Can I use the Georgia HOPE Scholarship at private colleges?

I'm planning on staying in Georgia for college. I heard about the HOPE Scholarship, but I'm interested in private colleges. Is this scholarship applicable there, or is it only for public institutions?

Yes, you can utilize the Georgia HOPE Scholarship at eligible private colleges in the state. The scholarship provides a flat amount that varies from year to year, and currently covers a portion of tuition. However, the amount covered by the HOPE Scholarship can be significantly less than what it covers at public institutions, due to the general higher cost of tuition at private colleges.

Moreover, the eligibility criteria remain the same, regardless of whether you'll be attending a public or private institution. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school, and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible college or university in Georgia. You should also be aware of the renewal conditions, primarily maintaining a 3.0 GPA in college.

You might also want to consider the Zell Miller Scholarship if you meet the academic criteria. It covers full tuition at public colleges and provides a larger amount towards tuition at private colleges compared to the HOPE scholarship. It's essentially a higher tier of the same program, with more stringent academic criteria.