Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
HOPE for independent adult students with AGI of $36,000 or less in a bachelor's program: up to $2,250 per semester (years 1-2) and $2,850 per semester (years 3-4).
- How much
- Up to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summers
- Who qualifies
- Tennessee resident; independent student per the FAFSA; enrolled in a baccalaureate program at an eligible four-year institution; adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less; continuous fall and spring enrollment; 2.75 cumulative GPA after 12 attempted hours as a recipient.
- For undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- 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, listing an eligible four-year Tennessee institution
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (collegefortn.org) and page 2
The details
For students who are independent on the FAFSA and enrolled in a baccalaureate program at an eligible four-year institution. Up to $2,250 per full-time semester (including summers) as a freshman and sophomore and up to $2,850 as a junior and senior. Only courses in the student's program count. Requires adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less, continuous fall/spring enrollment, and a 2.75 cumulative GPA after 12 attempted hours (earlier college hours don't count). Renewal: 2.75 at 24 and 48 attempted hours; 3.0 at 72 and 96 hours and each 24 after (or 2.75-2.99 with a 3.0 semester GPA, semester by semester, full time). Can be regained once. Ends at a bachelor's degree or five years after enrolling as a nontraditional student.
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)
- 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
- Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant$2,000 per academic year (up to $667 per trimester)
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.