Changes to HOPE passed the House today. The bill awaits Gov. Nathan Deal's final approval (Photo of the UGA Arch by Paul Efland, University of Georgia).
Full funding of tuition would only go to students with a 3.7 grade point average and a 1200 SAT score coming out of high school.
The governor’s floor leader, Republican Doug Collins, introduced the plan. He says current HOPE scholars must look back to their high school record and make sure they meet those requirements to keep the full scholarship.
"Otherwise it will be based on a regular HOPE scholarship now which will be based on a 3.0," Collins says.
Those with a 3.0 would receive 90 percent of tuition. Those students also qualify for a one percent interest loan to make up for the costs.
Under the new plan, future valedictorians and salutatorians of every school would also get full funding.
The governor says he will sign the bill early next week.
