Zell Miller Scholarship: Basics for Current College Students

I'm currently in college and wondering if the Zell Miller Scholarship is still an option for me. What should I know about the requirements and eligibility for this scholarship? Any advice on how to apply if I'm already enrolled?

The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based award available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement. As a current college student, you can still be eligible, provided you meet certain criteria.

Firstly, for eligibility, one of the primary conditions is that you must have graduated from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale. You also would have needed to obtain a minimum score of 1200 (combined Math and Reading) on the SAT, or 26 on the ACT. It's worth noting that these requirements must have been met at the time of your high school graduation.

That being said, if you were not eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship right out of high school, you may still acquire it in college by making up for those academic requirements. The pathways to do this are to earn a 3.3 HOPE GPA at the end of the semester in which you have attempted 30, 60 or 90 semester hours in college.

Once you're deemed eligible, the scholarship covers full tuition at public Georgia colleges or universities. However, it will not cover fees, books, or room and board.

The application and award process of the Zell Miller Scholarship is administered through the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and requires no separate application. You simply start by completing the FAFSA or the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS). The financial aid office at your college will then automatically determine your eligibility each semester based on your academic record and the particulars of your enrollment.

Stay motivated in maintaining the required GPA as it plays a crucial role in keeping your scholarship, and examine the specific policies of your institution for additional rules or requirements. Remember, clear and direct communication with your financial aid office is always beneficial, making sure all your queries are answered.