Zell Miller is the more demanding merit scholarship within Georgia’s HOPE programs. It can provide greater tuition support than HOPE to high-achieving students attending an eligible state university or technical college. “Zell Miller” does not mean every college expense is covered.
The high-school pathway requires a GSFC-calculated 3.7 HOPE GPA plus SAT 1200 in one sitting or ACT 25, or valedictorian/salutatorian status under program rules. College renewal requires a 3.3 GPA at set checkpoints; falling below can shift a student to HOPE if its requirements are met. The office also applies hour caps and residency rules.
At public institutions, Zell Miller amounts for fall 2026 through summer 2027 vary by college and credit load; private institutions use a separate schedule. Check the official 2026–27 award chart and your campus calculation: a 15-credit load does not produce the same amount at every school.
Complete FAFSA or GSFAPP and review the HOPE GPA calculation in GAfutures. If you qualify through test scores, ask the agency to confirm the accepted date and SAT/ACT type; scores from multiple sittings cannot be combined to meet the single-sitting threshold. Maintain a 3.3 college GPA and request review when transferring.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Georgia HOPE and Zell Miller programs — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
2026–27 Zell Miller Scholarship award amounts — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
2026–27 regulations — Georgia Student Finance Commission.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
Zell Miller and HOPE are separate awards: confirm which one appears in your account and check your campus’s 2026–27 chart.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Zell Miller Scholarship
A 3.7 HOPE GPA plus SAT 1200/ACT 25 or an eligible class distinction; renewal at 3.3 GPA; the 2026–27 public amount varies by college.
State student financial-aid program
Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), Zell Miller Program
The commission checks the merit pathway, residency, school, credits, and renewal checkpoints; the college reports the final award.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Zell Miller Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), Zell Miller Program ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Georgia Student Finance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.