As high school students prepare for college, families across Tennessee face financial realities that come with higher education. For many, the excitement of college dreams is accompanied by growing concerns about tuition costs and how to pay for college in Tennessee.
While these big dreams often carry big price tags, they don’t have to lead to financial fear. Fortunately, Tennessee offers a wide range of financial aid options — from scholarships and grants to student loans and work-study programs — that can help ease the path forward.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but Tennessee families have more support than they might realize. With a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs available, the path to higher education is more accessible than ever. From statewide initiatives to need-based assistance, there are options designed to ease the financial burden and help students achieve their academic goals.
Here are five things you should know that can help make it easier to pay for college in Tennessee:
1. Start with checking out financial aid through your college of choice
In addition to federal and state financial aid, many colleges and universities offer their own institutional aid packages, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. These awards are often tailored to individual students based on factors such as academic performance, financial need, or special talents and interests.
Reaching out to a school’s financial aid office is an important step in the college planning process. Advisors can provide detailed information about available scholarships, grants, and campus-based funding, as well as help students navigate application requirements and deadlines.
2. Then, look into financial aid through grants
Grants are a vital form of financial aid — and unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid. In Tennessee, students have access to a wide range of grant opportunities, including the federal Pell Grant, the Dual Enrollment Grant for high school students earning college credit, and the Tennessee Reconnect Grant for adult learners returning to school. To be considered for most of these programs, completing the FAFSA is essential.
3. After that consider, financial aid though Tennessee scholarships
Tennessee offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities to help students reduce the cost of higher education. For those planning to attend a community college, the Tennessee Promise program provides tuition-free access to eligible institutions. Students enrolling in public or select private colleges and universities may qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, a program that rewards academic achievement with financial support.
Additional awards are also available for eligible students, such as the Aspire Award and the General Assembly Merit Scholarship, which provide further assistance based on financial need or academic performance.
4. To fill in the additional resources needed, check with your bank for financial aid through loans
While loans may not be as appealing as grants or scholarships, they remain a crucial resource for many families. Federal options such as Direct Stafford Loans and Parent PLUS Loans can help cover remaining college costs when other forms of aid fall short.
Alternative private loan options may also be available. It’s important to keep in mind that, unlike grants, loans must be repaid — so understanding the terms and borrowing responsibly is key.
5. Explore financial aid through federal work-study programs for college students
For students looking to immerse themselves in campus life while helping cover college costs, the Federal Work-Study Program offers a valuable opportunity. By working part-time on or near campus, students can earn money to help pay for educational expenses while gaining real-world experience. In addition to easing financial burdens, work-study jobs help students become more engaged with their campus community and build skills that can benefit them long after graduation.
