The Tennessee Hope Foster Child Tuition Grant is awarded to students who entered state custody of the Department of Children’s Services any time after reaching 13 years of age. The award amount for the Foster Child Tuition Grant is the cost of attendance less any gift aid with the total award not exceeding the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible postsecondary institution.
Scholarship Details
- Covers the cost of attendance after subtracting gift aid, up to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees
- Students attending eligible independent colleges are subject to a maximum award equal to the statewide average tuition and mandatory fees at comparable public institutions
- Can be used at eligible Tennessee postsecondary institutions
- Recipients may receive the grant for up to six years from the date of initial enrollment, provided they remain eligible
Eligibility Criteria
- Meet the minimum high school eligibility requirements for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
- Have been in state custody at age 13 or older, or have been adopted after age 13 through DCS or one of its adoption contract agencies, or have been placed in permanent guardianship by DCS after reaching age 13
- Be admitted to an eligible postsecondary institution within four years of high school graduation or earning an equivalent credential
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled
Application Process
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Obtain official eligibility certification from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
- Ensure the certification is submitted to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- Enroll in an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution within the required timeframe
- Submit all application materials by September 1 for the fall semester, March 1 for the spring semester, or May 1 for the summer semester; applying early is recommended
The Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant can significantly reduce the cost of earning a college degree for students with foster care experience. Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications must be received by September 1st for fall semester, March 1st for spring semester and May 1st for summer semester. Early application is recommended.
