Residents of the State of Georgia certainly have something to be proud of when it comes to grants.
For six years in a row the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program was voted number one in the United States by the NASSGAP (National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs).
From 1998 through 2003 Georgia held the top ranked spot. In fact, three years previously President Bill Clinton modeled America’s HOPE Program after Georgia’s highly successful HOPE Program which is an honor in itself.
Not to be confused with Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant is available to any resident of the state regardless of grade point average. While the HOPE Scholarship has stringent requirements with an ever increasing GPA, HOPE Grant requirements are much easier to meet and many students ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship begin with the grant until they meet scholarship eligibility.
What the HOPE Grant Covers
Similar to the HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant covers the cost of tuition and up to $150 per semester or $100 per quarter towards a book allowance. Since each college, university and technical school has different tuition fees, the maximum amounts will vary from school to school.
However, if the cost of tuition is lower than the maximum amount listed on the HOPE Awards Amounts by Institution, the grant will only cover the cost of tuition.
Many students get this confused with other grants like the Pell Grant where anything over the cost of tuition can be utilized in other ways by students. With the HOPE program, only tuition and books are covered.
In addition, the HOPE Grant will only cover the cost of 95 quarter hours or 63 semester hours which is equivalent to the first two years of post-secondary education. If the student received any combination of payment from the Zell Miller, HOPE Scholarship, Accel Program and HOPE Grant with funds paying for 190 quarter hours or 127 semester hours, he or she will be inelligible for further grant funds.
How to Apply for a HOPE Grant
Eligible students applying for HOPE Grants have two main ways to go about submitting an application. Of course it is always suggested that students looking for federal or state financial aid submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but Georgia residents submitting a HOPE grant online application can also complete what is called an electronic GSFAPPS.
Eligible students who choose to apply through the state rather than the federal FAFSA form have their choice of completing an online application or downloading and completing a PDF paper format.
It is suggested that students speak with registrars and the financial aid office of the school they plan to attend to see if any other forms are required along with the HOPE grant application.
Eligibility Requirements
Although a student does not need to meet a specific GPA to be eligible to receive a HOPE grant in the very beginning, there is a new requirement which mandates the student maintain at least a 3.0 GPA commencing with the 2011 school year. There are certain checkpoints at which the student’s GPA will be evaluated and if it falls cumulatively below 3.0 the student will be ineligible for further grant funds until his or her grades are brought back up again.
As mentioned, the only initial eligibility requirement is that the student be a resident of the State of Georgia. This is in direct contrast to the HOPE Scholarship where the student must graduate from high school with a specific GPA. Also, many students who don’t immediately qualify for the scholarship program begin with the grant until such time as they meet HOPE Scholarship eligibility.
Meeting scholarship eligibility is important since the program will pay the entire four years of a degree program whereas the grant program only covers the first two.
Bringing HOPE to Georgia Students
Since the inception of the HOPE Grant Program in 1993, it has been fully funded by the Georgia Lottery and funds are administered in the state by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Having been honored six years in a row by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program has become a model for other states as well as for national grant awards.
The intent is to bring HOPE to Georgia students who would otherwise be unable to afford the high cost of tuition, books and fees.
Whether you are ineligible at college entrance for the HOPE Scholarship or simply intend on achieving a two year technical degree, the HOPE Grant program provides the funds to make it possible to earn a degree or certificate. You can also apply for a Pell Grant which will cover other costs associated with earning that degree such as the cost of room and board, but by all means apply for a HOPE Grant if you are a Georgia resident.
It is money which doesn’t need to be paid back and residency is the strictest eligibility requirement for program entrance.
By: Bradley Barks
About Brad
Brad is our lead researcher and editor - he enjoys business, meditation, being active and always learning - his goal is to successfully help you research, find, secure, and enjoy grants and scholarships.
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