Scholarships and Grants

• Need-based grant — does not have to be repaid.
• Offered amounts depend on your FAFSA results (family contribution).
• Awards are paid based on the number of hours you are enrolled in
• Classes must count in your Program of Study
• You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Apply at studentaid.gov

The FSEOG is a type of federal grant for students with the highest financial need. FSEOG does not have to be repaid. At Vol State, priority is given to students who:

• Are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant
• FSEOG funds go to students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Apply early, since funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

Because FSEOG funding is limited, not all eligible students will receive it.

• Provides part-time campus jobs for students with financial need.
• Work on campus to earn money for school expenses.
• Must demonstrate need (via FAFSA), be admitted to Vol State, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Managed through our Office of Career Services

Two types of loans:

• Subsidized: Government pays interest while you are in school and during grace periods.
• Unsubsidized: You are responsible for interest at all times.

For Both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

• Classes must count in your Program of Study
• You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
• You must be enrolled in at least 6 hours

Repayment begins 6 months after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.

• Available to parents of dependent undergraduates
• Classes must count in your Program of Study
• You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
• You must be enrolled in at least 6 hours
• Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid
• Interest begins as soon as funds are disbursed
• Repayment starts within 60 days of disbursement (no grace period)

Includes:

• HOPE Scholarship
• Aspire Award
• General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS)
• Helping Heroes Grant
• HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant

• A last-dollar scholarship for recent high school graduates.
• Covers tuition and mandatory fees only after other aid (Pell, HOPE, TSAA, waivers/discounts) is applied.
• Does not cover online course fees, book fees, or special course fees.

Requirements

• Apply at the Tennessee Promise website by November 1.
• Complete required community service each term.
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
• Register as a full-time student.
• Work with a program mentor.

• A last-dollar grant for independent adult learners (age 23+) pursuing an Associate’s degree or certificate.
• Covers tuition and mandatory fees only, after other aid is applied.
• Does not cover online course fees, book fees, or special course fees.

Requirements:

• Apply at the TN Reconnect website.
• File FAFSA and be deemed independent.
• Enroll at least part-time (6 credit hours).
• Maintain continuous enrollment and a 2.0 GPA.

Awards are applied after the TSAC certification, and notifications are sent to your Vol State email.

• A state grant for financially needy undergraduates.
• Based on FAFSA results; awarded until funds run out.
• Apply as soon as possible after October 1 each year for priority.

Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect are last-dollar scholarships. This means:

• They only cover tuition and mandatory fees left after all other grants, scholarships, and waivers are applied.
• They do not pay for:
  • Books
  • Online course fees
  • Special course, lab fees or program fees

Students should plan ahead to cover these expenses with other aid or out-of-pocket.

Award: The scholarship is awarded at the beginning of each semester. It is for general educational expenses and is set up to be the last dollar, even after TN Reconnect is applied.

Eligibility

• Apply, interview, and be selected as a Pioneer Connections Peer Mentor.
• Completed 2 semesters at Vol State (12+ credits) or currently in 2nd semester.
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours (Fall/Spring).
• Maintain 2.5 GPA and good standing.

Requirements

• Work 45 hours per semester as a Peer Mentor.
• Duties include training, mentee support, team meetings, and event participation.

Award: $4,000 total (maximum 4 semesters)
Number of awards each year: 3 new and 3 renewal

High-achieving graduating high school seniors participating in the Honors Program may qualify.

Eligibility (New Freshmen)

• High school GPA 3.5 or higher (through 7th semester)
• ACT score 26 or higher
• Complete the VSCC Scholarship Application, the Honors Program Application, and submit all admissions documents by the deadline.

Renewal

• Pass 12 credit hours per semester.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Maximum of 4 semesters.

Start the VSCC Scholarship Application

Award: The scholarship covers all fees at the in-state rate and/or all fees not covered by any other form of aid, plus $2,000 stipend per semester ($4,000 annually).
Note: Cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships.

Eligibility

• Selected by the Admissions Office
• Meet qualifications and complete an interview with Admissions.
• Freshman: high school GPA 3.6 or higher.
• Current/transfer: 2.5 GPA minimum.

Requirements

• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours (Fall/Spring required; Summer optional with service).
• Maintain 2.5 overall GPA and good standing.
• Complete 40 service hours per semester (training, recruitment events, campus tours, new student orientation, mentoring).
• Sign the Pioneer Leader Agreement.

Award: Up to $750 per semester (fees and books from Vol State Bookstore/eBook only).
Note: Cannot result in a refund to the student.

Eligibility

• FAFSA required (SAI must show aid doesn’t cover tuition/fees).
• Dual enrollment students must complete the Dual Enrollment Grant (DEG) application.
• Freshmen: ACT 19+ or GPA 2.0+.
• Current students: 2.0 GPA minimum and good financial aid standing.

Special Notes

• Awards prorated by enrollment status.
• Health Sciences/Nursing fees considered individually.

Award: One-time scholarship up to $500.

Eligibility

• Supports prospective or not-yet-enrolled students.
• Must be used within 2 years of issue date.
• Student must be enrolled full-time in a credential-seeking program at redemption.
• Awarded by the Admissions Office

Funding source: Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR)
When available: Fall & Spring semesters (pending available funds)

This grant provides support for eligible students based on FAFSA results and admissions records. Award amounts depend on enrollment level and are prorated if you are not enrolled full-time.

Eligibility

• Complete the Scholarship Application.
• Eligibility determined by your Vol State admissions file and FAFSA.

Steps

1. Complete the FAFSA
2. Apply for Scholarships

Award: Up to full tuition and fees (per NJCAA/TCCAA rules).

Eligibility

• Selected by coaches and the Athletics Office with Financial Aid consultation.
• FAFSA required (except international F-1 students who must be fully admitted).
• Maintain academic and financial aid good standing.
• Must sign letter of intent and maintain NJCAA/TCCAA eligibility.

Award: $2,400 per academic year (maximum 4 semesters)
Extra requirement: On-campus work obligation

A limited number of scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen with strong academic records.

Eligibility

• High school GPA 3.0 or higher or ACT score 21 or higher
• Priority deadline: March 1 (for Fall semester)

Requirements to Keep the Award

• Pass 12 credit hours each semester.
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Complete 60 service hours per term.

Start the VSCC Scholarship Application

• The General Application applies you to over one hundred Foundation scholarships.  A select few scholarships may require additional questions.  You may apply for all additional scholarships for which you meet the criteria.
• Keep in mind that scholarship funds are limited, and the awarding process is competitive.  Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a student will receive a scholarship.
• To improve your candidacy, you should submit all required material in a timely basis.
• Essays are crucial in the application process.  Take your time to include all information that you feel is relevant to your situation, and use correct grammar.
• Funds that you receive from public and private sources are taken into consideration during the awarding process.  Applicants receiving in excess of $2,000 over tuition may not be considered for a Foundation scholarship.
• If awarded a “renewable” scholarship, you must reapply for the next academic year to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarships being renewed are also contingent on the donor funding the scholarship for the next year. 

• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (some scholarships require a higher GPA)
• You must have been accepted for admission to Volunteer State Community College and remain in good standing with the college.
• You must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
• Summer Term scholarships are awarded when funding is available. Contact rebecca.mckinney@volstate.edu for assistance with this process.
• Scholarships must be used for the year/semester awarded. Unused or unaccepted scholarships will be rescinded and awarded to another student.
• Generally, students may receive only one Foundation scholarship per academic year.
• Volunteer State College Foundation Scholarship Committee has final authority regarding scholarship awards. The applicant's name and personal information are not revealed to the Scholarship Review Committee. The Volunteer State College Foundation Scholarship Committee may authorize or withdraw scholarships at any time.
• Recipients will receive an award letter at their volstate.edu email address listing the criteria requirements necessary to accept the scholarship and receive the scholarship funds.
• Before the scholarship award is sent to the Office of Financial Aid, the acceptance process must be finalized. Failure to submit all required information will result in the cancellation of the scholarship.
• Scholarship recipients’ grades and the number of hours passed/enrolled will be verified at the end of each semester to ensure that the recipient still meets the scholarship’s criteria.  The scholarship will be rescinded should the recipient’s GPA or hours passed/enrolled fail to meet the criteria or if the student is no longer in good standing with the college.

After reading the above information, you can go ahead and apply. For complete details, visit the Foundation Scholarships web page.

Start the Application