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Money for College

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship - Nontraditional

OverviewAward InformationEligibilityApplicationTermination CriteriaRelated Links

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Overview

The HOPE Scholarship for nontraditional age students is for independent students as determined by the FAFSA application and who have enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution.

Award Information
  • Up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester, including summers, as a freshmen and sophomore
  • Up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester, including summers, as a junior and senior
  • Only courses within the student’s program of study can be awarded under the scholarship
  • Determination of class status is made by the postsecondary institution
Eligibility
  • Be classified as a Tennessee resident 
  • Be an independent student as determined on the FAFSA application and enroll in a baccalaureate degree program at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution
  • Have an adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less on IRS tax form
  • Be continuously enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution in the fall and spring semesters
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 after 12 attempted semester hours or required GPA at subsequent benchmark. (Attempted hours and college grades earned prior to enrollment as a recipient of the Nontraditional Scholarship are not considered.)
Application

Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.gov. Applications must be received by September 1st for fall semester, March 1st for spring semester and May 1st for summer semester. Early application is recommended.

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Renewal Criteria
  • The student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA at the end of the semester in which the student attempted 24 and 48 semester hours and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the semester in which the student attempted 72 and 96 semester hours, or any multiple of 24 semester hours thereafter.
  • If the student does not have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the semester in which the student attempted 72 and 96 semester hours or any multiple of 24 semester hours thereafter, then the student must:
    • Have a minimum 2.75 – 2.99 cumulative GPA and have a semester GPA of at least 3.0 at the end of the semester in which the student attempted 72 and 96 semester hours. The student’s continued eligibility will be determined on a semester-by-semester basis and must maintain full-time enrollment.
  • If a student fails to meet the required GPA, the student may regain the award one time only at a subsequent 24-hour benchmark by earning the minimum required GPA.
Termination Criteria

 A student may receive the HOPE Scholarship  for nontraditional students until the first of the following terminating events:

  • Student has earned an advanced degree; or
  • Five years have passed since the student enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution as a nontraditional student