Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 | Eligibility & How to Apply

The Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 remains one of Georgia’s most prestigious state-funded financial aid programs, designed to reward academic excellence among high school and college students. Administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), this scholarship covers full tuition for eligible students attending public colleges and universities in Georgia.

It is part of the broader HOPE Program, but with higher academic standards and greater financial rewards. For Georgia residents who demonstrate strong academic performance and commitment, the Zell Miller Scholarship is a direct path to achieving higher education without overwhelming student debt.

 What Is the Zell Miller Scholarship?

The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based award funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. It was created to help high-achieving students pursue college degrees within the state.

Unlike the standard HOPE Scholarship, which covers a portion of tuition, the Zell Miller Scholarship provides full tuition coverage at eligible Georgia public institutions — making it one of the most valuable financial aid options for in-state students.

The scholarship can also be applied toward tuition at private Georgia colleges, though at a fixed rate rather than full coverage.

 Key Benefits

Here’s what recipients of the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 can expect:

• Full tuition coverage at any eligible Georgia public college or university

• Fixed-rate award toward tuition at eligible private institutions

• Renewable each academic year if GPA requirements are maintained

• Applicable to degree programs including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees

• No separate application fee — just meet the academic and residency requirements

This program represents Georgia’s strong commitment to keeping top-performing students within the state’s higher education system.

 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026, students must meet academic, residency, and citizenship criteria.

1. Residency

• Must be a legal resident of Georgia.

• Must meet Georgia residency requirements at the time of high school graduation and during college enrollment.

2. Academic Criteria for High School Graduates

To qualify directly after high school, students must:

• Graduate from an eligible Georgia high school as a Zell Miller Scholar.

• Achieve a minimum 3.7 GPA (HOPE GPA scale).

• Score at least 1200 on the SAT (Math + Reading) or 25 on the ACT in a single test sitting.

• Complete rigorous high school coursework as defined by GSFC.

3. Current College Students

College students who didn’t qualify at high school graduation can still become eligible if they:

• Maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA after 30, 60, or 90 attempted credit hours.

• Attend an eligible institution continuously and meet all residency rules.

4. Citizenship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens under federal Title IV regulations.

 GPA and Renewal Requirements

Maintaining eligibility is crucial. To keep the Zell Miller Scholarship, recipients must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 at checkpoints (30, 60, 90 credit hours).

• Remain in good academic standing with their institution.

• Continue enrollment in an eligible degree-seeking program.

Failure to maintain the required GPA will result in conversion to the HOPE Scholarship, which covers a lower percentage of tuition costs.

 Eligible Institutions

The Zell Miller Scholarship can be used at:

 Public Institutions (Full Tuition Covered):

• University of Georgia (UGA)

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• Georgia State University

• Kennesaw State University

• Augusta University

• Georgia Southern University

• Valdosta State University

• Albany State University

• And other eligible public colleges

 Private Institutions (Fixed Rate):

Students attending eligible private colleges in Georgia (e.g., Mercer, Emory, Reinhardt, Wesleyan) receive a set tuition amount determined annually by GSFC.

 How to Apply

Applying for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 is a simple process but must be done carefully to avoid missing deadlines.

Step 1: Complete FAFSA or GSFAPP

Students must submit one of the following:

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or

• The Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP) available on the GSFC website.              Click here to visit the Website https://sfs.gsu.edu/zell-miller-scholarship/

Step 2: Ensure Your High School Submits Your Transcript

Your high school counselor must send official transcripts to confirm GPA eligibility.

Step 3: Meet SAT/ACT Score Requirements

Submit official standardized test scores to GSFC before the deadline.

Step 4: Check Application Status

Log in to your GAfutures account to track progress and confirm award eligibility.

Step 5: Maintain Academic Standards

Once awarded, keep your GPA above 3.3 to retain your scholarship through all checkpoints.

 Important Dates for 2025/2026

Students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing before fall semester billing.

 Why the Zell Miller Scholarship Matters

The Zell Miller Scholarship not only eases financial pressure but also motivates Georgia students to strive for academic excellence. It keeps talented individuals within the state, boosting local universities’ performance and the workforce’s overall quality.

For families, this program represents a life-changing opportunity — a full tuition scholarship that can save tens of thousands of dollars over four years.

It also aligns with the vision of Governor Zell Miller, who believed in investing in the potential of young Georgians to lead, innovate, and uplift their communities.

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 Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying, students often make these avoidable errors:

• Missing the SAT/ACT submission deadline

• Failing to maintain the minimum GPA in college

• Waiting too long to submit FAFSA or GSFAPP

• Ignoring GAfutures updates or missing renewal checkpoints

Avoid these mistakes by staying proactive and checking your GSFC account regularly.

Conclusion

The Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s higher education funding system. It rewards students who demonstrate excellence, determination, and a commitment to academic success.

By covering full tuition costs, this program allows students to focus on learning rather than financial strain. Whether you’re a high school senior or a current college student, maintaining high academic standards can unlock this incredible opportunity.

Start preparing early — because every GPA point and SAT score counts when your future is on the line.