Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship
Tennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
HOPE-level award (up to $2,250-$2,850 per semester at four-year, $1,600 at two-year) for students with intellectual disabilities in an approved college program.
- How much
- Same as HOPE: up to $2,250 per semester (freshman/sophomore) and $2,850 per semester (junior/senior) at four-year institutions; up to $1,600 per semester at two-year institutions
- Who qualifies
- Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- Tennessee resident (TBR policy); completed a TN high school under an IEP with a diploma, occupational diploma, special education diploma, transition certificate or IEP certificate; enrolled in an eligible CTP program within 16 months of completing high school; apply every year.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Apply any time Each year: STEP UP application and FAFSA by September 1 (fall), March 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).
- How to apply
- Student and parent complete the STEP UP Scholarship application and the FAFSA each academic year by the term deadline
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (collegefortn.org)
The details
For students with intellectual disabilities who completed high school under an IEP and enroll in a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program of up to four years at an eligible institution. Same amounts as HOPE: full-time at four-year institutions up to $2,250 per semester as a freshman/sophomore and $2,850 as a junior/senior; full-time at two-year up to $1,600 per semester. Total aid can't exceed the cost of education. Eligible programs (2026): Chattanooga State Tiger Access, Dyersburg State Eagle Access, ETSU Access ETSU, Lipscomb IDEAL, Union EDGE, University of Memphis TigerLIFE, UT Knoxville UT FUTURE, UT Martin SAIL (starting fall 2026), Vanderbilt Next Steps. Continues with continual enrollment and satisfactory progress until the credential is earned or the program period ends.
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.