Non-Traditional students must “earn their way” into the HOPE Scholarship program by attempting 12 semester hours without the HOPE Scholarship and achieve a 2.75 GPA. In addition, the student must:
- Apply with FAFSA by deadline dates, September 1 for fall and February 1 for spring and/or summer
- Must be Tennessee resident 1 year prior to application deadline
- Must be Independent on the FAFSA
- Student’s (and spouse’s) adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on IRS tax form
High school criteria for HOPE and HOPE Access are non-factors to determine initial eligibility for non-traditional students.
Non-Traditional students are ineligible for the Merit and Aspire supplements.
Renewal Criteria
Same as HOPE Scholarship after 24 attempted hours AND maximum $36,000 adjusted gross income
For additional information, please visit the TSAC website.