Graduate from an ineligible high school or from an ineligible home study program, and complete 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college degree-level credit
For purposes of the HOPE Scholarship program, an ineligible high school and an ineligible home study program are defined as a school or program that is not accredited by one of the accrediting agencies listed in below.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (or has been accredited within the last two years);
- Georgia Accrediting Commission;
- Georgia Association of Christian Schools;
- Association of Christian Schools International;
- Georgia Private School Accreditation Council; or
- Southern Association of Independent Colleges.
If the high school or home study program is located outside the state of Georgia:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
- New England Association of Colleges and Schools;
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools;
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools;
- Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Alabama Independent School Association; or
- Florida Council of Independent Schools
A student who graduates from an from an ineligible high school or completes an ineligible home study program may receive the HOPE Scholarship retroactively for their freshmen year of college, if he or she earns a 3.00 cumulative grade point average after attempting 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college degree-level credit.
If you graduate from an ineligible high school or an ineligible home study program and are applying for a HOPE Scholarship retroactively for your freshman year of college, you must have an official copy of both your high school/home study program and college transcripts sent to the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
Also, be sure to include your current name, former name if applicable, date of birth, current mailing address, and phone number.
Submit the official transcripts and documentation to:
Georgia Student Finance Commission
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 100
Tucker, Georgia 30084
- You must also complete an application for the HOPE Scholarship by completing either the current year FAFSA or the HOPE application through GSFAPPS.
The deadline to apply for the HOPE Scholarship retroactive payment is the last day of the semester or quarter immediately following the semester or quarter in which you reached the 30 semester or 45 quarter attempted-hour point.
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