Tennessee Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Tennessee students
Tennessee has two standout programs: the HOPE Scholarship (merit-based, funded by the state lottery) and Tennessee Promise (free community college for recent high school graduates). Together these programs make Tennessee one of the most affordable states for higher education.
Tennessee grant programs
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Merit-basedUp to $4,500/year at four-year institutions; up to $2,250/year at two-year institutions
Eligibility
- Tennessee resident
- Minimum 21 ACT composite (or equivalent SAT) or 3.0 high school GPA
- Enroll at an eligible Tennessee institution within 16 months of high school graduation
- No felony drug convictions
- Maintain a 2.75 college GPA to renew
Deadline: Complete FAFSA by February 1 for priority consideration
Official info →Tennessee Promise
Merit-basedLast-dollar scholarship covering community/technical college tuition and fees after other grants
Eligibility
- Tennessee resident and recent high school graduate
- Apply during senior year of high school
- Complete FAFSA
- Attend mandatory mentoring sessions
- Complete 8 hours of community service per semester
Deadline: Apply by November 1 of senior year
Official info →Tips for maximising Tennessee aid
Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship — file the FAFSA first, because any Pell Grant you receive reduces what Promise needs to cover (but you still attend for free).
The HOPE Scholarship has a GPA-boost add-on called the General Assembly Merit Scholarship for students with a 3.75+ GPA and 29+ ACT — worth an extra $1,000/year.
Tennessee Promise requires community service hours and mentoring attendance — missing these requirements will disqualify you, so track deadlines carefully.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Tennessee that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.