What is a Hope Scholarship?

A Hope Scholarship is designed for students who constantly achieve good grades. They are set up in order to help the best students succeed to their fullest potential by paying for their college tuition. It is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education and it is only available to students who are looking to complete a degree.

Are You Eligible For a Hope Scholarship?

If you are a recent high school graduate there are a few conditions you have to meet in order to be eligible for a Hope Scholarship. You must first have to be a resident in Georgia and you have to have graduated after the year 1993. As for grades, you will need a ‘B' average in high school. If you are graduating from high school after the year 2000, you will be required to obtain ‘B' averages on your core-curriculum subjects. So what happens if you graduated before 1993 then? Well, you still may be able to apply for a Hope Scholarship, but you must not have already completed a four year degree or have over 190 quarter hours of college credit.

How Long Does the Hope Scholarship Last?

Generally, the Hope Scholarship lasts for a year, but you can attempt to renew it each year if you wish. However, in order to renew it you will need to keep a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for all coursework that is attempted. You will also need to complete the forms which are kept in your college's financial aid office. You also have to show that you are making academic progress too.

How to Apply

As previously mentioned, you can find application forms in your college's financial aid office, but you really do have to make sure you are eligible for the scholarship before you apply. The application process is free and if it is easier you can fill out an application form online. It will probably save you more time if you apply online and it is also a lot more convenient too. Overall the Hope Scholarship program is definitely a great program designed to help deserving students and it encourages people to achieve their best in their education. All you need to do is work hard and get the best possible grades and you could be well on your way to a Hope Scholarship.