HOPE Lottery Scholarship Programs
Tennessee's HOPE Lottery Scholarship program includes several awards for eligible Tennessee students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Each award has its own eligibility criteria — some students qualify for more than one. All awards are administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and require an annual FAFSA submission.
For current award amounts and full eligibility requirements, View HOPE Scholarship details on College for TN or contact the APSU Financial Aid Office.
HOPE Lottery Scholarship
The HOPE Lottery Scholarship is the base award in the TELS program, available to eligible Tennessee high school graduates or GED recipients who enroll in an approved Tennessee college or university. Eligibility is based on high school GPA or ACT score, and awards continue as long as students meet ongoing GPA and enrollment benchmarks.
General Assembly Merit Scholarship
The General Assembly Merit Scholarship is an additional award available to students who qualify for the HOPE Lottery Scholarship and meet a higher academic threshold. Recipients receive the HOPE award plus the additional Merit Scholarship amount.
View General Assembly Merit Scholarship details on collegefortn.org
Aspire Award
The Aspire Award supplements the HOPE Lottery Scholarship for students who qualify based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Students must first qualify for HOPE to be considered for the Aspire Award.
NonTraditional HOPE Lottery Scholarship
The NonTraditional HOPE Lottery Scholarship is designed for students who qualify as nontraditional under state guidelines, including students who are independent as determined on the FAFSA. Eligibility requirements differ from the standard HOPE Lottery Scholarship.
View NonTraditional HOPE Lottery Scholarship details on collegefortn.org
Keeping Your HOPE Scholarship
All TELS awards have GPA benchmarks and enrollment requirements that must be met each semester and at specific attempted-hour checkpoints. Review Don't Lose Hope: Keeping Your HOPE Lottery Scholarship page for detailed guidance on maintaining your award, regaining eligibility, and understanding Course Choice Counts.
Applying for TELS Programs
TELS scholarships are awarded through your FAFSA. Submit the FAFSA each year as soon as it opens to ensure your eligibility is reviewed.