Promise Scholarship Program
In 2024, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 233 and enacted the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act.
The program will provide eligible students with the opportunity to use public funds for non-public education expenses in grades Kindergarten through 12th. Eligible uses include private school tuition, tutoring services, and other qualified education expenses.
The Promise Scholarship Program is currently under development and updates will be available soon.
The Georgia Promise Scholarship
What is the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
The Georgia Promise Scholarship is an education choice program. The program will provide eligible students with the opportunity to use public funds for non-public education expenses in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Eligible uses include private school tuition, tutoring services, and other qualified education expenses.
What is the scholarship amount?
For the first year of the program (the 2025 - 2026 academic year), the scholarship amount is set by law at a maximum of $6,500. The Georgia Education Savings Authority may withhold up to 5 percent of the scholarship proceeds for administrative purposes.
When will scholarship funding be available?
The initial funding of approved student accounts will be on or after July 1, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
A student who has been enrolled in a Georgia public school for two consecutive full-time equivalent (FTE) counts (typically one academic year) or is a rising kindergarten student AND resides in a Georgia public school attendance zone that is included in a list produced annually by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement of the lowest 25% of all public schools based on cumulative individual school ratings.
Is it possible to receive priority consideration for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
- Students whose family income does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level will receive priority consideration. The Federal Poverty Level used to determine eligibility is defined annually by the federal Office of Management and Budget.
- Students who receive an initial scholarship will receive priority consideration over new applicants to the program.
How will families apply?
The Georgia Education Savings Authority is developing an online application for the Fall 2025 semester. The application portal is expected to open in early 2025. More information will be available online at a website that is under development.
What are eligible uses of scholarship funds?
Scholarship funds may be used for the following qualified education expenses:
- Tuition, fees, required textbooks, curriculum, and supplemental materials.
- Tutoring services provided by an educator certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
- Services from a physician or licensed therapist for occupational, behavioral, physical, or speech-language therapies, and others.
- Transportation from/to a service provider (up to $500 per year).
- Expenses authorized by the Georgia Education Savings Authority, the Georgia Board of Education, or the Parent Review Committee to be established for this purpose.
How will scholarship funds be distributed?
The Georgia Education Savings Authority is developing an online platform for families to apply for and make payments to eligible providers and vendors from an individual student’s Georgia Promise Scholarship account.
What if I do not use all the funds available in my account?
Up to 50% of unused Promise Scholarship awards in an academic year may carry forward to the following academic year.
May funds be used out of state?
No, the law requires that service providers must be physically located in Georgia.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes, parents must have been a Georgia resident for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military.
Is there an age limit?
Students in the program remain eligible to receive funds until returning to a public school or reaching the age of 20. Special education students may stay in the program until age 21.
May a student receive both the Georgia Promise Scholarship and the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship?
A student is ineligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship if they receive the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.
May a student receive both the Georgia Promise Scholarship and a Georgia Student Scholarship Organization Scholarship?
A student is ineligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship if they receive a Georgia Student Scholarship Organization Scholarship.
May a student attend a public school and receive the Georgia Promise Scholarship for tutoring services?
No, a student currently enrolled in a public school is ineligible to receive the Georgia Promise Scholarship.