FAQs

Are scholarships binding? Tennessee State’s merit scholarships are not binding. If a student is awarded one of our merit scholarships and decides, for some unfortunate reason, they no longer want to attend. Upon notification of withdrawal, the scholarship will be rescinded and placed back in the pool for the next eligible candidate.
Do you have full-cost or full-ride scholarships? Tennessee State has two merit scholarships classified as "full-cost11 or 11full-ride" scholarships. These scholarships are within a particular category and only eligible for students with special interests from specific areas/states with specific majors. The University no longer has the full-cost or full-ride scholarships that may have been available during previous years.
Do you accept super scores or administer the residual ACT? OIMS does not accept super scores and Tennessee State University no longer offers the ACT on-campus or ACT residual exam.
What happens if I don’t accept my initial merit scholarship offer? Merit scholarship offers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so if a student fails to receive the initial scholarship offer or changes their mind and now would like to accept it, they will need to contact our office. Following notification, students will be placed on a waitlist. If a scholarship becomes available, they are re-reviewed, and an offer is re-extended.
How to maintain or keep my merit scholarship? To retain a merit scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester, earn a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester, and maintain the minimum cumulative GPA outlined in their agreement.
Does my merit scholarship cover summer school and Maymester courses? Merit scholarships are applicable for fall and spring semesters They do not cover summer or mini semesters unless noted in the official scholarship offer agreement.
Will my merit scholarship cover my education until I am done with Tennessee State University? Merit scholarships are renewable for up to four consecutive academic years (8 consecutive semesters) for new first-time students and up to two consecutive years (4 consecutive semesters) for new transfer students.
Will my merit scholarship be credited to my account even though I did not meet the requirements outlined in the agreement? Merit scholarships do not auto-renew. To ensure the scholarship is not canceled, a student must maintain the eligibility criteria outlined in the agreement.
How can I keep my merit scholarship each semester? Students must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester, earn a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
What if I qualify for multiple merit scholarships? Students receiving multiple merit scholarship offers from Tennessee State University's Office of Institutional Merit Scholarships can only receive one merit scholarship.
I have a foundation scholarship from TSU and an academic merit scholarship. Can I still keep my merit scholarship even though I have a foundation scholarship? Our merit scholarships can be combined with other scholarships from the TSU Foundation, outside organizations, and TSU colleges and departments.
I have been awarded multiple scholarships. Can I get my merit scholarship into a refund instead? These merit scholarships cannot be converted into cash or issued as a refund.
What’s the best way to submit my transcript and test scores? After you have applied to Tennessee State University, your 'Future Tiger' is established. Your transcript and test scores can be submitted via your portal. You can also submit them by mail, hand delivery, or electronically through Parchment, Clearinghouse, and Scoir. We only accept official test scores. Unofficial or interim high school transcripts are accepted, but students will need to provide their final transcript once the student has graduated. NOTE: If you hand deliver the transcript, it must be sealed within its official envelope. Anything else is null and void and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Our merit scholarships are last-dollar scholarships. A student's total semester cost may be reduced or adjusted due to financial aid or additional forms of aid they receive. Also, merit scholarships may be rescinded or deemed forfeited for students who accept an offer but do not enroll or attend the fall semester.