Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers four primary types of financial aid: merit-based, need-based, athletic, and identity-specific awards. These scholarships significantly fund your education. MTSU offers many scholarships for freshmen, transfer students, and current enrollees.
The university’s most sought-after awards include the guaranteed academic scholarships, which are awarded automatically based on your academic profile. These guaranteed awards require a December 1st application deadline. These scholarships reduce the total cost of attendance. Incoming students must apply for admission to be considered for these funds.
MTSU manages all Foundation and departmental scholarships through the MTSU Scholarship Manager portal. Students must complete the General Scholarship Application to secure funding. This application matches students with specific donor-funded opportunities, providing comprehensive financial support. Completing the FAFSA is also necessary, if you seek need-based aid.
How to find and apply for MTSU scholarships
To find and apply for MTSU scholarships, students must use the MTSU Scholarship Manager portal. You gain access to the portal after your admission application is processed. The portal presents five key application types: the General Application, First-Time Freshman Applications, Transfer Student Applications, International Student Applications, and Departmental Applications. The General Application is the essential first step for all students.
To find and apply for MTSU scholarships, use four key methods:
- Use the Scholarship Manager: Go to the official MTSU Scholarship Manager and sign in with your PipelineMT username and password to view and apply for opportunities.
- Check for Incoming Freshmen: Visit MTSU’s incoming freshmen scholarship page for details on academic merit scholarships based on ACT/GPA.
- Check for Current Students: Find the General Scholarship Application and other opportunities for currently enrolled students on the MTSU financial aid website.
- Contact Your Department: For major-specific scholarships, contact your academic department directly, such as the Chemistry and Biochemistry department.
Types
MTSU offers three main types of institutional scholarships: guaranteed academic, competitive, and departmental awards. Guaranteed academic scholarships are merit-based, requiring specific GPA and ACT/SAT scores. They are awarded automatically to eligible incoming freshmen. Competitive scholarships require a separate application, including the prestigious Buchanan Fellowship. Foundation scholarships fund specific majors, such as Media Arts, Biology, and Computer Science.
Specific awards include:
- Academic Merit Scholarships: Awards for incoming freshmen based on GPA and ACT scores, with amounts and requirements varying by scholarship level (e.g., Century, Lightning, Blue Raider).
- Regional Scholars Program: Merit-based scholarships for the “Regional Scholars Program” with specific GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements.
- Department-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships for specific programs, like the S-STEM scholarship for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.
- DREAM Scholarship: A scholarship for incoming freshmen who are Tennessee residents and graduates of a Tennessee high school, providing $2,000 per year.
Coverage
MTSU scholarships provide varying levels of financial coverage, from tuition assistance to full-ride awards. Guaranteed Academic Scholarships award a specific amount annually, which renews for four years. The Presidential Scholarship awards up to $4,500 per year. The highly competitive Buchanan Fellowship offers a full-tuition scholarship plus a book allowance and special research opportunities. Departmental scholarships often cover specific expenses, like specialized fees, books, or travel costs. These funds cover essential academic needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria depend on the specific scholarship type. Guaranteed Academic Scholarships require incoming freshmen to meet eligibility criteria of a minimum 3.5 GPA and specific ACT/SAT scores. Foundation scholarships require students to meet specific donor-defined criteria, such as major, county of residence, or demonstrated financial need. Renewal criteria require students to maintain a minimum MTSU cumulative GPA, often a 3.0, and retain full-time enrollment status. Transfer students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA from a previous institution.
Application Process
The application process requires four key steps. First, submit your MTSU application for admission. Second, access the MTSU Scholarship Manager portal. Third, complete the General Scholarship Application. Fourth, complete all supplemental applications triggered by the system. Students must submit supporting academic documents, such as official transcripts, degree certificates, and standardized test scores. Submitting the FAFSA is also required, if you seek need-based awards.
Deadline
There are two primary MTSU scholarship deadlines. The priority deadline for incoming freshmen guaranteed academic scholarships is December 1st. You must submit your complete admission file by this date. The deadline for the General Scholarship Application and most departmental/foundation awards is March 1st. Students should submit applications before the deadline, if they wish to secure funding.
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