Top 7 Tennessee Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Tennessee Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students in Tennessee?

Tennessee offers one of the strongest statewide financial aid systems in the country, providing students with multiple ways to reduce the cost of higher education. The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, Tennessee Promise Scholarship, and Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant form the core of the state’s aid programs and support thousands of students each year attending universities, community colleges, and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). These state-funded programs help cover tuition, fees, and in many cases additional academic expenses, making higher education more accessible for both traditional and nontraditional students. In addition to statewide programs, Tennessee colleges and universities offer numerous institutional scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, leadership involvement, or major-specific interests. Community groups, private donors, and professional organizations also contribute significant funding that students can stack with state and federal aid.

• Tennessee HOPE Scholarship — merit-based aid funded by the state lottery.
• Tennessee Promise Scholarship — last-dollar tuition support at community colleges and TCATs.
• Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant — supports technical training at TCAT institutions.
• Institutional scholarships from Tennessee universities and colleges.
• Private, local, and foundation-based scholarships across the state.

Are There Scholarships in Tennessee for Adults?

Yes. Tennessee is widely recognized for its strong support of adult learners through programs focused on helping residents return to school or complete unfinished degrees. The Tennessee Reconnect Grant provides tuition-free access to community colleges and eligible technical colleges for adults who have not yet earned a college degree. This program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing adult learners to take evening, weekend, or part-time coursework while balancing work and family responsibilities. Adults pursuing career-focused training may also benefit from the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, which helps cover tuition at all TCAT locations. Together, these programs help adult learners enter high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and skilled trades.

• Tennessee Reconnect Grant — tuition-free community and technical college for eligible adults.
• Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant — up to $2,000 annually for TCAT programs.
• Flexible scheduling options for working adults.
• Career-aligned training programs in high-demand fields.
• Additional adult-learner support available through local colleges and community organizations.

What Scholarships Are Available for College in Tennessee?

Tennessee students have access to a variety of statewide financial aid programs that support both merit and need-based achievement. The HOPE Scholarship remains the state’s flagship merit award, granted to students who excel academically in high school. For students with documented financial need, the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) provides additional support and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Beyond state-funded programs, universities such as the University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Memphis offer their own institutional awards that may be based on GPA, test scores, artistic talent, athletic ability, or leadership involvement. Private institutions across Tennessee also maintain competitive scholarships for academically strong or mission-driven students.

• HOPE Scholarship — statewide merit award for academically strong students.
• Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) — need-based aid for low-income students.
• Institutional scholarships at public and private universities.
• Departmental and program-specific awards for majors like engineering, business, and nursing.
• Community and private foundation scholarships across Tennessee.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Tennessee?

Several Tennessee colleges and universities offer full-ride or near full-ride scholarships to attract exceptional students. These programs typically cover tuition, fees, room, board, and may include stipends for research, study abroad, or leadership development. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers prestigious awards such as the Chancellor’s Honors Scholarship, while Vanderbilt University provides nationally recognized programs like the Trustee Scholarship and the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. Additional institutions—including Rhodes College, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University—offer comprehensive merit-based packages for top-performing applicants. Because these scholarships are highly competitive, students should prepare strong academic records, leadership experience, recommendation letters, and early applications.

• Chancellor’s Honors Scholarship (UT Knoxville) — major full-ride or near full-ride award.
• Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship — full tuition plus enrichment funding at Vanderbilt.
• Trustee Scholarship — comprehensive merit package at Vanderbilt University.
• Full-ride opportunities at Rhodes College, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University.
• Highly competitive programs requiring exceptional academic and leadership credentials.

What Scholarships Are Offered by the University of Tennessee?

The University of Tennessee System offers a wide variety of scholarships across its Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Martin campuses. The Volunteer Scholarship rewards strong academic achievement based on GPA and standardized test scores, while the Beacon Scholarship supports students from underrepresented backgrounds. The Pledge Scholarship guarantees full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying low-income Tennessee residents. In addition, individual colleges and departments within the UT System offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing majors such as engineering, business, nursing, agriculture, and the arts. Many of these institutional scholarships are awarded automatically with admission, making early application essential.

• Volunteer Scholarship — merit-based award determined by GPA and test scores.
• Beacon Scholarship — supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Pledge Scholarship — guarantees tuition and mandatory fees for eligible low-income residents.
• College and departmental awards across UT campuses.
• Automatic consideration for many scholarships when applying early.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Tennessee?

Tennessee high school seniors can use multiple scholarship programs to reduce the cost of higher education. The Tennessee Promise Scholarship provides last-dollar tuition coverage at community colleges and technical colleges, making it one of the most significant opportunities for graduating seniors. The HOPE Scholarship rewards academic excellence and is available to students attending public or private institutions. Additional programs, such as the Ned McWherter Scholars Program, recognize top academic performers and student leaders with substantial awards. Local organizations, civic groups, and regional foundations throughout Tennessee also sponsor scholarships based on factors such as academic achievement, community service, future major, or geographic location.

• Tennessee Promise Scholarship — last-dollar tuition coverage at community colleges and TCATs.
• HOPE Scholarship — merit-based award for strong academics.
• Ned McWherter Scholars Program — up to $6,000 per year for exceptional seniors.
• Local and regional scholarships through school districts and community foundations.
• Subject- and career-specific scholarships for graduating seniors.

What Is the Tennessee Promise Scholarship?

The Tennessee Promise Scholarship is a groundbreaking statewide program that provides tuition-free access to community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). As a last-dollar scholarship, it covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after students apply federal and state financial aid. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA, attend required mentor meetings, and complete eight hours of community service each semester. The program encourages civic engagement and offers a structured transition from high school to higher education. Many Tennessee Promise students choose to complete a two-year program before transferring to a four-year university, significantly reducing overall costs.

• Last-dollar coverage for tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges and TCATs.
• Requires completion of FAFSA and mandatory mentoring sessions.
• Students must complete eight hours of community service per semester.
• Supports immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year university.
• Promotes affordability and increases postsecondary enrollment statewide.

What Is the HOPE Scholarship in Tennessee?

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, funded by the state lottery, is one of the state’s most widely used merit-based financial aid programs. It is awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance in high school, requiring either a minimum 3.0 GPA or an ACT composite score of 21. Award amounts vary based on institution type and grade level, providing substantial support for students at both two-year and four-year colleges. At four-year universities, the scholarship can provide up to $2,250 per semester for freshmen and sophomores and up to $2,850 per semester for juniors and seniors. The scholarship is renewable as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet GPA requirements.

• Requires a minimum 3.0 high school GPA or ACT score of 21.
• Provides up to $2,250–$2,850 per semester at four-year universities.
• Offers up to $1,600 per semester at two-year institutions.
• Renewable with satisfactory academic progress.
• Helps significantly reduce college costs when combined with TSAA or institutional aid.