Paying for College

The Donovan Catholic School College Scholarship Reference Guide is a curated resource designed to help students and families navigate the landscape of college merit aid and need-based financial assistance. Compiled and maintained by the Donovan College Advisory program, this guide provides scholarship information for a wide range of institutions — including highly selective universities, Catholic colleges and universities nationwide, and regional private universities within driving distance of Athens, Georgia.

For each institution, the guide outlines available merit scholarship programs, typical award amounts, GPA and test score thresholds where published, application deadlines, and financial aid website links for further research. Need-based aid policies, including free tuition and no-loan programs at select institutions, are also noted where applicable.

This guide is intended as a starting point for research. Scholarship criteria, award amounts, and deadlines change annually. Students and families are strongly encouraged to verify all information directly with each institution's Office of Financial Aid before making enrollment decisions.

Last updated: March 2026

Donovan College Scholarship Reference Guide

Donovan College Scholarship Reference Guide

HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships

A student’s HOPE GPA (or Core GPA) disregards most elective courses and only focuses on core academic courses between 9th and 12th grade. The requirements for the HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarships reference the HOPE GPA, not to be confused with a student’s overall/cumulative GPA. The following requirements must be met by high school graduation in order to be eligible for the first year of college.

HOPE Scholarship
- 3.0 HOPE GPA and 4 “rigor” courses
- Covers a portion of tuition (traditionally about 85% at in-state public schools)
Zell Miller Scholarship
- 3.7 HOPE GPA, 4 “rigor” courses, and scoring either a 1200 SAT or 26 ACT
- Covers full tuition at in-state public schools

Students can check their HOPE GPA through the GAfutures website (See link on this page). As long as the student’s last name, SSN, and DOB is included on their GAfutures profile, they will be able to view their HOPE GPA report after finishing 9th grade.

HOPE/Zell Miller Grants

Georgia's HOPE and Zell Miller Grants (separate programs from the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships) are available to Georgia residents who are working towards a certificate or diploma (continuing education programs are not eligible) at an eligible college or university in Georgia. The two biggest differences between the scholarship and grant are:

1) The grant is given at select two-year and four-year colleges and has a limit of 63 credit hours.

2) The does require a minimum GPA.

Click the links on this page to learn more.

Applying for HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants

Applying for HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants can be done in one of 2 ways:

1) By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year OR

2) By completing the Georgia Student Finance Application (one time completion)

Application Deadline

The application deadline is the last day of the school term or a student's withdrawal date, whichever occurs first.

Recommendation: Submit the annual FAFSA or the GSFAPP as early as possible; the earlier you apply, the earlier your college can determine your eligibility and awards.

Note: Additional college-specific application and deadline requirements may be required. Check with colleges and universities for their specific deadlines.

See links on this page to apply.

Rigor Course List

By graduation, students need to have completed 4 rigorous courses to qualify for HOPE/Zell Miller (in addition to the other requirements):

AP English Language
AP English Literature
Algebra II
Precalculus / AP Precalculus
Calculus / AP Calculus
Statistics
Chemistry
Physics
AP Biology
Human Anatomy
Forensics
AP World History
AP US History
AP Seminar
AP Research
Spanish II, III, AP
Latin II, III, AP
Dual Enrollment courses

*In general, any and all AP and Dual Enrollment courses count as rigor credits*

Scholarship Websites & Resources

Scholarship Spreadsheet – links to various local, statewide, and national scholarship opportunities

Going Merry – Scholarship search database website. Students are able to build their profile and get matched with scholarships that they are eligible for. Students can apply directly to many scholarships using information that is already on their profile.

Big Future / College Board – Since students likely already have a college board account from taking the SAT, they can also utilize college board’s scholarship search engine.

GAfutures – Scholarship Search – Since students should already have a GAfutures account, they can also utilize GAfuture’s scholarship search engine.

While there are many scholarship search websites on the internet, all of the reputable scholarship sites are always free. Never sign up for a website that charges a fee to help you find scholarships–they are scams.

FINANCIAL AID – PARENT RESOURCES

Financial Aid 101 Presentation – introduces types of financial aid, federal and state programs, HOPE, and FAFSA

Student Guide to Federal Aid

Senior Year Financial Aid Calendar

Financial Aid Estimator – allows you to get an estimate of how much federal aid you will qualify for before filing the FAFSA

20 Financial Aid Questions to ask Colleges/Universities

Student Loan Ranger – a series of articles about finding and repaying student loans from ‘US News and World Reports’

What if your Financial Aid offer is not enough?

6 Signs you are thinking about college funding the wrong way

Financial Aid – Parent Resources