Tennessee Tech University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic Presidential Scholars awards by GPA and test score
- Competitive and Honors scholarships worth exploring
- Reciprocity and out-of-state tuition reduction options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1000–1240
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.7
Source: Tennessee Tech admissions data and national aggregates. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Tennessee Tech at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does Tennessee Tech award automatic scholarships?
Yes. Students applying by December 15 are automatically considered for the Presidential Scholars Program, with awards ranging from $1,500 up to $10,000 per year based on GPA and ACT/SAT.
Does the Presidential Scholars program cover full tuition?
Not entirely. The top award is $10,000 per year—substantial, but typically shy of full in-state tuition. Students may combine this with state aid (like HOPE or KEES) to reduce remaining costs.
What about out-of-state students?
Out-of-state Honors College students can apply for the Honors Academic Scholarship (HAS), which offsets the out-of-state tuition difference, effectively bringing their costs near in-state levels.
Does Tennessee Tech superscore ACT/SAT results?
Yes. The university uses superscored results for both admission and scholarship calculations.
Are there full-ride opportunities?
While no automatic full-ride is offered, select Honors Fellowships and departmental programs may include housing or research stipends that approach full cost coverage.
When should students apply?
Apply by December 15 for full merit consideration, and file the FAFSA by March 1 for state and need-based aid.
University COA page – https://www.tntech.edu/financialaid/cost.php
Scholarships & Grants page – https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/tntech-scholarships-grants/freshman-admissions-scholarships-grants.php
Admissions Requirements – https://www.tntech.edu/admissions/apply/requirements.php
Common Data Set (2024–25) – https://www.tntech.edu/ir/cds.php
College Scorecard (IPEDS) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?220079-Tennessee-Technological-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Tennessee Tech
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $12,081 | $16,712 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,835 | $13,835 |
| Total (before aid) | $32,746 | $37,377 |
Example: Out-of-state tuition is $16,712. Through ACM, that drops to the in-state rate of $12,081 — saving about $4,600 per year.
Cost & Waiver FAQs
Who qualifies for ACM? Out-of-state students whose state doesn’t offer their chosen major, once certified by their state’s ACM office.
How much can it save? Typically several thousand dollars per year — at Tech, about $4,600 annually compared to standard out-of-state tuition.
Is it automatic? No. You must apply through your state’s ACM office after admission to Tennessee Tech and get program approval.
University COA page – https://www.tntech.edu/financialaid/cost.php (Tier 1)
Scholarships & Grants page – https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/tntech-scholarships-grants/freshman-admissions-scholarships-grants.php (Tier 1)
Admissions Requirements – https://www.tntech.edu/admissions/apply/requirements.php (Tier 1)
Common Data Set (2024–25) – https://www.tntech.edu/ir/cds.php (Tier 1)
College Scorecard (IPEDS) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?220079-Tennessee-Technological-University (Tier 2)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Tennessee Tech’s admission-based Presidential Scholars program offers guaranteed, renewable scholarships for eligible freshmen who meet published GPA and test score bands by December 15. Awards are per year for up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment and maintenance of good academic standing.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars (Top Tier) | $10,000/year | GPA 3.75+ and ACT 36 (SAT 1570–1600); must apply by Dec 15 and submit scores/transcripts by Jan 15; full-time (12+ credits/semester) | No (admission-based) | Yes—3.0 GPA by end of 3rd semester, 12 credits/semester, up to 8 semesters | Typically 3.9–4.0 UW with highest test score bands and rigorous courses | Dec 15 (admission); Jan 15 (scores/transcript) |
| Presidential Scholars (High) | $7,500/year | GPA 3.75+ and ACT 34–35 (SAT 1490–1560); same deadlines and conditions | No | Yes—same renewal | Usually 3.8–4.0 UW with strong academics | Dec 15; Jan 15 |
| Presidential Scholars (Mid) | $5,000/year | GPA 3.75+ and ACT 30–33 (SAT 1360–1480); same deadlines and conditions | No | Yes | Commonly 3.7–4.0 UW with solid rigor and test scores | Dec 15; Jan 15 |
| Presidential Scholars (Base Tier) | $3,000/year | GPA 3.40+ and ACT 23–25 (SAT 1130–1220); same deadlines and conditions | No | Yes | Commonly 3.4–3.7 UW with 23–25 ACT/SAT equivalent | Dec 15; Jan 15 |
Note: Tennessee HOPE (state lottery) can stack with one institutional admissions scholarship. You cannot stack multiple institutional admissions scholarships at Tech. Deadlines: Apply for admission by Dec 15; ensure test scores/transcript are received by Jan 15. Full-time enrollment required.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need a separate scholarship application? No for Presidential Scholars—these are automatic with admissions. For competitive departmental or donor awards, complete the separate ScholarWeb application by Dec 15 for priority consideration.
Does Tennessee Tech superscore ACT/SAT? No. Tech does not superscore the ACT/SAT for these awards; only the best single composite is accepted.
Can test-optional applicants qualify? For admission, yes, but automatic merit (Presidential Scholars) requires a qualifying test score and GPA. Test-optional students should file ScholarWeb for competitive options.
Can I stack HOPE or ACM? HOPE (TN lottery) stacks with one Tech admissions scholarship. If you receive an Academic Common Market benefit, the same “one institutional admissions scholarship” rule applies. Out-of-pocket may be further reduced depending on aid package.
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/freshmen/index.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/renewal/index.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/freshmen-presidential-scholars.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/
https://www.tntech.edu/financialaid/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Awards)
Tech does not offer a single “full-ride” flagship award, but its most competitive institutional scholarships are limited in number and require extra steps beyond standard admission. These programs often require additional applications, financial need, or academic distinctions.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Opportunity Grant | $2,500/year | TN resident, FAFSA, GPA 3.2+, ACT 22+, financial need required; must complete application via ScholarWeb; service hour commitment (55/semester) | Yes—complete ScholarWeb by Dec 15; all materials by Jan 15 | Yes—up to 8 semesters; 12+ credits/term, 3.0 GPA by end of 3rd semester, continuing need and service | Competitive applicants with good academics, need, and civic engagement | Dec 15; Jan 15 |
| Upper Cumberland Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship | $3,500/year | Val/Sal from Upper Cumberland public high schools; TN resident, ACT 17+; ScholarWeb application required | Yes—complete ScholarWeb by Dec 15; all materials by Jan 15 | Yes—same renewal (12+ credits/term, 3.0 GPA by 3rd semester) | Top-performing local students named Valedictorian/Salutatorian | Dec 15; Jan 15 |
Note: These scholarships are Tech’s most competitive institutional awards, but are not full tuition. Only one institutional admissions scholarship can be held at a time; HOPE and other state/federal aid may still be combined.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
What makes these scholarships competitive? Both require separate applications and, for Golden Opportunity, ongoing service and financial need. Awards are limited each year.
Are these renewable? Yes. Most follow Tech’s “12+ credits/semester” and “3.0 GPA after 3rd semester” rule. Golden Opportunity also requires 55 service hours/semester.
Can these stack with automatic merit? No. Tech’s policy is one admissions/competitive institutional scholarship per student; HOPE can still stack. Departmental/donor awards may also stack, per ScholarWeb selections.
What are the key deadlines? Submit ScholarWeb by Dec 15 and send all required transcripts/scores/materials by Jan 15.
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/freshmen/index.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/renewal/index.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/admissions-grants.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/upper-cumberland-val-sal.php
🎖️ Honors College
The Tennessee Tech Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students seeking smaller classes, faculty mentorship, enriched seminars, and access to special scholarships and funding. Admission requires a separate, competitive application (minimum GPA 3.5, most admittees have 3.7+ and leadership/service).
Minimum GPA 3.5, strong essays, evidence of curiosity, creative thinking, and service; many admitted students exceed these requirements and excel in AP/IB or dual enrollment.
- Priority registration and dedicated Honors housing
- Honors-specific advising, seminars, and faculty mentorship
- Research and conference funding (active Honors students only)
- No extra time to degree — Honors courses replace core curriculum
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Academic Scholarship (HAS) | Covers out-of-state tuition portion (pays in-state rate) | Incoming out-of-state freshmen admitted to Honors; maintain full-time status, Honors membership, and service (60+ hours/semester) | Yes—HAS application in ScholarWeb after program admission | Yes, up to 8 semesters; must meet Honors/academic service criteria | Selective competitive out-of-state students; HAS makes Tech financially competitive | February (preferred deadline, see Honors site) |
| Roettger Research Award | ~$500 (one-time) | Current Honors students completing research or an Honors Thesis | Yes—annual award cycle | No | Honors students with outstanding directed research or thesis | Spring |
| Bush-Essler Scholarship | ~$500/year | Honors students planning careers in K-12 gifted education | Yes—application for active Honors students | Yes—annual, while criteria are met | Education-focused Honors students | Spring |
| Advanced Honors Scholars & Donor Awards | $500–$1,000/year | Junior/Senior Honors students needing extra aid due to double major, degree, or special circumstances | Yes—application for advanced Honors students | No | Advanced Honors students selected through Honors & donor review | Spring |
Most continuing Honors awards range $500–$1,000/year. Applications and deadlines are managed by the Honors College; see their website for current cycles and requirements.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic? No—requires a separate application with essays. Highly competitive.
Does Honors add time? No—Honors courses substitute for general education, so students graduate on schedule.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes—HAS for out-of-state, Roettger, Bush-Essler, and advanced awards for active students; Honors students also perform well in research and departmental scholarships via ScholarWeb.
https://www.tntech.edu/honors/scholarships.php
https://www.tntech.edu/honors/academic-scholarship.php
https://www.tntech.edu/honors/index.php
https://www.tntech.edu/honors/requirements.php
https://www.tntech.edu/honors/grad-research-awards.php
https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Tennessee Tech has built its reputation as Tennessee’s go-to school for engineering and applied sciences, but it also shines in areas like business, education, and computing. For parents, this means your student isn’t just earning a degree — they’re entering fields where Tech already has strong pipelines and recognition across the state and beyond.
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity: Home to the Center for Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach (CEROC), a statewide leader in cyber defense training and outreach.
- Education: Tech’s College of Education is one of the largest teacher-prep programs in Tennessee and is known for its Minority Teaching Fellows and strong licensure pass rates.
- Business (College of Business): AACSB-accredited, with a strong statewide reputation for accounting and management programs that link to Tennessee employers.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences: Recognized for programs in agribusiness and natural resources that connect directly to the region’s economy.