The HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program in the state of Georgia, designed to help eligible students pay for their college education. One of the key components of the HOPE Scholarship eligibility criteria is the student's Grade Point Average (GPA). In this guide, we will break down the GPA requirements for the HOPE Scholarship, as well as other eligibility criteria, to help students and their families understand the process.
HOPE Scholarship GPA Requirements
To be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This GPA requirement is based on the student’s cumulative high school GPA, which includes all coursework completed during their high school career. The GPA is calculated based on a 4.0 scale, with grades of A, B, C, D, and F corresponding to 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 points, respectively. Weighted GPAs are also taken into account, with Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses receiving additional weight. For example, an AP course with a grade of A would receive 5 points, rather than the standard 4 points.
GPA Calculation
The GPA calculation for the HOPE Scholarship takes into account all coursework completed during a student’s high school career, including elective courses, core courses, and any courses taken for dual enrollment credit. Cumulative GPA is the total GPA earned by a student over the course of their high school career, and it is used to determine eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship. The following table illustrates the GPA calculation:
| Course | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| English | A | 4 |
| Math | B | 3 |
| Science | C | 2 |
| AP Course | A | 5 |
The total points earned are then divided by the total number of courses taken to calculate the cumulative GPA. For example, if a student has taken 4 courses and earned a total of 16 points, their cumulative GPA would be 4.0 (16 points / 4 courses).
Other Eligibility Criteria
In addition to the GPA requirement, there are other eligibility criteria that students must meet to be considered for the HOPE Scholarship. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Being a resident of the state of Georgia
- Having graduated from an eligible high school
- Having completed a rigorous course of study, such as a college preparatory curriculum
- Having scored a minimum of 2150 on the SAT or 1030 on the ACT
Students who meet these eligibility criteria and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 may be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship. The scholarship amount varies based on the type of institution attended and the student's enrollment status.
Scholarship Amounts
The HOPE Scholarship award amount varies based on the type of institution attended and the student’s enrollment status. For example, students attending a public college or university in Georgia may receive a full-tuition scholarship, while students attending a private college or university may receive a fixed award amount. The following table illustrates the scholarship amounts:
| Institution Type | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Public College/University | Full-tuition |
| Private College/University | $1,800 per semester |
What is the minimum GPA required for the HOPE Scholarship?
+The minimum GPA required for the HOPE Scholarship is 3.0.
How is the GPA calculated for the HOPE Scholarship?
+The GPA is calculated based on the student’s cumulative high school GPA, which includes all coursework completed during their high school career.
What are the other eligibility criteria for the HOPE Scholarship?
+In addition to the GPA requirement, students must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, a resident of the state of Georgia, have graduated from an eligible high school, have completed a rigorous course of study, and have scored a minimum of 2150 on the SAT or 1030 on the ACT.
