University of Georgia Scholarships, HOPE & Zell Aid Guide

University of Georgia Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Georgia state aid

Last Updated on December 31, 2025
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~33% (Class of 2029)
  • Middle 50% ACT: 30–34
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1300–1470
  • Average HS GPA: 4.17 weighted; middle-50% GPA 4.08–4.35

Source: UGA Admissions (Class of 2029 profile).

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

The University of Georgia uses a layered scholarship system that combines state aid, competitive institutional merit, and program-specific awards — but many families misunderstand how those pieces actually work together.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? No. UGA requires SAT or ACT scores for admission and scholarship consideration, and it superscores both.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 30–34; SAT 1300–1470.

What’s the average GPA? About 4.17 weighted for the Class of 2029.

Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — UGA offers competitive non-resident tuition waivers and participates in the Academic Common Market (program restrictions apply).

Sources:
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/hope-and-zell-miller-scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/foundation-fellowship/
https://news.uga.edu/uga-admits-class-of-2029/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Georgia (2025–2026)

The table below shows direct, billed costs only—what families actually pay UGA for tuition & required fees plus on-campus housing & meals for a full-time undergraduate in Athens.

In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $11,492 $32,336
Housing & Meals $12,084 $12,084
Total (Direct/Billed) $23,576 $44,420

About housing & meals: UGA lists a typical residence hall at $7,498 and a 7-day meal plan at $4,586. Actual costs vary by residence hall and plan, so your total may differ.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid)

According to College Scorecard and BigFuture, the average net price for UGA undergraduates is about $17,180 per year after grants and scholarships. Roughly 29% of students receive aid averaging $16,335 annually. To estimate your own cost, use UGA’s Net Price Calculator.

✅ Georgia Stack Cheat Sheet for In-State Students (UGA)

  • HOPE: Helps pay part of tuition (tuition-only).
  • Zell Miller: Can cover full tuition if your student meets the stricter GPA + test criteria (tuition-only).
  • UGA Scholarships / waivers: Competitive; may reduce the remaining bill (and for some out-of-state students, can reduce tuition closer to the in-state rate).

Georgia families usually win by treating tuition help as “baseline” and then stacking smaller scholarships toward housing, fees, books, and travel.

🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Waivers & Reciprocity (UGA)
  • Academic Common Market (ACM): Allows eligible undergraduate juniors/seniors (and graduate students) to pay in-state tuition if their major is not offered in their home state.
  • Non-Resident Tuition Waivers: Awarded competitively to high-achieving out-of-state students; may reduce tuition to the in-state rate.

Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $32,336 vs. $11,492 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $20,800 per year if a waiver applies.

💡 Don’t Miss State Aid: Georgia residents may qualify for HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships, which can cover a large share — or even all — of UGA tuition.

👉 Georgia State Grants & Scholarships

💬 FAQ: Understanding UGA Costs

How much does it really cost to attend UGA each year?
In-state students typically pay around $23,500 per year for tuition, fees, housing, and meals billed directly by UGA. Out-of-state students pay closer to $44,400 before scholarships or waivers.

Why is my bill higher or lower than the numbers shown here?
Costs vary based on housing choice, meal plan, and enrollment. These figures reflect average on-campus costs published by UGA for a full-time student.

Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Sometimes. Competitive non-resident waivers and the Academic Common Market can reduce tuition by roughly $20,000 per year for eligible students.

What’s the difference between “Total” and “Net Price”?
The Total is the sticker price UGA bills. The Net Price reflects what families actually pay after grants and scholarships.

Sources:
https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/
https://osfa.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/COA_Charts_UGRAD_2526.pdf
https://busfin.uga.edu/finance-division/bursar/students-parents/bursar-tuition-fees/2025-2026/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-georgia/tuition-and-costs
https://reg.uga.edu/enrollment-and-registration/registration/acm/
https://www.usg.edu/divisions/academic_common_market/

✅ Automatic Scholarships (In-State & Out-of-State)

These awards do not require a separate scholarship application. If your student meets the criteria and applies on time, they are automatically considered. Georgia programs (HOPE and Zell Miller) pay tuition only. UGA’s non-resident merit typically reduces the out-of-state tuition bill. UGA superscores both ACT and SAT for admission and merit review.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility (plain English) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Classic Scholarship (Non-Resident) Partial out-of-state tuition waiver (amount varies by year) High-achieving out-of-state admits with top GPA, strong course rigor, and high superscored ACT/SAT No Yes — up to 4 years Top-quartile OOS admits; awards are limited and competitive Dec 15 (UGA scholarship priority)
Classic City / Red & Black Awards (Non-Resident) Smaller OOS tuition offsets (varies by cohort) Strong out-of-state admits who fall just below the top merit tier No Yes — up to 4 years Competitive; offered during the admissions cycle Dec 15 (UGA scholarship priority)
HOPE Scholarship (Georgia Residents) Pays a portion of UGA tuition (per-credit amount set by Georgia) Georgia resident with a 3.0+ HOPE GPA in required high-school coursework; FAFSA or GSFAPP required annually Yes — FAFSA or GSFAPP Yes — must maintain a 3.0 college GPA at checkpoints Most Georgia graduates who meet the HOPE GPA rules FAFSA / GSFAPP each year
Zell Miller Scholarship (Georgia Residents) Covers 100% of UGA tuition (tuition-only) Georgia resident with a 3.7+ HOPE GPA and SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+ from a single test administration; FAFSA or GSFAPP required annually Yes — FAFSA or GSFAPP Yes — must maintain a 3.3 college GPA at checkpoints Georgia graduates who meet the strict GPA + single-sitting test rule FAFSA / GSFAPP each year

Important: GPA and test score cutoffs for UGA merit are approximate when not explicitly published. They are based on official descriptions, recent award patterns, and admitted-student profiles. Actual thresholds can shift each year depending on funding and applicant strength.

⚠️ Common Parent Mistakes at UGA

  • Thinking Zell Miller covers housing.
    Zell Miller pays tuition only. Housing, meals, fees, and books still need to be covered through family funds, UGA merit, or other scholarships.
  • Assuming merit is guaranteed by stats.
    UGA’s institutional merit is competitive and limited. Even students with top GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed awards.
  • Missing the scholarship priority deadline.
    Many of UGA’s top awards require applying by November 1 (Early Action). Applying later can remove scholarship consideration entirely.

❓ Automatic Merit — FAQs (UGA)

What’s the priority deadline for UGA merit?
Submit a completed application by December 15 to receive full scholarship consideration. Most automatic merit decisions are finalized by early April.

Does UGA superscore ACT and SAT?
Yes. UGA superscores both exams and will use your highest section scores across test dates.

Are non-resident scholarships guaranteed with certain stats?
No. UGA’s non-resident merit is competitive and limited. High GPA and test scores improve your chances, but awards are not guaranteed.

How do HOPE and Zell Miller work at UGA?
These are Georgia state programs that pay tuition only. HOPE covers part of tuition; Zell Miller covers full tuition. Students must file the FAFSA or GSFAPP each year and maintain the required college GPA.

Sources:
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/hope-and-zell-miller-scholarships/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/
First Year Admission Criteria

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These are selective UGA scholarships (separate from the Honors College’s marquee awards). Many require a separate application, invitation, or donor review. Think: leadership + service + strong academics — not just stats.
Unlike some flagship universities, UGA does not rely heavily on large, automatic institutional merit. For most Georgia residents, the primary tuition relief comes from HOPE or Zell Miller, with UGA’s competitive scholarships designed to supplement — not replace — state aid.
Georgia family reality check: HOPE/Zell can handle tuition, but most UGA “flagship” scholarships do not automatically cover housing. If your goal is “full cost,” the winning strategy is usually stacking: HOPE/Zell (tuition) + UGA competitive awards + departmental/donor funds (and sometimes need-based aid).
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility (plain English) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Leadership Scholarship Varies (competitive award; amounts can change by year) Admitted first-year students with a top-tier academic profile plus exceptional leadership/service. Typically involves additional review and may include interviews or follow-up steps. Yes — additional review / invitation steps Often, but confirm per year Students with “proof” leadership: long-term roles, measurable impact, and strong academics (not just club lists). Early cycle (aligns with Early Action / priority review)
UGA Alumni Association & Chapter Scholarships Varies by donor (often $500–$5,000 range, but donor-specific) Scholarships funded by alumni chapters and donors. Eligibility is usually tied to county/region, high school, major, or specific donor criteria. Many consider leadership/service alongside academics. Yes — donor/alumni application process Usually 1 year (reapply if allowed) Students who match donor criteria closely and submit early, with clean “story + impact” in activities. Spring window (varies by donor; check Alumni portal)
Georgia Commitment Scholars Program Program-based (amount varies; often multi-year support) Need-focused cohort program; typically emphasizes financial need (FAFSA required), strong potential, and student support outcomes. Georgia residents are commonly prioritized. No separate “scholarship essay” in many cases (selection is program-based) Yes — if requirements are maintained Students with demonstrated need who meet program criteria and complete required steps on time. FAFSA priority timing matters (confirm UGA’s current dates)

Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship details can shift each year (amounts, steps, and timing). Always verify details on UGA’s official scholarship pages before you plan around an award.

🗓 Deadlines to Remember (UGA)
• Early Action matters for many top competitive reviews — don’t assume “RD is fine.”
• FAFSA timing matters for need-focused programs (submit early even if you don’t expect Pell).
• Alumni/donor awards often run on a separate spring timeline.
UGA timing tip: Many of UGA’s most selective scholarship reviews happen early in the admissions cycle. Even when an award doesn’t explicitly say “Early Action required,” applying by November 1 significantly improves visibility for flagship and donor-funded scholarships.

🎓 QuestBridge at UGA — important context
The University of Georgia is a QuestBridge partner college, but it does not award automatic full-ride packages through the National College Match.

QuestBridge consideration at UGA is need-based and holistic. Admitted students may receive a combination of need-based aid, state programs (HOPE/Zell for Georgia residents), and UGA institutional support, rather than a single guaranteed package.

Best fit: High-achieving, low-income students — especially Georgia residents — who want access to UGA admissions and financial aid review through the QuestBridge process, even without a guaranteed Match outcome.

👉 How QuestBridge actually works (plain-English guide)

❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Are these scholarships guaranteed if my student has high stats?
No. These are competitive and limited. UGA is looking for strong academics plus leadership, initiative, and impact.

Do these awards usually cover housing?
Some competitive awards can be large, but you should assume HOPE/Zell cover tuition only and anything beyond tuition varies by scholarship. Plan on stacking rather than expecting a single award to “do it all.”

Are Alumni/Chapter scholarships worth applying for?
Yes. These are often the best “time-to-payoff” applications because criteria can be specific (county, major, donor intent). Smaller awards can still reduce loans and stack with HOPE/Zell.

Does Early Action matter for competitive scholarships?
Often, yes. Even when a scholarship isn’t labeled “EA-only,” the most selective reviews happen early. If your student is aiming for top awards, treat Early Action as the default plan.

Sources:
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/academic-merit-based-scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/georgia-commitment-scholars-program/
https://alumni.uga.edu/scholarships/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UGA

These aren’t the headline full-rides, but they stack, renew, or cover specific costs (housing, research, travel). Many live in college portals or donor funds and are easy to miss if you don’t look.
Many of UGA’s best “hidden” scholarships are not awarded at admission. They live inside band programs, colleges, departments, alumni chapters, and research offices, and most open after students enroll or declare a major. Families who stop searching after the admissions decision often miss these.
Scholarship / Program Award Amount Eligibility (plain English) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Redcoat Marching Band Scholarships $300–$2,000/yr Redcoat members (any major); audition/placement required Yes — band audition Often (re-evaluated annually) Committed performers; section leaders; multi-year members Varies by section — Drumline Mar 30; Flagline Apr 1; Brass/Woodwinds Apr–May
Hugh Hodgson School of Music Awards $500–$4,000/yr Music majors/minors via audition and studio placement Yes — audition required Sometimes (maintain standing) Strong auditionees with ensemble experience Audition dates Jan 16–Feb 7 (2026)
Army / Air Force / Navy ROTC (campus & national) Up to full tuition or R&B + stipend Meet service academic & fitness standards; service commitment Yes — ROTC application Yes — maintain standards Leadership/fitness standouts; strong academics Army HS boards → Jan 10; others rolling fall–spring
First-Generation Student Scholarships $500–$2,000/yr Parents lack bachelor’s; FAFSA on file; good standing Yes — brief form or portal Sometimes (annual reapply) First-gen FAFSA filers w/ strong academics Awards finalized Mar–Apr
Georgia Commitment Scholarships Need-based – amount varies Documented financial need via FAFSA; GA residents prioritized No separate app Yes — if SAP/need continue High-need students with FAFSA on file Selections ≈ early April
Black Alumni & Diversity Scholarships $1,000–$2,500/yr Underrepresented students; donor criteria & short essay Yes — alumni/affinity cycle Varies Active community leaders w/ solid GPA Cycles open spring; varies by fund
UGA Alumni & Local Chapter Awards $500–$5,000 By chapter – merit, service, legacy, or county Yes — chapter apps Varies Applicants meeting chapter criteria Rolling spring (Mar–May)
College & Department Scholarships $500–$4,000 Declared majors; merit or need per fund Yes — dept portal Often one-year Early applicants w/ matching donor intent Most close Feb–Mar
CURO Undergraduate Research Awards $500–$1,000 micro-grant Any major + faculty mentor; proposal required Yes — CURO app No (can reapply) Students w/ defined projects & budget Spring cycle Nov 1
Study Abroad Grants (Office of Global Engagement) $750–$2,000 Approved study abroad + good GPA + essay Yes — OGE application No (one term) Students linking travel to academic goals Spring Oct 15 • Summer Feb 15 • Fall Feb 15
Notes: These awards are separate from UGA’s flagship scholarships and are often administered by colleges, programs, or alumni groups rather than Admissions. Most funds stack up to the Cost of Attendance. Deadlines cluster in winter–spring for the following fall. File the FAFSA early even for “merit” funds—many donor programs use need as a tiebreaker.
Georgia reality check: At UGA, filing the FAFSA early matters even for scholarships families think of as “merit.” Many donor-funded, first-gen, and access awards use financial need as a tiebreaker, especially when multiple students meet the same academic criteria.

Disclaimer: Ranges and dates may change yearly; always confirm with UGA Financial Aid, your college, or OGE before applying.

❓ Hidden Gems FAQ (UGA)

When do Redcoat auditions open?
Sections post materials between March and April. Check the Redcoat site early and submit by your section’s deadline.

Are music scholarships open to non-majors?
Yes. Non-majors can earn Redcoat and ensemble stipends, while Music majors compete for larger Hugh Hodgson awards.

How early should we file the FAFSA for need-based funds?
As soon as it opens (Dec 1 priority). UGA packages Georgia Commitment and First-Gen funds by early April.

Where do departmental and college applications live?
Each college runs its own portal (Engineering ≈ Feb 28; CAES Dec–Mar). Check your college’s scholarship page every January.

When are CURO and Study Abroad grants due?
CURO Research Awards: Nov 1 for spring cycle. Study Abroad grants: Spring Oct 15; Summer/Maymester Feb 15; Fall Feb 15.

Sources:
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://osfa.uga.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/georgia-commitment-scholars-program/
https://bands.uga.edu/redcoats/scholarships
https://music.uga.edu/undergraduate-music-scholarships
https://alumni.uga.edu/chapters/scholarship/
https://els.uga.edu/about/scholarships/
https://www.caes.uga.edu/students/scholarships/department-scholarships.html
https://curo.uga.edu/funding/
https://oge.uga.edu/Scholarships-and-Grants/

UGA Morehead Honors College

Why it matters: UGA’s Morehead Honors College is the most selective path into small classes, priority advising, and top research opportunities. It’s also the gateway to the university’s most prestigious scholarships.
Reality check: Admission to the Morehead Honors College does not automatically come with a scholarship. At UGA, Honors primarily provides academic access and enrichment; only a small subset of Honors students are selected for Foundation or Ramsey awards.

Admission isn’t automatic. If your student applies to UGA by the November 1 Early Action deadline, they’ll be considered for Honors. Only the top slice of admitted students are invited — often with near-perfect GPAs, test scores, and strong extracurriculars. Miss November 1, and Honors (and its scholarships) are off the table.

What Honors provides:

  • Priority registration and smaller Honors-only courses
  • Dedicated faculty mentoring and research opportunities through CURO
  • Optional Honors housing (Myers Hall)
  • Access to competitive scholarships (see below)

Honors at UGA is best for students who want: elite academics, priority registration, faculty mentorship, research access, and a shot at top-tier scholarships — not guaranteed merit aid.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Foundation Fellowship Full cost of attendance + travel, research, and enrichment stipends Admitted to Honors; ACT 33+ / SAT 1500+, 4.0 GPA; top 1–2% nationally with leadership and service Yes — Early Action + Fellowship application Yes — renewable for 4 years with GPA and engagement ~25 new Fellows per year; one of the most selective merit programs in the U.S. November 1
Ramsey Honors Scholarship $6,160/year (in-state) or $13,040/year (out-of-state) Admitted to Honors; ACT 31+ / SAT 1390+; GPA ~4.0; demonstrated service and academic distinction Yes — Early Action + Honors application Yes — up to 4 years ~25 awarded per year to top Honors admits with strong leadership/service profiles November 1

Notes: Both scholarships require Early Action (November 1). Finalists are typically invited for interviews in January–February.

Important: Students can remain in Honors without holding a Foundation or Ramsey scholarship.

Disclaimer: Numbers and eligibility are approximate based on past years. Always confirm on the UGA Morehead Honors College website before relying on specific cutoffs.

Honors College — FAQs (University of Georgia)

Who actually gets into UGA’s Honors College?
Typically, students with near-perfect transcripts (4.0 unweighted, 4.4+ weighted), ACT 32–34 or SAT 1450–1520, plus strong leadership or service. UGA uses a holistic review, so essays, research, or unique achievements can help.

Do you have to be in Honors to win Foundation or Ramsey?
Yes. Both scholarships are tied directly to the Honors College. Applicants must apply by the November 1 Early Action deadline and qualify for Honors admission to be considered.

Are Foundation Fellows full rides?
They go beyond a full ride. Foundation Fellows cover full cost of attendance plus stipends for travel, research, and study abroad — among the most generous merit packages in the country.

What happens if my GPA slips once I’m in Honors?
Students must maintain GPA and engagement requirements to renew. Falling below standards can lead to probation or loss of scholarship, but UGA offers support to help students recover.

Sources:
https://honors.uga.edu/admissions/
https://honors.uga.edu/admissions/high-school-applicants/
https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/foundation-fellowship/
https://honors.uga.edu/scholarships/prospective-students/ramsey-honors-scholarship/
https://honors.uga.edu/academics/academic-requirements/
https://honors.uga.edu/about/fast-facts/
https://housing.uga.edu/myers-hall/
Honors Program and Scholarships

⭐ UGA’s Specialty Spotlight

When you think University of Georgia, think research power, public service, and programs that punch above their weight nationally. UGA is an R1 institution — meaning “very high research activity” — and it consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S.

Top Tier Program:
UGA’s **Landscape Architecture / Environmental Design** program (College of Environment & Design) is nationally recognized — often ranked **#1 for undergrad landscape architecture programs** in the U.S.
  • Terry College of Business – multiple undergraduate programs in the top 10 nationally, including Risk Management & Insurance (#1), along with high rankings in Real Estate, MIS, and Accounting
  • School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA) – UGA’s public affairs graduate programs rank about **#3 or #4 in the nation** depending on specialty
  • Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication – consistently ranked among the **top 5 journalism schools** in the U.S., and home to the prestigious Peabody Awards
  • School of Law – high marks for value, employment outcomes, and federal clerkship placement; routinely ranked among the **top law schools nationally**
  • Veterinary Medicine & Pharmacy – UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine is ranked **top 10**, and its Pharmacy College is in the **top 25** nationally
  • UGA Overall – recognized as one of the **top 20 public universities** in the U.S., praised for value, student life, and alumni networks by Princeton Review and Niche rankings

📌 Final Thoughts on UGA Scholarships

At the University of Georgia, most families rely on a mix of state aid (HOPE and Zell), UGA’s selective merit, and hidden gems like alumni, departmental, or band awards. Out-of-state students can land generous automatic aid if they’re top of the pool, but the biggest prizes—like the Foundation Fellowship—require essays, interviews, and a true stand-out profile.

The takeaway: treat HOPE and Zell as your baseline if you’re in-state, and see everything else as bonus. If you’re out-of-state, a high test score and early application matter even more. And no matter where you’re from, don’t overlook the smaller scholarships tucked away in UGA’s colleges, alumni network, or programs like ROTC and Redcoat Marching Band. They won’t cover everything, but they can close the gap.

Bottom line: UGA rewards strong academics, leadership, and initiative. Apply early, keep grades up, and stack every layer of aid you can.

Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!

Last updated: August 2025

Back to top ↑

Scroll to Top