Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships for Graduate Students in Tennessee
Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment in one's future, but the cost can be a major hurdle. Fortunately, numerous scholarship opportunities exist for graduate students in Tennessee, offered by universities, private organizations, and the state government. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarships and financial aid programs available to graduate students in Tennessee, helping them navigate the funding landscape and achieve their academic goals.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Tennessee offer scholarships specifically for their graduate students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and deadlines, so it's crucial to research and apply accordingly.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)
UTC provides several scholarship opportunities for graduate students through its Graduate School and Financial Aid Office.
Graduate School Scholarships
The Graduate School offers a limited number of scholarships to eligible students with a minimum 3.0 institutional cumulative GPA. The application deadline for these scholarships is February 15th. Some notable Graduate School Scholarships include:
- Elwell Family Scholarship in Graduate Studies: This scholarship is awarded to a student who has exhibited substantial leadership experience and successful academic performance. Applicants must be currently enrolled or fully admitted into a major in the UTC Graduate School. Financial need may also be considered.
- Geraghty Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for students in the M.B.A. program. Preference is given to applicants without an undergraduate degree in business.
- The Graduate School Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes a student in any discipline who demonstrates both need and merit.
- John Dyer Scholarship: This scholarship is for MPA students with academic merit and financial need, who must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Welter Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who are single parents with academic merit.
Applicants can apply for all opportunities for which they are eligible through the UTC Users Scholarship Application (for current students and applicants with a valid UTC User ID) or the Non-User Scholarship Application (for applicants without a UTC ID).
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
UTC Financial Aid Scholarships
The UTC Financial Aid Office also offers a limited number of scholarships with varying application deadlines. Some of these include:
- Charles Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are available to select full-time students in engineering or education.
- Fincannon Scholarships: These are awarded to previously married and widowed persons, male or female, who are not currently married.
- Finley Scholarships: These are awarded to eligible students that are single parents.
- Lebovitz Scholarships: These are awarded to eligible students of the Jewish faith.
More scholarship opportunities may be available through UTC’s Financial Aid office.
Other UTC Scholarship Opportunities
Various UTC colleges and academic programs offer additional scholarship opportunities. Music performance grants are available for the bands, singing groups, and orchestra, with applications made to the head of the Music Division. The Radin Scholarship is awarded to students in the liberal arts. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers scholarships to students with economic need majoring in Public Administration, but these fellowships are available only when UTC receives funding. The Criminal Justice Department offers The Graduate Doc Schettler Scholarship, which provides a maximum of $3,000 annually to a fully admitted student in the Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice degree program.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other awards and scholarships may be offered by individual colleges, departments, and programs. Students should contact the appropriate program coordinator for more information on these opportunities, and can find program contacts on the Graduate Programs Page.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
MTSU offers various scholarships and financial aid options for graduate students, including assistantships and installment plans.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate administrative assistantships (GA), graduate teaching assistantships (GTA), and graduate research assistantships (GRA) are available each semester. Graduate assistantships provide a monthly stipend and a waiver for tuition. Eligibility requires full admission into the desired program and a current GPA of 3.0 or higher. Graduate assistants must enroll in at least six graduate credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the master’s level or 3.25 at the doctoral level. Students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship should contact the individual department, not the College of Graduate Studies, as additional application materials and references may be required. Some departments may also have specific deadlines for assistantship applications.
MTSU has three types of assistantships: research, teaching, and administrative. Both master’s and Ph.D. assistantships are offered. Master’s assistantships are available for both nine-month and twelve-month contracts, while Ph.D. assistantships are only available as a twelve-month option. As a graduate assistant, students are given tuition remission at an in-state status, a percentage of their fees, and a modest monthly stipend. Graduate assistants are also allowed to upgrade to a faculty/staff parking pass for a nominal fee.
College of Graduate Studies Scholarships
Several scholarships are available for graduate students through the College of Graduate Studies. The Tammy Jones Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming or current graduate student majoring in mathematics or vocal music. Other scholarships include the Mary W. and Chester R. and the Albert L. Walton O.
MTSU Installment Plan
MTSU offers an installment plan for tuition during the Spring and Fall semesters. After making the initial 25% payment by the fee payment deadline, the remaining 75% will be payable in three monthly installments. Participants must apply all discounts, waivers, third party sponsor payments, and financial aid toward payment of registration fees before a payment plan will be considered.
Academic Common Market (ACM)
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition savings program which allows residents of participating states to qualify for in-state tuition for unique academic majors not offered in their home state. Many MTSU programs are already approved for ACM.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Tennessee State University (TSU)
TSU's School of Graduate Studies and Research provides information on funding and scholarship opportunities to help defray the cost of graduate education.
State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
The state of Tennessee offers several financial aid programs to support students pursuing higher education, including graduate studies.
TN HOPE Scholarship Expansion
Students who are eligible for the TN HOPE Scholarship can use remaining eligibility to pursue an advanced degree. To continue eligibility while pursuing an advanced degree, continuous enrollment each fall and spring is required. The scholarship can be received until the first of the following terminating events happen: earning an advanced degree or five years passing from the date of initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution.
TN Reconnect Grant
The TN Reconnect Grant is available to students who are classified as independent on the FAFSA.
Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA)
The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to financially needy undergraduate students who are residents of Tennessee. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment, at least half time, at a public or an eligible non-public postsecondary institution in Tennessee.
Dependent Children Scholarship Program
The Dependent Children Scholarship Program provides aid for Tennessee residents who are dependent children of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. The parent must be a Tennessee resident and have been on duty when the incident occurred.
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 HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant
The Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant provides financial aid to students who were in state custody at any time after reaching thirteen years of age. The Grant awards students attending an eligible public postsecondary institution with funding to cover the cost of attendance less any gift aid, with the total award not exceeding the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible postsecondary institution.
Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship
The Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship is intended to encourage exemplary students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee.
Tennessee Promise
Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program focused on increasing the number of students that attend college in Tennessee. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award.
Dual Enrollment Grant Program
The Dual Enrollment Grant program is funded by the Tennessee Lottery and administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (Lottery Grant)
Most Tennessee citizens 18 years of age or older are eligible for up to $2,000 a year for full-time enrollment from the Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship program to attend a Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
Federal Aid Programs
In addition to state and university-specific scholarships, graduate students in Tennessee can also explore federal aid programs.
Federal Pell Grant
This program makes funds available to help pay for education after high school. Students who have a four-year college degree are not eligible to receive this grant. Students are limited to receiving PELL payments for no more than 100% of the length of the program they are enrolled in.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal SEOG funds are distributed as available to students showing the greatest need. Students who have a four-year college degree are not eligible for this grant.
Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
This program provides jobs for students who have financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses. Part-time clerical and maintenance jobs at the school are awarded to students based on financial need and availability.
Private Scholarships and Grants
Numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships and grants to graduate students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic focus, background, or career goals.
Candace Mast Veterinary Medicine Scholarship
The Candace Mast Veterinary Medicine Scholarship awards $4,000. The deadline is June 1, 2026.
East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) Scholarships
East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) awards scholarships from more than 79 scholarship programs in the following 25 counties in East Tennessee: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington.
Center for Advancing Opportunity (CAO) Scholarship and Fellowship Programs
The Center for Advancing Opportunity (CAO) offers Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) undergraduate research scholarships and Ph.D. fellowships through a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), Charles Koch Foundation, and Koch Industries.
Scholarship Search Platforms
Online scholarship search platforms can help graduate students identify potential funding opportunities that match their qualifications and academic interests.
Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com allows students to search for awards reserved for those living in a particular state.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Start early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance of application deadlines.
- Research thoroughly: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship.
- Tailor your applications: Customize your application materials to highlight your qualifications and experiences that align with the scholarship's mission.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors in grammar and spelling.
- Seek recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
- Meet deadlines: Submit your applications on time to be considered for the scholarship.
- Follow up: If appropriate, follow up with the scholarship provider to inquire about the status of your application.
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