The Zell Miller Scholarship stands as a beacon for Georgia residents, offering a blend of financial support and recognition of academic excellence. To qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship funds, students must fulfill all the criteria set for the HOPE Scholarship, in addition to specific academic and residency prerequisites.
This blog examines the Zell Miller Scholarship requirements and eligibility to help students in the path to securing this esteemed scholarship.
Overview Of Zell Miller Scholarship
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a financial aid program available to Georgia residents who have showcased exceptional academic achievements. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students, helping them cover the tuition costs of attending a Zell Miller Scholarship eligible college or university in Georgia.
Georgia’s Zell Miller Scholarship encompasses specific program eligibility requirements, academic prerequisites, and a defined duration of eligibility. It’s essential for students to be aware of these requirements to benefit from the scholarship.
Students attending public and private high schools in Georgia can monitor their Zell Miller Scholarship status from their high school years through their GAfutures account under the “My High School HOPE GPA” section.
It’s worth noting that graduates from unaccredited home study programs or high schools outside of Georgia need to submit an academic evaluation request. This request, along with the necessary documents, is required for an academic eligibility assessment. The Student Document Upload feature on the GAfutures website allows students to submit their academic evaluation documents in a consolidated file.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship, students must meet specific academic and program eligibility requirements:
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Residency Requirement: The student must be a resident of Georgia.
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Academic Achievement: The scholarship is available to students who have demonstrated significant academic achievement. This can be reflected through their high school GPA, SAT, or ACT scores.
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High School GPA: To be eligible, students must graduate from high school with a minimum GPA of 3.70 as calculated by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).
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Standardized Test Scores: Students must achieve a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT or a composite score of 26 on the ACT.
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Duration Of Eligibility: The scholarship has a defined length of eligibility, which students must adhere to.
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Additional Requirements: Graduates from unaccredited home study programs or high schools outside of Georgia must undergo an academic eligibility evaluation.
It’s crucial for students to stay informed about the scholarship’s requirements and ensure they meet all the criteria to benefit from the financial aid provided by the Zell Miller Scholarship.
Academic Requirements
While the Zell Miller Scholarship emphasizes Georgia residency and citizenship, it also places a significant weight on academic prowess. Let’s break down the academic benchmarks students need to meet.
Composite Score
The Zell Miller Scholarship places a significant emphasis on standardized test scores. Students aiming for this scholarship must achieve a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT. Alternatively, a composite score of 26 on the ACT can also make a student eligible. These scores are indicative of a student’s academic prowess and readiness for college-level coursework.
Undergraduate Degree/Study Program
Zell Miller Scholars must be enrolled in an undergraduate major or program of study, which can be an associate or bachelor’s degree. This enrollment should be at an eligible college or university in Georgia. Both the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) do not mandate a minimum number of hours per semester for eligibility. However, for those attending an eligible private college or university, a minimum of six (6) hours per semester or quarter is required for scholarship eligibility.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The GPA is a crucial metric in determining a student’s academic eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship. All courses attempted after high school graduation, as reflected on official transcripts, count towards the Zell Miller Scholarship Attempted Hours and HOPE GPA calculation. The scholarship mandates a minimum 3.3 calculated HOPE GPA at each checkpoint to maintain eligibility. It’s essential to note that remedial or Learning Support courses attempted since the Fall term of 2011 are not included in the Attempted Hours and HOPE GPA.
Credit Hours
Academic eligibility is closely tied to a student’s attempted hours and the calculated HOPE GPA. All courses taken post-high school graduation and their corresponding grades are considered for the Zell Miller Scholarship Attempted Hours and HOPE GPA. This includes credit hours for withdrawn courses, which are counted in the Attempted Hours but excluded from the HOPE GPA. Additionally, credit hours and grades for courses where the student did not receive the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship are also included in these calculations.
Unaccredited Home Study Program
Graduates from unaccredited home study programs or high schools outside of Georgia must undergo an academic eligibility evaluation. This evaluation ensures that the student meets the academic standards set by the Zell Miller Scholarship.
Student Document
Students are required to maintain and submit various documents to verify their eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship. One such essential feature is the Student Document Upload on the GAfutures website. This tool allows students to submit their academic evaluation documents in a consolidated file, ensuring a streamlined process for both the students and the scholarship committee.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Beyond academics, there are other boxes to tick. From civic duties like Selective Service registration to enrollment specifics, let’s uncover these additional criteria.
Selective Service Registration
Male students aiming for the Zell Miller Scholarship must be registered for the Selective Service, if required. This is a standard requirement for many federal and state aid programs, ensuring that eligible individuals fulfill their civic duties.
Must Be Enrolled In An Eligible College Or University
To benefit from the Zell Miller Scholarship, students must be enrolled in an eligible college or university in Georgia. This encompasses institutions within the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Additionally, students attending eligible private colleges or universities in Georgia can also qualify for the scholarship.
Financial Aid Programs/Award Amounts
The Zell Miller Scholarship is designed to cover the standard undergraduate tuition rate for eligible students. The exact award amount can vary based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in. For instance, at the University of Georgia (UGA), students are charged a flat rate tuition, meaning they are charged the same amount whether they are enrolled in 1-6 hours or 7 hours or more. However, the HOPE Scholarship, which is closely related to the Zell Miller Scholarship, pays per credit hour. This means that the amount of HOPE a student can receive changes if they adjust their schedule, potentially affecting the balance they owe for tuition.
For the academic year 2023-2024 at UGA, the HOPE award amounts for various hours of enrollment range from $326.34 for 1 hour to $4,895.00 for 15 hours. It’s essential for students to be aware of these amounts and how they might change based on their enrollment status.
Furthermore, to be eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship, students must:
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Be a resident of Georgia.
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Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen.
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Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
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Not be in default or owe repayment on any federal or state aid.
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Comply with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990.
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Not have earned a first Bachelor’s degree previously.
It’s crucial for students to stay informed about the scholarship’s requirements and ensure they meet all the criteria to benefit from the financial aid provided by the Zell Miller Scholarship.
Additional Considerations For School Students And Transient Students
For students at the University of Georgia (UGA) who are considering enrolling in courses at another HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship eligible institution, there are specific processes and considerations to keep in mind:
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Transient Request: UGA students must complete the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship Transient Request. This request authorizes the UGA Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to certify the student’s eligibility for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship to the institution they plan to attend as a transient student.
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Limit On Hours: The HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility is capped at 15 total hours of payment per semester. Students need to report the number of hours they plan to enroll in at UGA for the semester. If there’s a discrepancy between the reported hours and the actual hours attempted, students might have to repay the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship for both their home institution (UGA) and the transient institution.
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Payment Responsibilities: Students are responsible for ensuring that all charges, including tuition and fees, at the transient institution are paid by the institution’s deadlines. This might mean that students have to pay these charges upfront and then get reimbursed once the HOPE Transient Certification is processed.
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Transient Agreement: The Transient Agreement outlines the deadlines for submitting a transcript from the transient institution to the UGA Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If UGA doesn’t receive the transcript by the specified deadline, future HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship awards might be canceled, and the student might be asked to repay the scholarship.
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Certification Of Non-Enrollment: UGA students who have submitted the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship Transient Request but did not enroll, attend, or receive the scholarship at the transient institution must complete the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship Certification of Non-Enrollment. If a student enrolled and then withdrew from courses at the transient institution (receiving grades like W, WP, WF, etc.), a transcript is still required.
How To Apply For Zell Miller Scholarship
Applying for the Zell Miller Scholarship is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to be aware of the specific steps and deadlines to ensure a successful application. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
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Choose The Right Application: Students have two primary options when applying for the Zell Miller Scholarship:
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Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is a federal application that must be completed each year. It not only determines eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship but also for other federal financial aid programs.
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Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP): This is an online application specific to Georgia. Once completed, the GSFAPP remains valid for 10 years, eliminating the need for annual renewals.
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Application Deadline: It’s crucial to be aware of the application deadline. The deadline is either the last day of the school term or the date a student withdraws from school, whichever comes first. It’s recommended to submit the application as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the sooner your college can determine your eligibility and award amounts.
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Recommendation: While the FAFSA needs to be completed annually, the GSFAPP remains valid for a decade. However, it’s always a good practice to submit the annual FAFSA or the GSFAPP as early as possible. This proactive approach ensures that colleges can determine your eligibility and award amounts promptly.
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College-Specific Requirements: It’s essential to note that individual colleges might have specific application and deadline requirements in addition to the general application process. Always check with your chosen postsecondary institution to ensure you meet all their criteria.
Award Details
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a prestigious financial aid program designed to support Georgia residents who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The scholarship award amounts vary based on several factors, including the type of institution a student is attending and their enrollment status. Here are the details regarding the award amounts:
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Public Colleges And Universities: Students who meet all the eligibility requirements and are attending an eligible public college or university in Georgia can receive the Zell Miller Scholarship award amount that covers standard undergraduate tuition. This award is applicable for up to a maximum of 15 hours, depending on the specific number of hours a student is enrolled in, whether they are attending full-time or part-time.
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Private Colleges And Universities: For students attending private institutions in Georgia, the Zell Miller Scholarship award amount is applied towards the standard undergraduate tuition. The award covers up to a maximum of 12 hours and is based on whether the student is enrolled half-time or full-time.
It’s essential to note that the Zell Miller Scholarship award amounts are specifically designed to assist students with their tuition costs. The exact amount can vary based on the institution’s tuition rates and the student’s enrollment status. For a detailed breakdown of the Zell Miller Award Amounts, students are encouraged to review the official award amounts provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
Understanding The Zell Miller Scholarship Requirements
The Zell Miller Scholarship sets high academic standards for its recipients and students can benefit from the financial aid provided by this esteemed scholarship and pursue their higher education dreams in Georgia. By understanding and meeting these requirements, following the steps outlined above and staying informed about any college-specific requirements, students can maximize their chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship.
Discover more opportunities for secure financial assistance for your education by checking out our detailed guide on how to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Visit Get Scholarship and browse through the available resources to learn more.