Paying for College

Tennessee Promise

High school seniors in Tennessee may apply for the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which will provide two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in Tennessee.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program provides scholarship and grant assistance to Tennesseans attending eligible Tennessee postsecondary institutions. The program's purpose is to provide access for Tennesseans to post-secondary education, improve high school and collegiate academic achievement, keep more of the best and brightest students in Tennessee, and provide social and economic benefits to the state of Tennessee.

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment grant.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA opens in October for the following school year. To apply, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Anyone planning to attend college in the next academic year should fill out the FAFSA.

Here’s why:

• Each year, millions—sometimes billions—of dollars in federal aid is left on the table by students who didn’t file a FAFSA. It’s simple: If you don’t file, you won’t qualify for most financial aid.

• Your family doesn’t have to have a low income to qualify for assistance. Even if your family makes $200,000 a year, you could be eligible for aid.

• You automatically qualify for a low-interest federal loan when you submit a FAFSA. These loans are less expensive to pay back than many private student loans.

• Many work-study programs require the FAFSA.

• Some merit-based scholarships require the FAFSA to help them determine scholarship amounts.

• Both TN Promise and TN HOPE scholarships require submission of the FAFSA.

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School-Specific Financial Aid and Scholarships

Every school offers scholarships specifically for their students. This should be the first place you look for scholarship opportunities. Check each school's financial aid sites to find out what is available, and be sure to apply early. Most schools have a scholarship deadline that is well before their application deadline. You must check each school's timelines to find out when.

University Specific Financial Aid and Scholarships

Every university offers scholarships specifically for their students. This should be the first place you look for scholarship opportunities. Check each school's financial aid sites to find out what is available, and be sure to apply early. Most schools have a scholarship deadline that is well before their application deadline. You will have to check each school's timelines to find out when.