🎓 Georgia State Scholarships and Grants

What Georgia gives, what it doesn’t, and how to make sure your kid gets every dollar they’ve earned.

📝 Step 1: FAFSA (or GSFAPP)

To get Georgia state aid, your kid must submit either the FAFSA or the GSFAPP (Georgia Student Financial Aid Application).
We recommend filing the FAFSA unless your kid is 100% sure they’re only applying to in-state schools.
FAFSA requires both student and parent accounts. You’ll each create an FSA ID to sign the form.
GSFAPP is only valid for Georgia colleges. If your kid is even considering out-of-state options, file FAFSA instead.

💡 FAFSA vs. GSFAPP: The FAFSA unlocks federal aid and works at colleges in any state. The GSFAPP is simpler but only works at Georgia colleges — and won’t get you Pell Grants or federal loans. If there’s any chance your kid might apply out of state, file the FAFSA.

💰 Step 2: Key State Scholarships & Grants

HOPE Scholarship – Covers a portion of tuition at eligible colleges. Requires 3.0 GPA (high school and college) and FAFSA/GSFAPP. Amounts vary by institution (e.g., ~$4,000–$8,000/year).
Zell Miller Scholarship – Covers 100% of standard tuition at eligible Georgia schools (worth ~$10,000/year). Requires a 3.7 GPA + 1200 SAT or 26 ACT score.
HOPE Grant – For students pursuing certificates or diplomas at technical colleges. Covers partial tuition (about 80%). Requires a 2.0 GPA.
Zell Miller Grant – Covers 100% of tuition for certificate/diploma students at technical colleges with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Note: HOPE GPA is calculated differently than your high school GPA. AP and honors classes don’t count for extra weight.

🧑‍🎓 Step 3: Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment Program – Pays full tuition, required fees, and books for high school juniors and seniors taking college courses. Available at public, private, and technical colleges in Georgia.

📚 Step 4: What Families Miss

HOPE GPA ≠ high school GPA. Students often assume they qualify when they don’t. Use GAfutures to track the official HOPE GPA.
Zell Miller eligibility is locked at graduation. Students must meet GPA and test score requirements by the time they finish high school — no retakes after.
Most aid can’t be taken out of state. These programs are Georgia-funded and only work at eligible Georgia colleges.

💡 Even if your kid doesn’t hit Zell Miller’s bar, HOPE alone can still save $20K+ over four years.

🧾 Step 5: Other State-Funded Programs

REACH Georgia Scholarship – $10,000 total ($2,500/year) for low-income, high-achieving students. Must be nominated in 8th grade.
Georgia HERO Scholarship – Up to $2,000/year for students whose parent or guardian served in the military.
Public Safety Memorial Grant (PSMG) – Up to $18,000/year for dependents of public safety officers or educators killed or disabled in the line of duty.
HOPE Career Grant – Covers tuition for students in 17 high-demand fields (e.g., welding, nursing, IT). Award varies by program and enrollment level.
HOPE GED Grant – $500 one-time award for students who complete their GED and enroll in eligible college programs.
High School Equivalency Exam Grant (HSE) – Pays for the cost of GED testing for adult learners.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Grant – Offers financial assistance to students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in inclusive college programs.

🏛️ Step 6: Georgia Colleges to Watch

These colleges offer additional merit scholarships or full-ride opportunities (pages coming soon):

Created by CollegeReadyParent.org — You’re not just a parent. You’re the only map they’ve got.