The Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 remains one of the most prestigious and competitive merit-based scholarships available to students in the state of Georgia. Established to encourage academic excellence, this scholarship helps talented high-achieving students reduce or completely eliminate the cost of attending eligible public universities and colleges in Georgia.
Zell Miller 2025/2026
Each academic session, thousands of students aim to qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship, but only those who meet the strict academic standards are awarded this financial support. If you are a high school student, parent, or undergraduate planning ahead, this detailed guide will help you understand everything about the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 academic year.
What Is the Zell Miller Scholarship?
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based state scholarship designed to fully cover standard undergraduate tuition for students attending public colleges and universities in Georgia. It is part of the HOPE Scholarship Program funded by the Georgia Lottery revenue.
Unlike the standard HOPE Scholarship, the Zell Miller Scholarship has higher GPA and standardized test score requirements and is considered the top-level version of the Georgia merit award system.
Who Is Eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026?
To qualify, a student must meet the following:
✔ Academic Requirements
- Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be a legal resident of Georgia
- Graduate from an eligible Georgia high school
- Achieve a minimum 3.7 HOPE-calculated GPA
- Score 1200+ on combined SAT OR
- Score 26+ composite ACT
✔ College Requirements
- Enroll at an eligible post-secondary institution in Georgia
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Complete the FAFSA or GSFAPP application form
- Maintain a minimum 3.3 cumulative college GPA
✔ Eligible Institutions
Applicants can use the scholarship at:
- University System of Georgia schools
- Technical College System of Georgia schools
- Certain private colleges in Georgia (partial coverage)
How Much Is the Zell Miller Scholarship Worth in 2025/2026?
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the scholarship:
Pays:
✔️100% of standard tuition at eligible public colleges
✔️A fixed portion at eligible private colleges
✔️Does NOT cover:
- books
- meal plans
- dorm fees
- lab fees
- personal expenses
Most students see thousands of dollars in tuition savings annually, depending on institution and course load.
Required Documents for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026
Students will typically need:
- High school transcript
- Standardized test score report
- College transcript (if applicable)
- Proof of Georgia residency
- FAFSA or GSFAPP submission confirmation
How To Apply for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026
Checking out on the official website Portal will still guide you more. Students have two ways to apply:
1. Complete FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
or
2. Submit GSFAPP
(Georgia Student Finance Application)
After that:
STEP 1: Apply to an eligible Georgia institution
STEP 2: Ensure your high school submits test scores & GPA
STEP 3: Monitor your college financial aid portal
STEP 4: Complete any additional verification
STEP 5: Maintain GPA for renewal
There is no traditional essay or interview requirement.
More Scholarships?:👉 Voice of Democracy Scholarship 2025/2026
Law school scholarship 2025/2026
How To Keep the Zell Miller Scholarship Once Awarded
Students must:
✔️ Maintain minimum 3.3 college GPA
✔️ Be enrolled at least half-time
✔️ Undergo academic checkpoints:
- 30 credit hours
- 60 credit hours
- 90 credit hours
✔️ Avoid academic probation suspension
✔️ Comply with Georgia residency rules
If GPA falls below the required 3.3, the scholarship can be downgraded to HOPE level or lost completely.
Benefits of the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026
Here are the main advantages:
- Full tuition coverage at Georgia public universities
- Reduced student debt
- Encourages academic performance
- Supports high achievers financially
- Increases graduation chances
- Motivates students to maintain excellence
For many, it is a life-changing financial opportunity.
✅ Best Tips to Qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026
- Start SAT/ACT preparation early
- Target 1200–1400 SAT range
- Keep high GPA from 9th grade onward
- Take AP & Honors classes wisely
- Use tutoring resources
- Track academic progress quarterly
- Apply early and confirm deadlines
Who Should Apply For Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026?
Ideal applicants include:
- High GPA students
- Students already on honor roll
- Dual-enrollment high school students
- Students planning to attend university in Georgia
- High-achieving scholarship seekers
Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 Deadlines
Deadlines vary by institution, but most recommend:
- Apply 3–6 months before enrollment
- Complete FAFSA early
- Check updates through Georgia Student Finance Commission
See Also:👉 Dell Scholarship 2025/2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026
1. What is the Zell Miller Scholarship?
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program in Georgia that covers 100% of standard undergraduate tuition for eligible students attending participating colleges and universities in the state.
2. Who qualifies for the Zell Miller Scholarship?
Students must be Georgia residents, graduate from an eligible high school, have a minimum 3.7 HOPE GPA, and meet standardized test requirements such as a 1200 SAT score or a 26 ACT composite score.
3. Does the Zell Miller Scholarship cover full tuition?
Yes. The scholarship covers full standard tuition at Georgia public colleges. Applicants attending private institutions receive a reduced award amount.
4. Does it cover books and housing?
No. The scholarship does not cover textbooks, supplies, housing, food, transportation, or personal expenses.
5. Do I need to complete FAFSA to apply?
Students can apply using either the FAFSA or the GSFAPP. Completing at least one is required for eligibility.
6. Can I receive Zell Miller funding at a private college?
Yes, but the scholarship amount is partial and does not fully cover tuition at private institutions.
7. How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is available until the student reaches:
127 attempted credit hours
or
7 years after high school graduation
whichever comes first.
8. Can the Zell Miller Scholarship be lost?
Yes. If a student’s college GPA drops below 3.3, the scholarship may be downgraded or removed entirely.
9. Can the scholarship be reinstated?
No, Zell Miller cannot be reinstated once lost, but students may still remain eligible for the HOPE Scholarship level.
10. What is the difference between HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship?
The Zell Miller Scholarship is the top tier of the HOPE program and has higher GPA and test score requirements. It provides greater financial coverage than standard HOPE.
11. When should students apply?
Students are encouraged to apply three to six months before their intended enrollment date to allow processing time.
12. Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores again after high school?
No. Scores only need to be submitted during the initial eligibility evaluation.
13. Can homeschool students qualify?
Yes, but they must follow alternate academic evaluation requirements set by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
14. Does dual enrollment affect eligibility?
Dual enrollment does not prevent eligibility. In fact, strong dual-enrollment performance can help meet GPA thresholds.
15. Are graduate students eligible?
No. The Zell Miller Scholarship is only available for eligible undergraduate study.
Conclusion
The Zell Miller Scholarship 2025/2026 is a powerful opportunity for academically strong students in Georgia who want to reduce college expenses and secure a tuition-free education. By meeting the strict academic requirements, preparing early, and maintaining excellent grades, applicants can position themselves to receive one of Georgia’s most respected financial aid awards.
For students who work hard and stay consistent, this scholarship can dramatically reduce financial stress and open doors to a successful and secure academic future.
