Best Scholarships in TN (Tennessee)

​The costs of college continue to rise. This causes many people to believe they will be unable to afford higher education. A college education can provide higher salaries. It also leads to better opportunities for advancement than a high school diploma. The fact is that the college does not have to be out of reach regardless of your family income.

There are many college scholarships available for people who want to attend college. Many of them do not have income requirements. There are even some for adult learners who wish to return to school. These Tennessee scholarships can help defray the cost of college. They can help anyone achieve their higher education goals.

 

1. AQHA Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship

Sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, the Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship. Applicants must be affiliated for one year with an AQHA chapter. The chapters must be in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee. Also, the applicant must compete in AQHA-approved shows. Those interested must apply in their senior year of high school. They can also be enrolled at an accredited college or university. Awardees must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Current or previous recipients may not apply.

 

2. ASHRAE Donald E. Nichols Scholarship

 

3. Ann Buchanan Scholarship Fund

Eligible students are graduating from public high school in Williamson County. They are not in the top ten percent of their graduating class. They need to show how they have overcome unique life challenges. The challenges may include life-threatening illness, injury or other extraordinary circumstance. Students must plan to attend an accredited college, vocational or technical school. This Tennessee college scholarship is non-renewable.

 

4. Ann Wright Hart/Nashville Alumnae Chapter Scholarship

The Ann Wright Hart/Nashville Alumnae Chapter Scholarship is available for the following. A freshman, junior or senior member of Alpha Eta at Vanderbilt University. A freshman, junior or senior member of Eta Phi at Belmont University. They must be a permanent resident in the greater Nashville area. Initiated members in good standing are eligible. New members may apply but must be initiated by the deadline. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and course-related fees. Students may be attending either full- or part-time.

5. BJ Dean Scholarship

The BJ Dean Scholarship is for women who plan to enter full-time Christian ministry. Applicants do not have to seek ordination or serve in any particular denomination. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee or Texas. Students who plan to attend Yale Divinity School are also eligible to apply. The scholarship is in honor of B.J. Runnels Dean. Her service to churches and state Baptist conventions advanced the cause of women.

6. Belle Meade Country Club Employee Scholarship

The Belle Meade Country Club Employee Scholarship is for employees of the Nashville Country Club. They must work 30 hours per week and have worked for three years or more. Current employees and their children may apply for the scholarship. The scholarship is non-renewable and awarded only once. The scholarship is available for college and university students. It is available for two and four-year schools. Vocational and technical school students are also eligible.

 

7. Belmont University Commercial Music Showcase Scholarship

The Commercial Music Showcase Scholarship is available to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Students must attend Belmont University and enrolled as a commercial music major. Commercial music majors are trained to perform, compose, arrange, produce and sell music. The scholarship was established by the LifeWorks Foundation. It assists students who are seeking careers in commercial music.

 

8. Bird Dog Foundation Essay Contest

The Bird Dog Foundation Essay Contest is for students interested in wildlife education and conservation. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enter their freshman year of college. Applicants must live in Tennessee, Mississippi or Arkansas. United States citizenship is required. Employees, sitting board members and their relatives are not eligible to apply. There is no application for the scholarship. Applicants must include their full name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and date. They must include the name and address of the school they attend on the cover sheet of the essay.

 

9. Brad Butkiewicz Memorial Scholarship

The Brad Butkiewicz Memorial Scholarship is for graduates of Stewart County High School. The scholarship is in memory of Brad Butkiewicz. He was a student at Stewart County High School. He loved football and the Health Occupation Students of America. Brad died on his way home from an early morning football practice. Applicants must be involved in football or the Health Occupations Students of America. They must also have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a high need for financial assistance to continue their education.

10. Cheatham County Community Foundation Scholarship

The Cheatham County Community Foundation Scholarship is for students who have lived in Cheatham County for at least one year. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and have a grade point average of 2.0 or greater. Students must plan to attend an accredited college, university or technical school. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher while in college as well.

 

11. Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund

Graduates of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools of Davidson County are eligible to apply for the Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a score of at least 21 on the ACT. Students may attend any accredited college or university in the United States. Preference is given to students who are the first in their family to attend college. The scholarship is renewable. Preference is given to previous recipients. They must remain in good standing with the college or university.

 

12. David Anderson Scholarship Fund

The David Anderson Scholarship Fund is available to seniors at Coffee County High School. Applicants must have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 and show a willingness to work hard as well as a positive work ethic. Applicants must have a sense of team without needing to be a star athlete. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university. They must plan to begin college the year immediately following high school.

 

13. Dody Boyd Scholarship Fund

The Dody Boyd Scholarship is for seniors graduating from Cheatham County Central High School. Applicants must plan to attend community college, technical school, college or university. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 or higher and an ACT score of 20 or better. The scholarship is non-renewable. Dody Boyd was a bus driver for and a graduate of Cheatham County Central High School. She instilled an appreciation for good grades and successful graduation in the students she came in contact with.

 

14. Dora Mclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship

The Dora Mclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship is for Christian men and women who are from the greater Chattanooga area. Applicants must be theologically and biblically conservative. They must be seeking a master’s degree at a theological seminary or at a school approved by The Generosity Trust. Students who plan to enter pulpit ministry are given priority. Applicants must submit an application and one-page testimony of faith. They also must submit evidence of their call to ministry in a one-page essay. Official transcripts and a current resume are required. Two letters of reference are also required as well as a geographical eligibility statement.

 

15. George Oliver Benton Memorial Scholarship

Legislative interns are eligible to apply for the George Oliver Benton Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must be attending an accredited four-year college or university in Tennessee. They must also be residents of Tennessee. Extracurricular activities related to an interest in government are preferred. The scholarship is named in honor of George Oliver Benton. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee and as a lobbyist after leaving office.

 

16. Howard A. Clark Horticulture Scholarship Fund

 

17. JY Carter Excellence in the Arts Scholarship

Macon County High School seniors are eligible to apply for the JY Carter Excellence in the Arts Scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of J.Y. Carter. Carter was a teacher at the school whose love of the performing arts was well known. Applicants must have demonstrated talent for visual or performing. They must plan to attend an accredited college or university. Recipients can reapply, but are not guaranteed to receive the award more than once.

 

18. Jack Diller Education Award

The Jack Diller Education Award is given to four students living in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. Each scholarship recipient is honored at a Nashville Predators home game. This is done in the Bridgestone Arena. Applicants must be college-bound seniors attending a Nashville or Middle Tennessee high school. They must plan to attend college the year following graduation. Applicants must prove leadership in the classroom or inspirational on the athletic field. Students must have a 3.0 GPA. They must demonstrate good work ethic, the value of education and community outreach. Immediate family members, relatives, and front office employees are not eligible. The same applies for sponsoring sports teams.

 

19. James A. Hyter Vocal Scholarship Fund

James A. Hyter devoted his life to serving the Memphis community. The James A. Hyter Vocal Scholarship Fund is for college-bound students. They must desplay their vocal talent and a love of music. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and live in the Memphis Metropolitan area. Applicants must be enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited college of university. Applicants will be invited to perform a vocal audition. Music is selected from the classical, folk and show tune categories.

 

20. Kathy D. and Stephen J. Anderson Scholarship Fund

The Kathy D. and Stephen J. Anderson Scholarship is for graduates of any public high school in Williamson County. Students who attended the school for at least three years may apply. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and a minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1100. Applicants must be involved in at least one outside extra-curricular activity. This may include a part-time job. The scholarship is renewable after reapplication. The student must maintain a GPA of 2.75 as a freshman and a 3.0 each year after. They must also remain in good standing as a citizen. The student must particiapte in one extra-curricular activity while in college. They can also include a part-time job as an activity.

 

21. Lt. Holly Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Lt. Holly Adams was an Air Force Academy graduate. She was the first female class president in the history of the Academy. Holly was killed in a car accident in 2002 on her way to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. She was posthumously an Air Force Commendation Medal. The scholarship benefits students from Page High School in Williamson County. They must have the integrity, courage and caring spirit that helps others achieve. The applicant must show integrity, courage, and selflessness. Applicants must be academically qualified for college but must prove financial need.

22. MaryEllen Locher Foundation

The MaryEllen Locher Foundation provides scholarships to the children of breast cancer patients. The parent can be either a survivor or deceased. Applicants must live within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga. They must be a current high school senior or have earned a GED and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must be a legal resident of the United States. They must be full-time student enrolled in a two- or four-year program. The school must be an accredited college or university. The awards are for undergraduate studies only. Community service, financial need, and an essay are requirements to determine eligibility. GPA is not a dominant factor in choosing a recipient. The diagnosis of cancer in a family may impact academic performance. Winners must take part in at least one breast cancer awareness project. This is a requirement during the year they receive the award.

 

23. NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program

 

24. Rachel Allison Cate Scholarship Fund

Rachel Allison Cate knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age. She worked with children in many settings and was a graduate of Overton High School. She was active in drama, student government as well as her church youth group. She was studying education at Western Kentucky University when she died in an automobile accident. This scholarship in her memory is for seniors of Metro Nashville Public School who plan to enter the field of education. Applicants must plan to attend a four-year college or university and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students must also score no less than 21 on the ACT.

 

25. Robert Churchwell, Sr. Scholarship

The Robert Churchwell, Sr. Scholarship is for juniors, seniors or graduate students in journalism . Students must complete an essay on “The Role of Professional Journalism in Today’s Society”. They must also provide samples of their journalistic works. Applicants must also have a GPA of at least 3.0. They are required to show proof of extracurricular and community service activity. Students must also show financial need.

 

26. Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarships

The Scarlett Family Foundation offers scholarships to Middle Tennessee, high school seniors. They must graduate or get a GED before June 1. College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are also eligible. Applicants must prove financial need. They also intend to pursue a business degree at a four-year, not-for-profit college. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They may also be pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math degree. Students must plan to enroll in the fall and attend college full-time.

 

27. SE4A Scholarship

 

28. Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. Scholarship

The Sigma Gamma Rho Scholarship is for a graduating high school senior. They need to attend a school in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The student must plan to attend an accredited college or university in the fall. Students may also be attending a technical or community college. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 to qualify for the scholarship. The application must delivered to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. 1270 Market Street, Chattanooga TN 37402.

 

29. TCAT Reconnect Grant

The TCAT Reconnect Grant pays the remaining balance of tuition and fees. This is after other state, and federal grants are applied. The grant is available for students who plan to attend the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. Applicants must be Tennessee residents and be noted as independent on the FAFSA. Students must enroll full-time at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. They must be in pursuit of a certificate or diploma. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress and continuous enrollment.

 

30. Tennessee Christa McAuliffe Scholarship

The creation of this schlarship is in honor of Christa McAuliffe. She was a high school teacher who lost her life on the space shuttle Challenger. It is designed to help a Tennessee resident who has shown a commitment to a career in education. Applicants are full-time students. They are enrolled in a teacher education program. They must attend an accredited Tennessee institute of higher learning. Applicants must have completed at least the first semester of their junior year. They are required to have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must also have ACT or SAT scores that meet or exceed the national norms. Official transcripts and official test scores must go with the application.

 

31. Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation Scholarship Program

The Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation is aimed at students who wish to enter the food industry in Tennessee. Applicants must be high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores or juniors. There are scholarships available for students who wish to pursue a master’s or doctorate. Applicants must be student employees of a Tennessee grocer for at least six months. Children and spouses of a grocer employee are also eligible.

 

32. Tennessee HOPE Scholarship – Nontraditional

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for nontraditional students. It is for those who have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year by September 1 and are 25 years or older. Applicants must be an entering freshman at a Tennessee institute of higher learning. There must be at least a two year gap since last attending college. Applicants must have a household adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less. They must be enrolled in a college or university, maintaining satisfactory progress. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.75 after attempting 12 semester hours.

 

33. Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program

The Minority Teaching Fellows Programs was created to encourage minority students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee. Applicants must plan to pursue a teaching certification at an eligible Tennessee college or university. The applicant must be a minority resident of Tennessee and a United States citizen. They must be a high school senior or continuing college student as well. High school students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and college students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5. High school students must also have a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT.

 

34. Tennessee Ned McWherter Scholars Program

The Academic Scholars Program was created by the State of Tennessee in order to assist with the cost of tuition, fees, equipment books, supplies as well as room in board. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee and be a United States citizen. Students must attend an accredited college or university full-time. They must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and minimum ACT composite of 20 or SAT score of 1280. Transcripts must be provided. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years as long as the student maintains a 3.2 GPA and continues to attend full-time.

 

​We’ve worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.

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