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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
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If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Top 29 Tennessee Scholarships in September 2023

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer Intern at Scholarships360. Cece is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. While at ASU, she has become the Education Editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece is also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Updated: September 1st, 2023

Known for its rich musical history in Memphis and Nashville and the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is a great state for everyone. The “Volunteer State” has a number of outstanding colleges and opportunities for Tennessee scholarships as well. Check out our list of the top Tennessee scholarships for college and graduate students!

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29 Scholarships
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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Sep 27, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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Bird Dog Foundation Annual Youth Art Contest
Bird Dog Foundation Annual Youth Art Contest

Offered by The National Bird Dog Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $2,000
Deadline Jan 15, 2024

Are you a K-12, art and nature-loving student who lives within a 75-mile radius of the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee? If…

Are you a K-12, art and nature-loving student who lives within a 75-mile radius of the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee? If…

Are you a K-12, art and nature-loving student who lives within a 75-mile radius of the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Bird Dog Foundation Annual Youth Art Contest! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $2,000 to applicants who submit the best art depicting wildlife and related themes such as nature conservation. The contest is hosted by The National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee, which is “dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of bird dog, field trial, and hunting traditions.” If you live within a 75-mile radius of Grand Junction, Tennessee, and want to put your artistic talents to good use, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program
NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program

Offered by National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc.

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

Are you a graduate student interested in working directly with children to address their special needs? If so, consider applying for the NAJA Graduate Scholarship…

Are you a graduate student interested in working directly with children to address their special needs? If so, consider applying for the NAJA Graduate Scholarship…

Are you a graduate student interested in working directly with children to address their special needs? If so, consider applying for the NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program! The program is open to students pursuing graduate-level studies for one year in fields that address the special needs of children and youth. Some such needs may include counseling, mental health, special education, speech pathology, exceptional children, remedial skills development, and gifted and talented. To help address these needs, the scholarship program was created by the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA). Since 1962, the Junior Auxiliary Project has served to help children and make a difference in their lives by providing support, resources, and education for its programs. Each year, multiple scholarships of varying amounts are awarded to help pay for the education of students planning to work with children. If you are interested in working with children and attending to their special needs, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Psychology, Healthcare

Other Category: Disability

State: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee

Next steps

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Tennessee Student Assistance Award
Tennessee Student Assistance Award

Offered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Multiple awards worth $2,000 - $4,000
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to financially-needy undergraduate students. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for…

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to financially-needy undergraduate students. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for…

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to financially-needy undergraduate students. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment, at least half-time, at a public or an eligible non-public postsecondary institution in Tennessee. Because available funding is insufficient to reach all eligible applicants, early filing of the FAFSA is strongly encouraged. While applicants should aim to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st, the deadline is February 1st. Awards will be made until funds are depleted, and first priority will be given to U.S. citizens. If you're a Tennessee resident seeking help to pay for your post-secondary education, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Other Category: Low Income

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Offered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Multiple awards worth up to $2,850
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

Discover the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, an incredible opportunity for recent high school graduates in Tennessee. This scholarship is exclusively for Tennessee residents who enroll in…

Discover the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, an incredible opportunity for recent high school graduates in Tennessee. This scholarship is exclusively for Tennessee residents who enroll in…

Discover the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, an incredible opportunity for recent high school graduates in Tennessee. This scholarship is exclusively for Tennessee residents who enroll in an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution within 16 months of graduation. Tennessee residents who enrolled in an out-of-state institution after high school are also eligible if they transfer to an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution. The HOPE Scholarship program awards courses leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree program. Don't miss out on this chance to receive financial assistance for your education. Submit your application by September 1st for the fall semester or February 1st for the spring and summer semesters. Keep reading for more information!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Other Category: Low Income

State: Tennessee

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students

Offered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Multiple awards worth up to $2,850
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is an incredible opportunity for Tennessee residents who are nontraditional post-secondary students. Applicants must be independent students enrolled…

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is an incredible opportunity for Tennessee residents who are nontraditional post-secondary students. Applicants must be independent students enrolled…

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is an incredible opportunity for Tennessee residents who are nontraditional post-secondary students. Applicants must be independent students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at an eligible Tennessee four-year postsecondary institution. To apply, students must submit the FAFSA by September 1 for the Fall semester, and by February 1st for the Spring and Summer semesters. If the scholarship is awarded to a student, the recipient must maintain continuous enrollment, a low adjusted gross income, and satisfactory academic progress to renew it. This is a perfect opportunity for those who are looking to further their education and achieve their dreams. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 2.8

Other Category: Low Income, Adult

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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Ned McWherter Scholars Program
Ned McWherter Scholars Program

Offered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Multiple awards worth $6,000
Deadline Feb 15, 2024

The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is a great opportunity for academically excellent Tennessee high school seniors to pursue their post-secondary education in-state. Applicants must have…

The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is a great opportunity for academically excellent Tennessee high school seniors to pursue their post-secondary education in-state. Applicants must have…

The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is a great opportunity for academically excellent Tennessee high school seniors to pursue their post-secondary education in-state. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a score of 29 on the ACT or SAT equivalent, and attend any college or university in Tennessee. This scholarship is the perfect way for Tennessee residents to kickstart their college careers. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to achieve academic excellence in The Volunteer State!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.5

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Sons and Daughters Scholarship
TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Sons and Daughters Scholarship

Offered by Tennessee Education Association

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 1, 2024

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Sons and Daughters Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are planning to enroll in a Tennessee…

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Sons and Daughters Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are planning to enroll in a Tennessee…

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Sons and Daughters Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are planning to enroll in a Tennessee college or university in preparation for becoming a teacher, or who an undergraduate or graduate student preparing to become a teacher and who are enrolled in a Tennessee college or university. All applicants must be children of TEA members. This scholarship is specifically designed for those who are planning to, or already are, majoring in Education. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and pursue your dreams!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Education

Other Category: Low Income

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship
TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship

Offered by Tennessee Education Association

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 1, 2024

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are passionate about education. If you're…

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are passionate about education. If you're…

The TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors who are passionate about education. If you're planning to major in education and attend a Tennessee college or university, this scholarship is for you! To be eligible, your high school must have an FTA Chapter affiliated with TEA. Don't miss out on this chance to pursue your dreams and make a difference in the lives of future generations!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Education

Other Category: Low Income

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award
Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award

Offered by Twisted Pink

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship…

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship…

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship due to a parent currently living with metastatic breast cancer who wishes to seek higher education as a post-high school graduate. At this time scholarship applications will be considered from individuals living in IN, KY, OH, or TN. To apply for the Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship, submit a written essay about the subject of your choice, no more than five pages in length. Applicants should include proof of nominee qualifications either in the form of an obituary, a copy of the death certificate, or a signed letter from the parents’ medical oncologist. Applications should be submitted to: Twisted Pink – Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award, 8016 Vinecrest Avenue #2, Louisville, KY 40222. Email applications can be sent to [email protected] with the Subject "Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award".

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Minimum GPA: 3.0

State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee

Next steps

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Dependent Children Scholarship Program
Dependent Children Scholarship Program

Offered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Multiple awards worth $13,260
Deadline Jul 15, 2024

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program is exclusively designed for dependent children of Tennessee's brave law enforcement officers, firemen, and emergency medical service technicians. If their…

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program is exclusively designed for dependent children of Tennessee's brave law enforcement officers, firemen, and emergency medical service technicians. If their…

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program is exclusively designed for dependent children of Tennessee's brave law enforcement officers, firemen, and emergency medical service technicians. If their heroic parents have tragically lost their lives or suffered permanent disabilities while dutifully serving, this scholarship is here to help. Open to full-time undergraduate students attending an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution, this scholarship offers a chance to pursue one's academic dreams without financial worries. Keep up the good work academically, and this scholarship can support you for up to four academic years. If you're eligible, we encourage you to apply.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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Tennessee Society of CPAs Educational and Memorial Foundation Scholarships
Tennessee Society of CPAs Educational and Memorial Foundation Scholarships

Offered by Tennessee Society of CPAs

Multiple awards worth $500 - $25,000
Expected deadline June 2024

The Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants Educational & Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program makes scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed introductory…

The Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants Educational & Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program makes scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed introductory…

The Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants Educational & Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program makes scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed introductory accounting courses and are planning to take the CPA exam. The committee's goal is to support students entering the accounting profession. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Accounting, Finance

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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American Legion Colonel Frederick B. Bowling, JROTC Cadet of the Year
American Legion Colonel Frederick B. Bowling, JROTC Cadet of the Year

Offered by American Legion Department of Tennessee

1 award worth $3,000
Expected deadline May 2024

The American Legion Colonel Frederick B. Bowling, JROTC Cadet of the Year scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for Tennessee JROTC cadets who have been awarded…

The American Legion Colonel Frederick B. Bowling, JROTC Cadet of the Year scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for Tennessee JROTC cadets who have been awarded…

The American Legion Colonel Frederick B. Bowling, JROTC Cadet of the Year scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for Tennessee JROTC cadets who have been awarded with The American Legion General Military Excellence or Scholastic Award Medals and received the Certificate. The awarding of these medals must come from an adopting American Legion Post. Applicants must be recommended by their JROTC Senior Instructor. If you're eligible, don't miss out on this chance to be recognized for your hard work and dedication to your JROTC program!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

Other Category: ROTC

State: Tennessee

Next steps

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Smartwool Scholarship
Smartwool Scholarship

Offered by United Negro College Fund

10 awards worth $2,500
Expected deadline April 2024

The Smartwool Scholarship will provide scholarships to students attending an HBCU in North Carolina or Tennessee. All academic majors are welcome, with preference given to…

The Smartwool Scholarship will provide scholarships to students attending an HBCU in North Carolina or Tennessee. All academic majors are welcome, with preference given to…

The Smartwool Scholarship will provide scholarships to students attending an HBCU in North Carolina or Tennessee. All academic majors are welcome, with preference given to applicants majoring in design, fashion, finance, marketing, operations, textiles, and similar studies. Applicant must have demonstrable engagement with the outdoors.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores & Juniors

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Other Category: Low Income

State: North Carolina, Tennessee

Next steps

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Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship

Offered by Southeastern Theatre Conference

1 award worth $2,000
Expected deadline April 2024

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC) region to major in theater. The SETC region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you're a college-bound student in the SETC region with a passion for theater, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts

State: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Next steps

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Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Offered by Regions Bank

Multiple awards worth up to $2,500
Expected deadline March 2024

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each year, the contest awards $5,000 to the top 30 high school applicants and $3,500 to the top 30 college applicants. In order to apply, you must submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about a Black American individual that has inspired you and their contributions. The scholarship is offered by Regions Bank, a banking service dedicated to keeping customers first, providing tech-driven convenience, and being a strong community partner. Bear in mind that you must reside or attend a college in a state with Regions full-service branches in order to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Race/Ethnicity: Black/African

Academic Interest: Film/Video Production

State: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas

Next steps

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Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship
Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Queener Law

1 award worth $1,500
Expected deadline March 2024

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Please visit…

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Please visit…

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

State: Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee

Next steps

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Known for its rich musical history in Memphis and Nashville and the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is a great state for everyone. The “Volunteer State” has a number of outstanding colleges and opportunities for Tennessee scholarships as well. Check out our list of the top Tennessee scholarships for college and graduate students!

How to win Tennessee scholarships

Tennessee is a perfect state for you to pursue your degree as it is home to lots of big cities, small towns, country music, beautiful mountains, and lots more. In order to win Tennessee scholarships and make your educational journey affordable, you will need to connect what makes Tennessee special to what makes you special. 

For example, perhaps you grew up going to small country shows in Nashville watching suture music stars be discovered and now you want to be a PR agent. Or perhaps hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains inspired your interest in becoming a park ranger. Whatever your personal interests, connect it back to your life as a Tennessean (or a hopeful future Tennessean!) This will help you stand out in the scholarship application pool and demonstrate how much the state of Tennessee means to you. 

By embracing your individuality and connecting it to the awesome characteristics of Tennessee, you can make a compelling case for why you are deserving of Tennessee scholarships. Celebrate your commitment to the “Volunteer State” in order to increase your chances of winning Tennessee scholarships! 

Writing resources for writing Tennessee scholarship essays

Tennessee scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself which can range anywhere from a 250 word essay to a 500 word essay. These scholarships may prefer you to write a scholarship resume. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 guide to finding and winning scholarships. Additionally, check out how to start and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your scholarship essay will be flawless from head to toe! 

Tennessee student debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, in total, Tennessee residents owe $31.4 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $36,418 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 51.8% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!

Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships in Tennessee colleges, as well as some top scholarships in Tennessee!

Merit scholarship at Tennessee colleges and universities

University of Tennessee

  • Eligibility: First year students who demonstrate high academic performance
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: December 15

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

  • Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who meet a wide range of competitive criteria 
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Admission to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Vanderbilt University

  • Eligibility: First year students who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise, are typically in the top 1% of freshmen applicants
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: December 1

Rhodes College

  • Eligibility: Freshmen who demonstrate academic talent, service and leadership achievements
  • Amount: $28,000 up to $40,000
  • Deadline: December 1

University of Memphis

  • Eligibility: First year students based on a combination of cumulative high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: December 1

Belmont University

  • Eligibility: Admitted first year students with strong academic credentials with a 27+ ACT, 1240+ SAT and a 3.7+ GPA
  • Amount: $3,000 up to $12,000
  • Deadline: Admission to Belmont University

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known Tennessee universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

University of Tennessee

  • In-state tuition: $13,244
  • Out-of-state tuition: $31,664

University of Memphis

  • In-state tuition: $10,344
  • Out-of-state tuition: $21,264

How do you get in-state tuition? 

Being a Tennessee resident significantly reduces the price of tuition at Tennessee institutions. In order to become a Tennessee resident for tuition purposes, you will need to physically reside in the state of Tennessee for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the start of college. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate an intent to establish Tennessee as your primary domicile rather than residing in the state solely for education purposes. Some ways to establish intent is by obtaining a Tennessee driver’s license, registering to vote in Tennessee, and filing taxes in Tennessee. Some Tennessee institutions may consider additional factors when determining residency status, so double check with your intended institution on their residency requirements! 

Does Tennessee offer tuition reciprocity? 

Yes, Tennessee is a member state of the Academic Common Market which is a tuition reciprocity program among select Southern states. This means that favorable college tuition rates may be available in nearby states. 

Tennessee scholarship spotlight

Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Female high school seniors pursuing a STEM degree full-time at a Tennessee or other Southern institution
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
  • Deadline: Mid-March

The Community Foundation of Central Tennessee Scholarship Application

  • Eligibility: Wide variety of scholarships available for Tennessee students, especially those in central Tennessee
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: February 1

College Pays Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program

  • Eligibility: Minority Tennessee undergrad or graduate students who are college juniors and above and are pursuing teacher certification and agree to be a full time teacher for one year in Tennessee after being granted the award
  • Amount: $5,000 per year
  • Deadline: Varies

Bird Dog Foundation Annual College Scholarship Essay Contest

  • Eligibility: Incoming Tennessee freshmen who are members of a bird dog club who submit an essay
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $2,000
  • Deadline: April 15

Stegall Charitable Foundation Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Tennessee residents applying to or attending a Tennessee school full-time with a minimum 2.8 high school GPA or 3.0 college GPA, and demonstrated financial need
  • Amount: $1,000 per semester
  • Deadline: July 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester

Tennessee Dependent Children Scholarship Program

  • Eligibility: Tennessee residents who are dependent children of a Tennessee first responders who were killed or totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: July 15

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Tennessee high school graduates enrolling at a Tennessee public university who hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and 21 ACT
  • Amount: $1,600 up to $2,850 per semester
  • Deadline: September 1 for fall semester, February 1 for spring semester

Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant

  • Eligibility: Students who meet the eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship and are enrolled in high-need courses
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: February 1 for spring, May 15 for summer semesters and September 15 for fall semester

Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant

  • Eligibility: US veterans who were honorably discharged or are current or former members of the Tennessee National Guard unit
  • Amount: $1,000 per semester
  • Deadline: September 1 for the fall semester and February 1 for the spring semester

Additional Tennessee resources

College Pays TN

This is a “one stop shopping” website for Tennessee students, including financial aid and FAFSA information. The website includes resources to assist not only high school, current college students, and adults returning to college, but also for families interested in college planning for their school age children. Bookmark this one!

FAFSA Guide

Remember, the FAFSA opens up in October and the sooner you complete it, the better. The FAFSA deadline in Tennessee is February 1st of each year. If you are looking for step-by-step guidance on the FAFSA, you can check out our FAFSA guide for assistance.

Frequently asked questions about Tennessee scholarships

What type of scholarships does Tennessee offer?

Tennessee offers a lot of different types of scholarships both for Tennessee residents and out-of-state students. These scholarships may include need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships and scholarships specific to a certain demographic.

Do I need to be a Tennessee resident to receive Tennessee scholarships?

Not necessarily! Many Tennessee scholarships may require applicants to be residents; however, there are also many scholarships that are open to non-Tennessee residents. Ultimately, make sure you are researching scholarships that you fit the eligibility criteria for!

Can international students apply for Tennessee scholarships?

Some Tennessee scholarships may be available to international students while others are specifically for U.S. citizens. You should check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to determine if you are eligible to apply!
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