Those who live in the state of Tennessee do not have to look too far to find public education grants to help pay for a portion of their postsecondary education. Let us take a look at the many public education grants that are available in Tennessee.
Tennessee Student Assistance Awards
The number one program for grant money in the state of Tennessee is the Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA).This program was created to make it possible for the students that are the most financially needy to be able to find the funds to attend a college or university in the state. In some instances the total cost of tuition may be covered by this grant program, depending upon the circumstances of the individual student. This is evaluated on a case by case basis.
To be eligible for this grant program you must either be a full-time student or be attending school half-time. You must be attending (or planning to attend) a public college or an eligible non-public postsecondary institution in the state. The money from this grant program is distributed on a first come, first served basis. For that reason the sooner you apply for the TSAA program the better will your potential be for being selected.
Those who apply for this Tennessee public education grant must be a resident of the state and must have a valid Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $2,100 or less. The student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for this grant program. It is strongly recommended that students submit their FAFSA forms as soon as possible after the 1st of January.
The Helping Heroes Grant
If you are an honorably discharged veteran who formally served in the Armed Forces in the U.S. or are a former or present member of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit who was called into active military service than you are eligible to apply for the Helping Heroes Grant to attend an institution of higher learning.
You must have been a Tennessee resident for at least 12 months prior to applying for this grant. To qualify for this grant program you must have been awarded an Afghanistan Campaign Metal, an Iraq Campaign Metal or a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal on or following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The individual who applies for the Helping Heroes Grant must be enrolled at an eligible postsecondary school that offers two and four year degree program. The amount of money awarded is $1,000 per semester for a student who is successfully able to finish 12 or more semester hours without failing a grade of the course. A student who successfully completed six to 11 semester hours with no failing grade is qualified to receive $500 per semester. Please note that those attending college or university les than six hours per semester are not eligible for this grant.
Tennessee Hope Access Grant
The Tennessee Hope Access Grant is another grant program that is available to Tennessee residents who are college or university bound and are attending or planning to attend a postsecondary institution in the state. The amount of money awarded for this grant is $2,750 for four year schools, as well as two year schools that offer housing on campus. Those who attend two year schools with no on-campus housing are eligible to receive $1,750.
Freshmen just beginning school must possess a minimum weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 and an 18-20 ACT (860-970 SAT). This is exclusive of the essay as well as optional subject area battery tests. The combined adjusted gross income of the student, his/her parents and/or his/her spouse must be less than $36,000 in order for the eligibility requirements to be met.
This grant is non-renewable. This does not mean that you can only receive it once but that in order to receive the money from this grant a second time you must meet all of the renewal criteria and you must maintain your enrollment and other applicable requirements without the award before being eligible to receive it again.
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant
Those who are enrolled in a diploma or certificate program at a Tennessee Technology Center are eligible to apply for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant. You must fill out a FAFSA form to apply. The award amount is $2,000 (or no more than the cost to attend the school). You must have resided in the state at least one year before applying for this grant.
