The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship represents a significant commitment by the state to foster higher education and make college best accessible for its residents. Funded by the Tennessee Education Lottery, this merit-based scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to deserving high school graduates, helping to bridge the gap between the rising costs of tuition and a student’s ability to pay. By rewarding academic achievement, the program encourages students to excel in their studies and pursue their postsecondary ambitions at eligible institutions within the state.
Since its inception, the HOPE Scholarship has become a cornerstone of financial aid for thousands of Tennessee families, transforming the landscape of higher education. The program is not merely a financial transaction but an investment in the state’s future, empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals. It creates a powerful incentive for students to perform well academically and remain in Tennessee for their college education, thereby contributing to the state’s intellectual and economic vitality.
This premium scholarship program is designed to support students throughout their undergraduate journey, provided they continue to meet the required academic standards. From four-year universities to two-year community colleges, the HOPE Scholarship offers a pathway to a degree and a brighter future. Understanding the specifics of this valuable award is the first step for talented Tennessee student planning to attend college, ensuring they can take full advantage of the opportunities it provides.
Scholarship Coverage
- Eligible Programs & Degrees: The HOPE Scholarship can be used for associate or bachelor’s degree programs at eligible postsecondary institutions in Tennessee. This includes public universities, community colleges, and private colleges that meet the eligibility criteria. The courses taken must be part of the student’s program of study.
- Stipend: The award amount varies based on the institution and the student’s year in college.
- Four-Year Institutions: Up to $2,250 per semester for freshmen and sophomores, and up to $2,850 per semester for juniors and seniors.
- Two-Year Institutions: Up to $1,600 per semester for freshmen and sophomores.
- Up to $4000 annual Award available as well.
- Country: This scholarship is exclusively for students attending eligible institutions within the United States, specifically in the state of Tennessee.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, entering freshmen must meet the following requirements:
- Residency: Must be a Tennessee resident for at least one year prior to the application deadline.
- High School Graduation: Must be a graduate of an eligible Tennessee high school, a Tennessee homeschool program, or have earned a GED/HiSET.
- Academic Merit: Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following academic thresholds:
- Achieve a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT.
- Achieve a minimum combined score of 1060 on the SAT.
- Earn an overall minimum final high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment: Must enroll at an eligible postsecondary institution within 16 months of graduating high school.
- Learn complete Hope Tennessee Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Application Process
The application process for the HOPE Scholarship is integrated with the federal student aid process. Follow these five steps carefully:
- Create an FSA ID: Both the student and at least one parent (for dependent students) will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov. This ID serves as your electronic signature for the FAFSA.
- Complete the FAFSA: The primary application for the HOPE Scholarship is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must complete this form online. The FAFSA collects financial information to determine your eligibility for various types of financial aid, including the HOPE Scholarship.
- List a Tennessee School: On the FAFSA, you must list at least one eligible Tennessee college or university that you are considering attending. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) uses this information to determine your eligibility for state aid.
- Submit Before the Deadline: The FAFSA must be completed and submitted by the state-specific deadline to be considered for the HOPE Scholarship. It is highly recommended to submit the application as early as possible.
- Check Your Status: After submitting the FAFSA, you can create an account on the TSAC Student Portal to monitor your state financial aid status, including your HOPE Scholarship eligibility and award details.
