State of Tennessee Programs

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to financially-needy undergraduate students who are residents of Tennessee. 

Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high School, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied.  Students must attend mandatory meetings and participate in a mentoring program.  College students must attend full-time, continue to participate in the mentoring program, and perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received.

TN Reconnect Grant will be available beginning the Fall 2018 semester to students who have not previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree, are independent according to the FAFSA rules, and are enrolled part-time in an eligible program of study. 

TCAT Reconnect  is available to students with a FAFSA status of independent.  Students must enroll in a full-time program at a TN College of Applied Technology in order to be eligible.

Students must enroll at a public two-year postsecondary institution and be an independent student as determined by the FAFSA in order to be eligible to the Community College Reconnect Grant.  This program ends in Summer 2018 and students who remain eligible will begin participating in the Tennessee Reconnect Grant Program.

The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is intended to encourage academically superior Tennessee high school graduates to attend college in Tennessee. Tennessee high school seniors starting their last semester in high school may apply.

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program provides aid for Tennessee residents who are dependent children of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. The parent must be a Tennessee resident and have been on duty when the incident occurred. The scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending eligible Tennessee institutions.

The Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship is a program designed to assist students with intellectual disabilities who have completed high school and enroll in an individualized program of study of up to four (4) years at an eligible postsecondary institution.

Tuition assistance benefits are available for a two-year period beginning when an employee is separated due to a reduction in force. GED classes are also available through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Career Centers, and testing fees will be covered under the tuition assistance benefit.  This program is not offered to the general public, but only as one of the benefits provided to State employees who are impacted by the Reduction in Force. 

Tuition assistance benefits are available for a two-year period beginning when an employee is separated due to the voluntary buyout program. GED classes are also available through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Career Centers, and testing fees will be covered under the tuition assistance benefit.  This program is not offered to the general public, but only as one of the benefits provided to State employees who are impacted by the Voluntary Buyout Program.

The Tennessee General Assembly created this scholarship program to honor the memory of Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher who lost her life in the space shuttle Challenger accident. The scholarship program was established to encourage promising Tennesseans who have a commitment to teaching and inspiring young minds to explore and achieve their highest potential.