Tennessee STRONG Act (State Tuition Assistance for the Tennessee National Guard)
Tennessee Military Department
Last-dollar tuition reimbursement up to 100% of in-state tuition (UT Knoxville rate) for current Tennessee National Guard members pursuing a first certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's degree.
- How much
- Up to 100% of maximum in-state tuition (UT Knoxville rate), last-dollar; plus course/program fees up to $3,500 (undergraduate) or $7,500 (graduate) per fiscal year
- Who qualifies
- Currently serving member of the Tennessee National Guard (Army or Air), in good standing
- Serving when the term ends; not flagged; no bachelor's degree (for associate/bachelor's study) or no graduate degree (for graduate study); attend a TCAT, accredited community college, four-year public university or private school with its main campus in Tennessee; use Federal TA if eligible; 2.0 term GPA for undergraduate study (3.0 graduate).
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Per term: complete packet due within 45 days of the last day of class.
- How to apply
- Enroll and register for classes using Federal TA (ArmyIgnited)
- Have your school's certifying official complete Section III of the reimbursement request
- After classes end, email the complete packet (reimbursement request, billing statement, grade report) to the Army or Air State TA Manager within 45 days of the last day of class
- What you'll need
- state application + membership + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (tn.gov)
The details
Tuition reimbursement for currently serving Tennessee National Guard members, used alongside Federal Tuition Assistance. Pays the school up to 100% of the maximum resident undergraduate or graduate in-state tuition (UT Knoxville rate) after Federal TA, scholarships, grants and other aid (last-dollar). Covers up to 130 undergraduate and 40 graduate semester hours, one degree per level (associate, bachelor's, master's), plus TCAT vocational programs. Cadets in officer-producing programs may get 30 more military science hours. Since July 1, 2026, course and program fees are also reimbursed, up to $3,500 per fiscal year for undergraduates and $7,500 for graduate students (Oct 1-Sep 30), subject to funds. Requires a 2.0 term GPA for undergraduate study (3.0 for graduate). Not for lower or lateral credentials or CEUs.
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
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