Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant
Tennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
Covers tuition and mandatory fees (after other gift aid) for students who were in Tennessee DCS custody at age 13 or older, for up to six years.
- How much
- Up to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees (cost of attendance minus gift aid)
- Who qualifies
- Former foster youth: in Tennessee DCS custody at age 13 or older (including adoption or permanent guardianship by DCS after 13)
- Meet HOPE high school academic requirements (21 ACT/1060 SAT or 3.0 GPA); DCS certification to THEC; admitted to an eligible institution within four years of high school graduation; satisfactory academic progress.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; term deadlines September 1 (fall), March 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA and have DCS send THEC official certification of your custody history
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (collegefortn.org)
The details
For students who were in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services at any time at age 13 or older, including those later adopted or placed in permanent guardianship by DCS after age 13. Award = cost of attendance minus gift aid (including Foster Care Independence Act/ETV funds), capped at tuition and mandatory fees. At private colleges it can't exceed the statewide average public tuition and fees. Requires the HOPE high school academic requirements, admission within four years of high school graduation, and satisfactory academic progress. Lasts up to six years from initial enrollment.
More money from Tennessee
- Tennessee HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior) at four-year colleges; up to $1,600 per full-time semester at two-year colleges; summer included (annual maximum up to $8,550)
- Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summers
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program$6,000 per academic year ($3,000 state + $3,000 institutional match)
- Middle College Scholarship$2,000 per semester ($4,000 per year)
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)Up to $4,000 per year at private four-year/two-year colleges; up to $2,000 per year at public colleges, private career schools and TCATs
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.