HOPE Grant
Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC / GAfutures)
Georgia grant toward tuition for residents in a technical certificate or diploma program; no high school GPA required.
- How much
- HOPE award rate per credit hour toward tuition (varies by college; e.g. $107/hour at Albany Technical College in 2026-27)
- Who qualifies
- Georgia resident in an eligible certificate or diploma program (not continuing education); 2.0 cumulative postsecondary GPA at checkpoints; under 63 HOPE/Zell Miller Grant paid hours and 127 combined-paid hours; no bachelor's degree. Selective Service and drug-free compliance; in good standing on student loans.
- For trade school students, adults going back to school, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA or GSFAPP by the last day of the term (or your withdrawal date); apply early.
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA each year or the GSFAPP on GAfutures
- Your college's financial aid office determines eligibility
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (gafutures.org), page 2, page 3, page 4 and page 5
The details
For Georgia residents working toward a certificate or diploma (not continuing education) at an eligible Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or other eligible Georgia college. Pays the HOPE award rate per credit hour toward tuition (2026-27 example: $107 per hour at Albany Technical College, $1,605 at 15 hours). Full-time enrollment and a specific high school GPA are not required, but you need a 2.0 cumulative college GPA at checkpoints. Limits: 63 semester hours of HOPE/Zell Miller Grant payment and 127 combined hours across HOPE programs; not available after a bachelor's degree. Students in high-demand programs may also get the HOPE Career Grant on top.
More money from Georgia
- Georgia Zell Miller Scholarship100% of standard undergraduate tuition at public colleges; up to $5,309 per semester (Georgia Tech, 2026-27); amount varies by college and hours
- Georgia HOPE ScholarshipPer-credit-hour award toward standard tuition; up to $5,256 per semester at 15 hours (Georgia Tech, 2026-27); amount varies by college and hours
- DREAMS ScholarshipUp to $1,500 per term, $3,000 per year (capped at unmet need)
- Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG)Up to $2,500 (lifetime maximum), applied to your outstanding balance
- Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)$550 per semester ($367 per quarter), up to three semesters or four quarters a year (2026-27)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.