Georgia Deal Would Limit HOPE Scholarships

Georgia's legislative leaders have reached a deal on how to preserve the hugely popular HOPE scholarship program: They will limit its benefits, decreasing its value. HOPE has paid full tuition scholarships, plus covered books and fees, at any public college or university in Georgia for those who graduate from high schools in the state with at least a B average. The program is credited with keeping many top students in the state for college -- and it has been running out of money. Under the deal, the Associated Press reported, scholarships would no longer rise with tuition, the book stipend would be cut in half, student fees would no longer be covered, and HOPE funds could not be used for either remedial education or credits in excess of those needed to graduate in four years.