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    The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

     

    The Tennessee Lottery Scholarship Program, The HOPE Scholarship, is available for TN residences attending an in-state college or 2-year university. The HOPE Scholarship awards up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a first-year student and sophomore; then up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior.

     

    In order to receive the HOPE Scholarship, a student must have:

     

    3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) OR  21 on the ACT.

     

     

    *If the qualifications are met-Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.gov. Applications must be received by February 1st for spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended!

    To qualify for these scholarships and grants, a student must complete the FAFSA, be a U.S. citizen, or be an eligible non-citizen (with some exceptions) and be a Tennessee resident one year prior to the application deadline. In Tennessee, to be eligible for the most amount of scholarship money and financial aid, every senior must complete the FAFSA. 

    Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

    The HOPE Scholarship is worth up to $2,250 per semester for freshman and sophomores and $2,850 per semester for juniors and seniors at a four-year institution; and up to $1,600 per semester for two-year institutions. The application is the FAFSA. 

    • Requirements: 
      • Minimum 21 ACT composite (or concordant equivalent on the SAT) on a national or state test date OR
      • Final cumulative 3.0 GPA for entering freshman graduating from a eligible school. 

    Aspire Award

    The Aspire Award provides up to $750 per semester at a four-year institution and up to $250 per semester at a two-year institution as a SUPPLEMENT to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. The application is the FAFSA. 

    • Requirements:
      • Meet Tennessee HOPE Scholarship requirements AND
      • Parents' or independent student's (and spouse's) adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on tax form.
      • Students may receive ASPIRE or GAMS (see below), but not BOTH

    General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS)

    The award amount is up to $500 per semester as a SUPPLEMENT to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. The application is the FAFSA. 

    • Requirements
      • At least a final cumulative 3.75 GPA and 29+ ACT composite (or concordant equivalent on the SAT) on a national test date or state test date. 

    Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant

    The award amount is up to $2,000 per academic year. The application is the FAFSA

    Requirements:

    • Available to anyone who enrolls in a certificate or diploma program at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology and meets residency requirements 

    Tennessee Promise

    The Tennessee Promise is a scholarship and mentoring program that allows students in Tennessee to attend a community or technical college tuition-free. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the HOPE Scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state's 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institutions offering an associate degree program. For a guide on how to apply, please click the TN Promise link located under the Important Links section. 

    • Requirements: 
      • Apply for the scholarship   
      • Complete the FAFSA
      • Attend mandatory mentor meeting
      • Apply to a community or technical college 
      • Complete and report eight hours of community service

    Ensure that all TN Promise requirements are completed before their deadlines. 

    Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

    The amount of the award is based on the institution indicated on the student's FAFSA. Award amounts for an academic year are: four-year/two-year private - $4,000; and four-year/two-year public/Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology/career schools - $2,000. 

    • Requirements: 
      • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 5,846 or less on the FAFSA
      • Priority for this award is given to U.S. citizens