The state of Tennessee is home to 80 four-year public universities, two-year community colleges, and private undergraduate and graduate universities combined. Whether you’re a high school senior looking at attending an Tennessee college or university, or you’re a current college student at one of Tennessee’s many institutions, this post highlights several great Tennessee scholarships and resources for you to take advantage of.
But first, let's go over some of Tennessee's most well-known higher education institutions.
In terms of size, the award for largest campus goes to the The University of Tennessee located in Knoxville. In the fall of 2024, UTK enrolled its largest freshman class in history reporting over 6,700 students.
Leading behind UTK in enrollment numbers, we have University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University. With tuition prices of $8,352 and $7,344, respectively, both are also great option behind UTK.
Lastly, we would remiss if we did not mention Vanderbilt University. Although not a public school, Vanderbilt still is one of the top schools in the county!
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
While our quarterly scholarship is not exclusive to Tennessee students, it’s a great no-essay scholarship to apply for in addition to the scholarships on this list! Open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years. DACA students are also encouraged to apply.
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: Monthly
Details: This monthly scholarship is open to all college students! Just fill out one simple registration form.
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors as all undergraduate students
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, December 31
Eligibility:Before we get into some of the South Dakota-specific scholarships, check out our very own no-essay scholarship open to high school students of all years!
Amount: $2,850
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: 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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to students who are permanent residents of states with Junior Auxiliary Chapters: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Must be pursuing graduate level studies in a field that addresses the special needs of children and youth.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Are you a college-bound high school senior from Central Tennessee or Southern Kentucky who demonstrates sound ethical behavior and decision-making in your leadership roles at school and in your community? If so, consider applying for the BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Attention high school seniors and college students from Iowa, Ohio, and Tennessee! If you’re a member of the Future Farmers of America and you’re interested in studying agriculture or natural resources, the Bridgestone Collegiate Scholarship could be your ticket to financial aid for your college degree!
Amount: $8,000
Deadline: Varies
Details: For the opportunity to win an $8,000 scholarship, submit a video or written essay about an individual you know personally (who lives in your community) who has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 31
Details: The Wayne Dudley Scholarship is available to high school seniors and undergraduate students who or their parents reside in the Premier membership area and must be active Premier customers. Students planning to pursue postsecondary education in agriculture-related fields are welcome to apply.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship is a golden opportunity for aspiring nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Amount: $500 to $5,000
Deadline: February 6
Details: Jimmy Rane Foundation scholars are students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership skills and community involvement as well as activities, awards and honors, and who have a demonstrated financial need in order to attend college.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: deadline is twice yearly – July 1 and December 1
Eligibility: Are you a Tennessee resident or a current/incoming student at a Tennessee college or university? If so, the Stegall Charitable Foundation Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000.00 per semester (no more than two per year) to selected high school students, high school graduates, and existing college students who plan to embark on a full-time college program within one year of the scholarship application deadline.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: The James K. Goldston Cybersecurity Scholarship was established to assist students from Tennessee to pursue in-state undergraduate programs of study in computer engineering, computer science, cyber science, or information security.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Award of $10,000 per year award for four years. Applicant must be in full-time enrollment in an accredited public or private, not-for-profit college or university in the state of Tennessee, graduating senior of high school located in Blount, Loudon, or Knox (TN) County, or current college/university student who graduated from a high school located in Blount, Loudon, or Knox (TN) County and a resident of Blount, Loudon, or Knox County. Medicine, Healthcare, Nursing major are welcome to apply
Amount: $3,500
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: The Women’s Southern Golf Association Scholarship is available to female graduating high school seniors interested in golf. Residents of the approved 15 southern states or the District of Columbia are eligible to apply.
Amount: Unmet Tuition + Fees Costs
Deadline: November 1
Eligibility:Are you a college-bound high school senior or GED recipient who will be attending any of Tennessee’s 13 community colleges or 24 colleges of applied technology? If so, Tennessee Promise may be a great opportunity for you! Tennessee Promise works as a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it may cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the federal Pell Grant, the HOPE Scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award at any of the state’s 13 community colleges or 24 colleges of applied technology.
The majority of Tennessee's financial aid resources for students comes from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
College for TN is another great resource for prospective and current Tennessee college students. College for TN has a lot of great information about career planning, college planning and financial aid.