Bill > HB385

This bill amends Georgia law to allow academically successful students to use their full HOPE scholarship eligibility hours under specific circumstances, particularly for those pursuing multiple degrees or continuing their education promptly after earning a bachelor's degree. The HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) scholarship is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance for postsecondary education. Previously, a student's HOPE scholarship eligibility would end upon earning a baccalaureate or first professional degree. However, this bill introduces exceptions: students who are concurrently pursuing both a bachelor's degree and a first professional degree (like law or medicine) and maintain academic achievement standards can continue to use their full HOPE hours. Additionally, students who earn a bachelor's degree and then start a graduate program within 18 months, while continuously meeting academic standards, will also be able to use their full HOPE eligibility. An important exception is noted: if a student received state-funded postsecondary courses through the dual enrollment program (which allows high school students to earn college credit), the number of hours they can use for a first professional degree under these new provisions will be reduced by the number of dual enrollment hours they received. This change is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to the 2027-2028 academic year.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70185