Tennessee Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

Tennessee has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Tennessee, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Tennessee can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Tennessee Student Loan Programs

Tennessee doesn't have any unique student loan programs to help it's students pay for college. However, there are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Tennessee. 

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Tennessee Scholarship Programs

Tennessee has several scholarships available to students who want to attend college in the state.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship provides financial aid to students who show strong academic skills and have financial need.

The scholarship awards up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshmen and sophomore; then up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior

Learn more about the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship.

Ned McWherter Scholars 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 award is $6,000 per academic year, $3,000 from the State of Tennessee and $3,000 from the college or university attended. Awards are made in equal installments each term throughout the academic year.

Learn more about the Ned McWherter Scholars Program.

General Assembly Merit Scholarship

This is a supplemental scholarship to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. Students graduating from a Tennessee public school or category 1, 2, 3 private school must have a minimum 3.75  GPA* AND 29 ACT or a minimum 1350 SAT, exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests.

This awards up to $500 more per semester.

Learn more about General Assembly Merit Scholarship.

Tennessee Grant Programs

Tennessee also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Tennessee residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

Tennessee HOPE Access Grant

For need-based students who plan to attend college in the state of Tennessee. This grant provides:

Four-Year Institutions: Up to $2,500 per full-time enrollment semester, including summer

Two-Year Institutions: Up to $1,750 per full-time enrollment semester; including summer

You can learn more about the HOPE Access Grant.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Tennessee resident, check out our Tennessee Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Tennessee residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking to save for college in Tennessee, check out our Tennessee 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.