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💰 Tennessee State University Merit Scholarships

Total Scholarships
11
Automatic
5
In-State Awards
$3,000-$8,500/yr
Out-of-State Awards
$3,000-$8,500/yr
Multi-Year Awards
$500 total
Typical Requirements for Automatic Merit
3.0 GPA / 20 ACT

Tennessee State University awards merit scholarships automatically on GPA and test scores, with no separate application. Awards run $3,000-$8,500/yr for out-of-state students. Eligibility starts at 3.0 GPA / 20 ACT. Against tuition of $21,168, students receiving the largest award pay about $12,668 a year before other aid.

What you'd actually pay at Tennessee State University

Tuition & fees
$21,168
−
Largest annual award
$8,500
=
Students receiving it pay about
$12,668/yr

Tuition and fees only — housing (about $10,414), books and travel are extra. Awards must still be won and may carry renewal conditions. Need-based aid is separate and may reduce this further.

Official Scholarship Information
View complete details on Tennessee State University's website
Visit School Website →

Automatic merit scholarships at Tennessee State University — no separate application

5 awards granted on your admission application, based on GPA and test scores.

The 1912 Heritage
Award
$4,500-$6,500/yr in-state
$4,500-$6,500/yr out-of-state
In-State Requirements
GPA 3.2+ • ACT 25+ • SAT 1200+
An annual scholarship recognizing first-time freshmen and international students whose academic dedication and character reflect TSU's founding values.
Source ↗
The MNPS Trailblazer
Requirements
GPA 3.0+ • ACT 21+ • SAT 1060+
A scholarship covering full tuition and mandatory fees for outstanding graduates of Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Source ↗
The Tiger Transfer
Award
$3,000/yr in-state
$3,000/yr out-of-state
In-State Requirements
GPA 3.0+
An annual scholarship rewarding transfer and international transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic performance.
Source ↗
The TSU Renaissance
Award
$5,500-$8,500/yr in-state
$5,500-$8,500/yr out-of-state
In-State Requirements
GPA 3.8+ • ACT 28+ • SAT 1300+
An annual scholarship celebrating academic excellence and leadership among high-achieving first-time freshmen and international students.
Source ↗
The TSU Torch Scholars
Award
$3,500-$4,500/yr in-state
$3,500-$4,500/yr out-of-state
In-State Requirements
GPA 3.0+ • ACT 20+ • SAT 1030+
An annual scholarship supporting promising first-time freshmen and international students who show determination and academic potential.
Source ↗

Other scholarships at Tennessee State University (6)

These require a separate application, or the school does not publish their eligibility criteria.

Christie McAuliffe Scholarship Program
$500 one-time
A one-time scholarship to assist Tennessee residents committed to a career in educating the youth of Tennessee.
Source ↗
Minority Teaching Fellows Program
A scholarship program intended to encourage talented minority Tennesseans to enter the teaching field in Tennessee.
Source ↗
Ned McWherter Scholars Program
A program intended to encourage academically superior Tennessee high school graduates to attend college in Tennessee.
Source ↗
Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program
A scholarship program intended to encourage exemplary students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee.
Source ↗
The Dr. Levi Watkins
A comprehensive scholarship package covering tuition, fees, room, board, and meal plan for exceptional freshmen majoring in biology, chemistry, or related areas.
Source ↗
The Presidential Scholar
TSU's highest academic honor covering tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and an unlimited meal plan for exceptional first-time freshmen.
Source ↗

Common questions about Tennessee State University scholarships

How much merit aid does Tennessee State University give?

Published awards range $3,000-$8,500/yr. Tennessee State University lists 11 merit scholarships in total.

What GPA or test scores do you need for a scholarship at Tennessee State University?

The lowest published threshold across automatic awards is 3.0 GPA / 20 ACT. Individual scholarships set their own cutoffs.

Does Tennessee State University give merit scholarships to out-of-state students?

Yes. Awards for out-of-state students run $3,000-$8,500/yr.

Is there a full-ride scholarship at Tennessee State University?

Not a full ride. The largest published award covers about 40% of tuition.

Do you have to apply separately for merit scholarships at Tennessee State University?

5 of the published awards are granted automatically on your admission application, with no separate scholarship application.

💡 Tip: Award amounts and cutoffs change year to year. Confirm current figures with Tennessee State University's financial aid office before making decisions — or check their scholarship page.

More on Tennessee State University

Admissions, cost & outcomes → 🏈 Athletics & sports 📍 All schools in TN 💰 Schools with automatic merit

Other TN schools with automatic merit scholarships

Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN → Christian Brothers University Memphis, TN → East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN → Fisk University Nashville, TN → King University Bristol, TN → Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN → Maryville College Maryville, TN → Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN →