Tennessee Scholarships
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Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
The Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship offers need-based scholarships of between $500 and $5,000 to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in accredited colleges in the U.S.
Porter Fleming Literary Competition
The Porter Fleming Literary Competition grants the amount of $7,000 to 12 individuals who exhibit skill in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or one-act playwriting.
The James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund
James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to eligible students to pursue undergraduate degrees in arts and sciences, human services, music, or ministry at an accredited college.
American Electric Power Scholarship
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers the American Electric Power Scholarship to an eligible student enrolled in an ABET-accredited school who demonstrates an interest in power engineering.
Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship of $6,000 to two college students each, pursuing business-related degree programs. Preference is given to accounting majors.

Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund
The Fund awards high school seniors who are bowlers in the USBC League to further their education. It’s open to students in the nine states part of the Southern Bowling Congress.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to undergraduate students who live in states with Regions' full service and are enrolled in undergraduate programs of their choice.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
The Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to high school senior students who live in states with Regions' full service and plan to enroll in undergraduate programs of their choice.
Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award
The Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship awards $2,000 to a graduate student studying acting or musical theater. Students who graduated from universities in the SETC region can apply.
Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award
The Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship awards $1,500 to a graduate student studying costume design or technology. Applicants must have studied or will study at an SETC region institution.
Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award
The Robert Porterfield Scholarship awards $2,000 to graduate students pursuing a degree in theatre. Applicants should have graduated from an undergraduate program at a university in the SETC region.
Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship awards $2,000 to one high school senior in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) region who will pursue studies in theater.
William E. Wilson Scholarship Award
The William E. Wilson Scholarship awards $5,000 to a secondary school teacher pursuing graduate studies in theatre or speech and theatre. Applicants must be legal residents of any SETC state.
Josh Fielder Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to an adult student in the Memphis area, pursuing an undergraduate degree in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational or technical institution.

Bird Dog Foundation College Scholarship Essay Contest
The Bird Dog Foundation College Scholarship Essay Contest is to provide financial aid for high school seniors who are preparing to enter their freshman year at an accredited institution.
Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program
The Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program awards one $5,000 scholarship to full-time undergraduate and/or part-time graduate students enrolled in courses creditable to teachers. Licensed teachers are not eligible.
¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program offers 185 $1,500 flight e-passes to undergraduate and graduate students who travel away from home to study.
MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) offers the MGMA Southern Section Scholarship of $2,500 to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in medical practice management-related fields.
Kentucky-Tennessee Section One AWWA Operator Scholarship
Annually, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards the Kentucky-Tennessee Section One AWWA Operator Scholarship of $1,000 to two Kentucky-based water works operators, each, to support them through their education.
SAWF Scholarship Program
The Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship Program provides scholarships between $1,000 and $5,000 to women enrolled or who plan to enroll in a STEM-related field.
Spenser F. Powell Memorial Law Scholarship
The Spenser F. Powell Memorial Law Scholarship, administered by the East Tennessee Foundation, is offered to one first-year legal student at the University of Tennessee to complete their undergraduate studies.
Stegall Charitable Educational Foundation Scholarship
Stegall Charitable Educational Foundation Scholarship offers $500 to high school students, high school graduates, or existing college students in Tennessee.
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee State Government awards scholarships ranging from $1,600 to $2,250 to high school graduates to further their education at accredited universities or colleges in Tennessee within 16 months post-graduation.
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship – Nontraditional
Nontraditional Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is awarded to nontraditional age students, who reside in Tennessee to pursue higher education in two- to four-year degree programs at accredited institutions in Tennessee.
Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award
SETC’s Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award provides one student with a $2,500 scholarship to study theater directing at a regionally accredited graduate school in the upcoming academic year.
About Tennessee scholarships
Did you know that there are scholarships in Tennessee specifically for students studying in specific fields? For instance, the state offers scholarships for students who want to study agriculture, engineering, or teaching. There are also scholarships available for students who want to attend a specific school or college in Tennessee. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, community service, or unique talents.
So if you're interested in studying in Tennessee, be sure to look into the scholarship opportunities available to you. You may be surprised at how much financial assistance is available!
Why study in Tennessee
Not only does Tennessee offer a wide range of educational opportunities at top-tier colleges in the country, but it also enjoys a strong economy and low cost of living, making education more affordable than any other state. Tennessee is also known for its diverse population and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place for students from around the world to study and thrive. Among its renowned institutions are Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and the University of Memphis. With its strong academic institutions, welcoming culture, and competitive tuition costs, Tennessee is an ideal destination for any student looking to pursue their educational dreams.
Cost of college in Tennessee 2023
In the state of Tennessee, the average cost of college is around $14,000 per year. However, there are three schools in the state that offer significantly lower rates. The University of Memphis charges an annual tuition rate of just over $8,500, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga costs students about $9,600 annually and Austin Peay State University is the most affordable option with a yearly rate of just over $10,000.
Fortunately, Tennessee students have access to a variety of scholarship and tuition assistance programs that can help reduce the cost of college even further. The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is one of the most popular options for state scholarships, developed by the Tennessee State Government which can help students with their tuition costs.
Best colleges in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a wide variety of higher education options for students seeking an exceptional educational experience. The University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, and Belmont University are among the top-ranked institutions in the state. Each of these schools has its own unique offerings and opportunities that can provide students with a quality education, which prepares them for success in the future. Whether you're interested in a research-focused degree or a more liberal arts-oriented approach, Tennessee has a school that can meet your needs. Plus, many of these schools being near major cities such as Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee offers students the chance to explore new cultures and experiences while they pursue their degrees.
Besides all the universities, Tennessee has numerous community colleges and vocational institutions offering technical degrees, certificates, and diplomas designed to help students jumpstart their careers. Some of the most popular include Columbia State Community College in Columbia, Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga, and Roane State Community College in Harriman. These are often shorter programs in length than traditional college degrees and provide students with the ability to quickly enter the workforce and gain valuable skills. With various options for two-year degrees and certifications, these community colleges can help students find their place in the career world more quickly and efficiently. Popular programs include culinary arts, welding technology, healthcare administration, computer programming, and automotive mechanics.
Best 10 scholarships in Tennessee 2023
There are a lot of scholarships available in Tennessee – so we gathered 10 of the best value ones – from our list of scholarships that have the easiest application process. These scholarships are open to Tennessee students, some are open to students across the U.S., and have minimal application requirements.
Scholarship | Award Amount |
---|---|
Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship | $6,000 |
Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship | $500-$5,000 |
SAWF Scholarship Program | $5,000 |
William E. Wilson Scholarship | $5,000 |
Synovus Bank/Calvin Smyre Endowed Scholarship | $4,500 |
American Electric Power Scholarship | $4,000 |
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Competition | $3,500 |
MGMA Southern Section Scholarship | $2,500 |
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship | $1,750-$2,250 |
Kentucky-Tennessee Section One AWWA Operator Scholarship | $1,000 |
Tennessee scholarships for high school seniors 2023
Tennessee high school seniors are in need of scholarships to help them achieve their educational goals. With the rising cost of tuition, many students find it difficult to afford college. Additionally, Tennessee’s economy is struggling and many families cannot afford to pay for higher education without outside assistance. Scholarships can provide a financial lifeline for these students, allowing them to attend college without taking on large amounts of debt or relying on family support. Not only do scholarships help financially challenged students realize their dreams of attending college, but they also enable those from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain access to the same opportunities as more privileged peers. By providing scholarships for Tennessee high school seniors, we can ensure that all young people have a chance at achieving success in higher education and beyond.
There is a wide variety of scholarships available to Tennessee high school seniors. These awards are offered by organizations, businesses, colleges, and other institutions that are dedicated to assisting students in need of financial aid. Scholarships range from merit-based awards to those specifically designed for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Some top scholarships for Tennessee high school seniors include the Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships that awards up to $5,000. Another popular scholarship offered by the Tennessee State Government is the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship that's worth up to $2,250.
Tennessee scholarships for women 2023
Women often face a number of systemic barriers to success, including lower wages and fewer job opportunities in Tennessee. There is still gender inequality, with women earning 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man and making up only 28% of executive positions in the state. Women often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to access to career opportunities and promotions, and a lack of flexibility in the workplace can further prevent them from advancing. Therefore, most women seek scholarships to pursue higher education. Scholarships provide much-needed access to educational resources that would otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable. They can open up gateways to higher-paying jobs, greater career prospects, and a better future for Tennessee women. Furthermore, scholarships can be used to provide mentorship and networking opportunities that are often unavailable to those without access to higher education. Through scholarships, women can break down the barriers preventing them from achieving their full potential. Check out the of up to $5,000. The program is offered by the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum to female students of all educational levels to complete their studies.
Tips for winning Tennessee scholarships
1. Start Early: It's important to begin the search for scholarships early, as many scholarships are offered annually or bi-annually and they may require a lot of research and paperwork. Make sure to have all your materials prepared in advance so you can get a jumpstart on applying for scholarships when the opportunities become available.
2. Choose Wisely: With so many scholarships available, it can be tempting to apply for as many as possible. However, it's important to narrow down your list of prospective scholarship opportunities and focus on those that fit your interests, skills and goals the best.
3. Read Instructions Carefully: Before applying for a Tennessee scholarship, read the instructions and guidelines carefully. Make sure all your forms are filled out accurately and that you have gathered all the necessary documents required for submission.
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships for minorities in Tennessee?
Yes. Most of the scholarships in Tennessee are available for all eligible students despite race, gender, ethnicity, etc. Among the listed scholarships available of Scholaroo are specifically designed for minorities like the Minority Teaching Fellows Program, and the Synovus Bank/Calvin Smyre Endowed Scholarship.
What are the most popular majors in Tennessee?
The most popular majors among Tennessee students include business administration, nursing, psychology, biology, elementary education, and management. Business administration is especially popular due to its flexibility and range of career options after graduation. Nursing remains a popular choice for many students, as it provides an opportunity to enter the healthcare field and help people. Psychology is another major that appeals to those who want to gain insight into how people think and behave. Biology is a great option for students interested in understanding living organisms and their environments, while elementary education offers the chance to make a difference in young lives.
Where does Tennessee rank in education?
Tennessee continues to progress in education. It ranks in the middle at 32 on a list of most education quality. Read our reports on 2022 Most & Least Educated States and States with Best & Worst Public School Systems for more. According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 rankings, Tennessee is ranked 28th in overall education quality. The state has seen improved scores in college readiness, with its high school graduation rate surpassing the national average at 88%.