Financial Aid in Tennessee (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Tennessee's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Tennessee FAFSA deadline for state aid
Tennessee Promise: April 1, 2026. State grant renewals: April 1, 2026. HOPE lottery scholarship: September 1, 2026 for fall.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Tennessee grant programs
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Lottery-funded merit award for Tennessee residents based on GPA or ACT score.
Tennessee Promise
Last-dollar scholarship making community and technical college tuition-free for recent graduates.
Tennessee Student Assistance Award
Need-based grant for Pell-eligible residents, awarded while funds last.
Administered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Tennessee students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Tennesseestudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Tennessee?
For 2026–27 state aid: Tennessee Promise: April 1, 2026. State grant renewals: April 1, 2026. HOPE lottery scholarship: September 1, 2026 for fall. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Tennessee offer?
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship: Lottery-funded merit award for Tennessee residents based on GPA or ACT score. Tennessee Promise: Last-dollar scholarship making community and technical college tuition-free for recent graduates. Tennessee Student Assistance Award: Need-based grant for Pell-eligible residents, awarded while funds last. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Tennessee resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Tennessee?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.