Grants
Both the federal and state governments provide grants to students, sources of financial aid that generally do not have to be repaid. Unlike scholarships, they are typically awarded based on financial need rather than on demonstrated academic achievement. A student's federal and state grant eligibility is determined by the information provided in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant is funded by the US federal government and does not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is potentially available to undergraduate, degree-seeking students who have not already obtained a bachelor's degree.
Award amounts vary based on a student's Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by their submitted FAFSA, and the student’s enrollment status. A student's Pell award amount adjusts if the student is not enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) during a semester. Students who receive the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible to receive a portion for summer semesters. To potentially utilize Pell for summer, students must submit the Summer Semester Application that becomes available online each year shortly after Tech's Spring Break. For specific dates, please consult the Academic Calendar.
Eligible students may continue to receive the Federal Pell Grant until 1) completion of their first bachelor’s degree OR 2) until the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters of the grant have been used. For more information about the Federal Pell Grant, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The SEOG Grant is a federal grant for undergraduate, degree-seeking students with exceptional financial need that does not have to be repaid. The amount of SEOG funds is limited. The SEOG prioritizes students who receive maximum Federal Pell Grants (-1500 to zero SAI) and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis (determined by when students submit their FAFSA and complete all requirements). Therefore, complete your FAFSA each year as soon as it becomes available!
Please Note: the average FSEOG award available to Tennessee Tech students is $1000 per academic year.
There is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive a SEOG award. For more information about the SEOG, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Federal TEACH Grant / Loan Program
The Federal TEACH Grant / Loan Program provides grants up to $4,000 per academic year to students who intend to teach in a high need field and in a school that serves students from low-income families. If a student receives the TEACH Grant but doesn't complete the service obligation, the grant is converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education, with interest charged from the date the TEACH Grant / Loan was disbursed. Additional requirements and detailed information are available on our Federal TEACH Grant / Loan Program page.
Tennessee State Assistance Award (TSAA)
The TSAA grant is a state award that does not have to be repaid. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) provides a need-based grant program for in-state undergraduate students attending eligible Tennessee institutions. To receive the TSAA, students must be U.S. citizens, meet Tennessee residency requirements for state student aid, be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and meet TSAC's need requirements based on FAFSA results. Awards vary based on need and enrollment status.
The TSAA does not require a separate application. If awarded the TSAA, the first eligible Tennessee school listed on your FAFSA will be notified. You can update your school of choice by updating your TSAC profile via the TSAC Student Portal. For more information about the TSAA and its requirements, please visit the TSAC website.
