Tennessee State University; Types of Financial Aid Programs

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Types of Financial Aid Programs

The Federal Financial Aid Programs


The Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program awards grants to eligible undergraduate students as determined by a formula used by the Department of Education. An undergraduate student is defined as one who has not received a bachelor's or first professional degree in any area. Students seeking a second degree are not eligible. This award is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program awards grants to eligible undergraduate students. Awards depend on the availability of funds. We award this grant to our neediest students who meet the April 1st priority deadline. This award is a grant that does not have to be repaid.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program
The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest rate loans to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. We award this loan to our neediest students who meet the April 1st priority deadline. This award is a loan that must be repaid with interest and is very limited.

The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students is for parents of dependent students; students must be enrolled at least half-time. Parents typically begin paying this loan back 60 days after it is disbursed, but may qualify for a deferment of payment. Contact the lender of your choice for more information. Excess funds are refunded to Parents unless parents complete an authorization form allowing students to receive any residual money that may be available after all fees are paid.

The Federal Family Education Loan Program
The Federal Family Education Loan Program provides low-interest rate loans, need based and non-need based, from lenders and guarantee agencies to undergraduate and graduate students and parents. Subsidized Stafford Loans are available to needy students. The federal government will pay the interest on the loan while you are enrolled in an eligible degree program. Repayment and interest accrual begins six months after you cease to be enrolled as at least a half time student. This is a loan that must be repaid with interest.

Federal College Work Study Program
Provides part-time employment on or off campus. This award is given to our neediest students who meet the April 1st priority deadline.

The State Financial Aid Programs


The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation Grant
The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation awards grants to eligible undergraduate Tennessee residents for a maximum of eight semesters. Funds are limited and must be applied for early.

Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program
Tennessee residents/U.S. citizens enrolled in a state approved teacher education program limited to college juniors, seniors, and post baccalaureate candidates with a 2.75 GPA or higher are eligible. Recipients are obligated to teach one year in a Tennessee public school for each year award is received or repay the loan with substantial interest. Applications may be obtained on-line at www.collegepaystn.com.

Minority Teaching Fellows Program
Entering freshman with 2.50 high school GPA (4.00 scale) scoring at least 18 on ACT or 780 on SAT or ranked in top 25% of high school class who agree to teach in a Tennessee public school (K-12 level); Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen attending Tennessee institution; $5,000 per academic year with $20,000 maximum; obtain application from high school guidance office or on-line at www.collegepaystn.com.

Academic Work Scholarship Program
Provides employment of an educational nature and is awarded to Tennessee high school students who graduate in the top quartile of their graduating class and have a minimum ACT of 19 or equivalent SAT. The award is renewable if the student maintains a 2.9 GPA or above.

Tennessee State University Programs


Graduate Assistantships
Students should apply for assistantships by contacting the department chairperson in their graduate field.

The Campus Work Aid Program
This program offers jobs to students who normally do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program jobs. Contact the individual campus departments.

Presidential Scholarship
Provides scholarships which cover full maintenance fees plus room and board to Black Tennessee high school graduates who have a minimum ACT of 21 or equivalent SAT and a 3.0 GPA on a 4 point scale; preference may be given to students with the highest GPA or test score. The award may be renewed if the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above. Contact the Admissions Office.

NOTE: Scholarships/Grants: The Internal Revenue Service Publication 520 states that:

You must be a candidate for a degree or your scholarship is taxable.
Only amounts for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment are not taxable. Amounts for other expenses, such as room, board and travel are taxable.
Other Types of Aid


Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
The student should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Office nearest his/her hometown.

Veterans Administration Benefits
These benefits include aid for veterans and their dependents under the GI Bill. Contact Veterans Services in the TSU Records Office.

ROTC
TSU offers Air Force scholarships. Contact the Cadet Commander at 963-5984. Vanderbilt offers Army scholarships to their students taking classes here. Visit http://www.vanderbilt.edu/Army/.