The Tennessee Hope Scholarship provides up to $2,250 per year for eligible students attending a four-year public university in Tennessee. For two-year colleges, the award is up to $1,500 per year. This article explains the exact amounts, eligibility rules, and how to keep the scholarship once you have it.
What Are the Current Award Amounts?
As of the 2026-27 academic year, the Hope Scholarship pays a fixed amount based on the type of school you attend. The amounts are set by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) and have not changed for several years.
| Type of Institution | Annual Award | Maximum Over 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Four-year public university | $2,250 | $9,000 |
| Two-year community college | $1,500 | $6,000 (up to 3 years) |
| Private or out-of-state college | $1,500 | $6,000 |
Note that the award for private or out-of-state schools is a flat amount, not based on tuition. Also, the Hope Scholarship is not a loan—you do not have to pay it back as long as you meet renewal requirements.
Who Is Eligible for the Hope Scholarship?
To qualify, you must be a Tennessee resident, a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and a high school graduate. You also need to meet specific academic requirements, which vary depending on how you apply.
GPA and Test Score Requirements
If you apply directly from high school, you need a minimum 2.75 GPA in your core high school courses. Alternatively, you can qualify with a 21 or higher on the ACT (or a comparable SAT score) combined with a 3.0 GPA. Home-schooled students must score at least 21 on the ACT to qualify.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the state deadline.
- You must enroll in a participating Tennessee college or university within 16 months of high school graduation.
- You must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester (full-time status).
- You must not have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply and Important Deadlines
Applying for the Hope Scholarship is straightforward. The key is to file your FAFSA early and meet all deadlines.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the FAFSA online at the official federal website.
- List at least one Tennessee college on your FAFSA.
- Ensure your high school sends your official transcript to TSAC.
- Check your eligibility status through the TSAC student portal.
Deadlines for 2026-27
For the 2026-27 academic year, the FAFSA priority deadline is typically February 1, 2026. However, the absolute final deadline is usually September 1, 2026. Missing the priority date may still allow you to receive the award, but you could miss out on other state aid. Always aim to file by the priority date.
Renewal Requirements: Keep Your Scholarship
Once you receive the Hope Scholarship, you must maintain eligibility each year. If you lose it, you may be able to regain it once under certain conditions.
What You Need to Keep It
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 at the end of each academic year.
- Complete at least 24 credit hours per academic year (or 12 per semester).
- Continue to file the FAFSA each year.
- Stay enrolled full-time at a participating school.
If your GPA drops below 2.75, you may lose the scholarship. However, you have one chance to regain it if you bring your GPA up to 2.75 after a subsequent semester. This is called the “one-time reinstatement” rule.
Hope Scholarship vs. Other Tennessee Aid
The Hope Scholarship is part of the Tennessee Student Assistance Award program. But there are other state grants you might qualify for, such as the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) or the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant. These have separate income or program requirements.
For most students, the Hope Scholarship is the main award. But if your family income is below a certain threshold, you might also receive the TSAA, which can add up to $1,000 per year. The total cannot exceed your cost of attendance.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Award
Here are a few actionable steps to make sure you get the full benefit:
- File your FAFSA early—ideally in October of your senior year.
- Check your high school GPA against the 2.75 threshold and retake ACT if needed.
- Keep track of your college GPA every semester, not just at year-end.
- If you lose the scholarship, don’t panic—work to raise your GPA and apply for reinstatement.
Final Summary
In short, the Tennessee Hope Scholarship offers up to $2,250 per year at public universities and $1,500 at community colleges. To qualify, you need a 2.75 GPA or a 21 ACT score, and you must file the FAFSA by the deadline. Keep your GPA above 2.75 and complete 24 credit hours per year to renew. Always verify the latest amounts and rules on the official TSAC website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Tennessee Hope Scholarship pay per year?
For the 2026-27 academic year, the Hope Scholarship pays $2,250 per year at a four-year public university and $1,500 per year at a two-year community college or private institution.
What GPA do I need to get the Tennessee Hope Scholarship?
You need a minimum 2.75 GPA in your core high school courses, or a 3.0 GPA combined with an ACT score of 21 or higher.
Can I keep the Hope Scholarship if my GPA drops below 2.75?
If your college GPA falls below 2.75, you will lose the scholarship, but you have one chance to regain it by raising your GPA to 2.75 after a later semester.
When is the deadline to apply for the Hope Scholarship?
The FAFSA priority deadline is typically February 1, and the final deadline is usually September 1 of the academic year. For 2026-27, the final date is September 1, 2026.
Does the Hope Scholarship cover full tuition?
No, the Hope Scholarship is a flat amount and does not cover full tuition. It is meant to help with costs, and you may need other aid or loans to cover the remainder.
