private colleges
  • • Book allowance ($300/semester)
Zell Miller Scholarship

Requirements:

  • • Meet all HOPE requirements
  • • Achieve 3.7 GPA in high school core courses
  • • Score 1200+ SAT or 26+ ACT
  • • Maintain 3.3 GPA in college

Coverage:

  • • 100% tuition and fees at public colleges
  • • Book allowance ($300/semester)
  • • Enhanced benefits at private colleges

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Academic Excellence

Merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and leadership.

Examples:

  • Presidential Scholarships
  • Dean's Scholarships
  • Honors Program Awards
Georgia-Specific

Major scholarships specifically for Georgia residents and students.

Examples:

  • Georgia Student Finance Commission
  • Georgia Power Foundation
  • Coca-Cola Scholars
Field-Specific

Scholarships targeted to specific academic fields and career paths.

Examples:

  • STEM Scholarships
  • Education Awards
  • Healthcare Grants
Diversity & Service

Recognition for diversity, service, and first-generation college students.

Examples:

  • Minority Scholarships
  • Community Service Awards
  • First-Generation Grants

Understanding College Costs in Georgia

In-State Tuition

$10K-$12K

Average annual tuition at Georgia public universities for in-state residents.

Room & Board

$10K-$13K

Average annual cost for on-campus housing and meal plans.

With HOPE

$10K-$13K

Estimated annual out-of-pocket cost with HOPE Scholarship covering tuition.

Financial Aid Application Tips

HOPE/Zell Miller Strategy

  • Focus on core academic courses in high school
  • Maintain strong GPA throughout high school
  • Prepare thoroughly for SAT/ACT for Zell Miller
  • Understand GPA maintenance requirements

Additional Aid Strategy

  • Complete FAFSA as early as possible (October 1)
  • Apply to multiple private scholarships
  • Consider work-study and part-time employment
  • Research institutional scholarships at target schools

Continue Your Georgia College Planning Journey

Now that you understand financial aid options, let's explore the college application process.

Next: College ApplicationsBack to Georgia Guide