Tennessee State University Merit Scholarships

The Presidential Scholars Merit Scholarship represents Tennessee State University’s highest academic honor—awarded to a select group of exceptional first-time freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Limited to only ten recipients each year, this prestigious award recognizes students whose achievements embody the spirit of distinction that defines TSU.

Open to U.S. citizens entering as first-time freshmen, eligible applicants must present a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher and a minimum ACT composite score of 28 or SAT score of 1300. This comprehensive scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and the seven-day unlimited meal plan (including $300 dining bucks)—providing an unparalleled opportunity to focus fully on academic and personal growth.

The Presidential Scholarship is renewable for four consecutive academic years (eight semesters) for students who continue to meet program expectations, including maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, enrolling in 15 credit hours per semester, and submitting a FAFSA by the annual deadline.

To be considered, applicants must first complete and submit their official TSU Admissions Application and gain admission to the University. Once admitted, students must complete The Presidential Scholars Application, which includes a 200-word essay demonstrating their academic goals, leadership potential, and vision for contributing to the TSU community.

👉 Apply for The Presidential Scholars Merit Scholarship here: OPENS SOON!

The Dr. Levi Watkins Merit Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. — pioneering heart surgeon, civil‐rights trailblazer, and distinguished alumnus of Tennessee State University. Through this prestigious award, TSU invests in exceptional first‐time freshmen whose academic achievement and commitment to healthcare service reflect the vision Dr. Watkins embodied.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens who plan to major in biology, chemistry or related areas, enrolling as first‐time freshmen at TSU, and must submit an official admissions application to the University, as well as the scholarship application which includes a 500-750 word essay describing their aspirations in medicine, dentistry, or allied health and how they plan to contribute to underserved communities. Awards are limited and highly competitive: candidates should demonstrate a strong academic profile, typically with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher and a composite ACT score of 28 or higher (SAT equivalent of 1310 or higher).

Award recipients benefit from a comprehensive scholarship package covering tuition, fees, room and board, and—where applicable—the unlimited meal plan + dining bucks. The scholarship is renewable for up to three (3) consecutive academic years (9 semesters) provided the student meets yearly renewal criteria: 1.) submission of the FAFSA by deadline, enrollment in 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester; 10 credit hours for summer, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

This scholarship is more than financial support—it opens the door to mentorship, research opportunities, physician shadowing, and an accelerated pathway toward professional healthcare schools. As a Watkins Scholar at TSU, you join a select cohort committed to excellence, innovation, and service to humanity. Apply today and align your ambition with a legacy rooted in healing and hope.

👉 Apply for The Dr. Levi Watkins Merit Scholarship here: https://www.tnstate.edu/watkins/

The TSU Renaissance Scholarship celebrates academic excellence and leadership among high-achieving first-time freshmen and international students. Student with a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher  OR  a composite ACT score of 28 or higher (or SAT 1300 or higher), this award recognizes students who exemplify the transformative spirit of Tennessee State University.

Recipients receive $5,500 (in-state) or $8,500 (out-of-state) annually, contributing toward the total cost of attendance.

The scholarship is renewable for four consecutive academic years (eight semesters) when students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, enroll full-time in 15 or more credit hours each semester, and complete the FAFSA by the annual deadline.

Students offered this scholarship will be notified via email through their Future Tiger portal.

Honoring the proud legacy of TSU’s founding year, the 1912 Heritage Scholarship recognizes students whose academic dedication and character reflect the values upon which the University was built.

This award is available to first-time freshmen and international students with a weighted GPA between 3.25–3.74 OR ACT score of 25–27 (or SAT 1200–1290). Recipients are awarded $4,500 (in-state) or $6,500 (out-of-state) annually toward educational costs.

Renewable for up to four years (8 semesters), students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in 15 credit hours per semester, and complete the FAFSA each year to continue eligibility.

Students offered this scholarship will be notified via email through their Future Tiger portal.

The TSU Torch Scholars Scholarship recognizes promising first-time freshmen and international students who show determination, perseverance, and academic potential.

Open to applicants with a weighted GPA between 3.0–3.24 ACT score of 20–24 (or SAT 1030–1190), this award provides $3,500 (in-state) or $4,500 (out-of-state) annually.

Designed to empower the next generation of leaders, this scholarship supports students in their pursuit of excellence while embodying the TSU motto, “Think. Work. Serve.” To renew, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll full-time in 15 credit hours per semester, and complete the FAFSA by the required deadline.

Students offered this scholarship will be notified via email through their Future Tiger portal.

The Tiger Transfer Scholarship rewards excellence among transfer and international transfer students who are entering in the fall semesterhave demonstrated strong academic performance at their previous institution.

Eligible students must hold a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 and submit all official transcripts for review.

Recipients receive $3,000 per academic year (in-state and out-of-state). This scholarship is renewable for two consecutive academic years (4 semesters), enroll full-time in 15 credit hours per semester, maintain a 2.5 GPA and complete the FAFSA by the required deadline.

Students offered this scholarship will be notified via email through their Future Tiger portal.

The MNPS Trailblazer Scholarship was created to recognize and reward outstanding graduates of Metro Nashville Public Schools who are ready to lead the way at Tennessee State University. Open exclusively to in-state, first-time freshmen, this scholarship supports students with a HOPE GPA of 3.0 or higher or an ACT score of 21 or higher (SAT 1060 or higher). Recipients must also be Tennessee HOPE Scholarship–eligible as determined by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).

This prestigious award covers full tuition and mandatory fees, empowering Nashville’s brightest scholars to continue their educational journey close to home at TSU—where excellence begins. The scholarship is renewable for up to four consecutive academic years (eight semesters), provided students maintain HOPE eligibility, enroll in 15 credit hours per semester, and complete the FAFSA by the annual deadline.

Students offered this scholarship will be notified via email through their Future Tiger portal.