The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Lupton Renaissance Fund Update

Q and A: State Addresses Lottery Scholarships

The state of Tennessee has issued a response to frequently answered questions about the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program. To learn more about lottery scholarships and other financial assistance at UTC, call (423) 425-4677 or visit the Financial Aid webpage.

#1: What are the different types of lottery scholarships in Tennessee?

There are five scholarships or awards within the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program. They are:

  • HOPE Scholarship
  • General Assembly Merit Scholarship
  • Supplemental Award
  • Access Grant
  • Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant

#2: How do I qualify for the HOPE Scholarship?

You must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduate from high school in the Class of 2004 and
  • Tennessee resident and
  • Attend a SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) accredited two-year or four-year Tennessee institution and
  • Graduate from high school with a 3.0 unweighted overall and college core grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0 or
  • Score at least a 19 ACT (890 SAT).

Other categories or students may also qualify for the HOPE Scholarship.

  • Have a GED with a 525 GED score and at least a 19 ACT (890 SAT).
  • Home schooled students must score at least a 23 ACT (1060 SAT).
  • Students eligible for a waiver of tuition because a parent in the U.S. armed forces was either killed in a hostile action, prisoner of war, or totally disabled.

#3: How do I qualify for the other scholarships?

  • Qualify for the HOPE Scholarship
  • The General Assembly Merit Scholarship requires a 3.75 unweighted and college core GPA and an ACT of 29 (SAT of 1280).
  • The supplemental award requires a family adjusted gross income of $36,000 or below.
  • A student may receive either the General Assembly Merit Scholarship or the supplemental award along with the HOPE Scholarship.
  • The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills award is granted to students in a Tennessee Technical Center. There is no GPA or ACT requirement. These students are not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.


#4: How much are these Scholarships?
The amount of the scholarship depends upon the type of school you attend.

  • If you attend a four-year private or public school, the HOPE scholarship is $3,000 per year.
  • If you attend a two-year private or public school, the HOPE scholarship is $1,500 per year.
    There are some supplemental awards for HOPE scholars that are also available.
  • If the student’s family (student and parent) has an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their federal income tax return that is $36,000 or less and the student has an unweighted overall and college core GPA of 3.00 or an ACT score of 19 or above, the student will receive a supplemental award of $1,000.
  • If the high school student has an unweighted overall and college core GPA of 3.75 and a 29 ACT (1280 SAT) or higher, the student will receive a supplemental award of $1,000.
  • Students may only receive one supplemental award of $1,000.

#5 What about the Access Grant?
The Access Grant is available to students with a 2.75 unweighted overall and college core GPA and 18 ACT (860 SAT) and have a family AGI of $36,000 or below. This award is valued at one-half of the HOPE scholarship. It is non-renewable. Students receiving this may qualify for the HOPE in their second year.

#6: I graduated from high school in June 2003. Will I be eligible to receive a HOPE Scholarship?
Yes. You will be eligible in your second year of college in the 2004-05 academic year if you maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and complete at least 24 credit hours during your first college year.

#7: When will the first HOPE Scholarship be awarded?
The first awards will be available in 2004 for the fall 2004 term that begins in August at most schools.

#8: Will I receive the HOPE Scholarship every year?
To retain the HOPE Scholarship, you must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA for your first year and a 3.00 GPA after your second, third, and fourth years. You must also complete 24 credit hours each year.

#9: If I do not meet the criteria for renewal, can I regain the scholarship in later years?
No. You cannot regain the scholarship once it is lost due to a low GPA or completed hours.

#10: If I will be a college junior for the year 2004-05 award year, will I receive a HOPE Scholarship for that year?
No. There is no provision for juniors or higher for the 2004-05 academic year.

#11: How do I apply for the HOPE Scholarship?
By completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will be available from high school guidance counselors or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov in January 2004 for high school seniors. The priority date for FAFSA completion will be May 1.

#12: How many years will I be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship?
Normally, you may receive the scholarship for four years at a four-year SACS approved Tennessee institution. If you attend a two-year SACS approved Tennessee institution, you may transfer to a four-year SACS approved Tennessee institution. If you are in a five-year program, you may receive the award for a fifth year or up to 136 credit hours.

#13: Do I have to go to college directly from high school to receive the HOPE Scholarship?
I would like to work for a couple of years before going on to college.
Yes, you must go directly to college from high school to qualify. There are two exceptions:

  • If you enter the active duty military, you can remain in the military for up to seven years, but you must receive an honorable discharge and apply for the scholarship within one year after leaving the service.
  • If you attend one of the Tennessee Technology Centers, you can receive the Lottery Scholarship ($1,250 per year) at any age. There is no GPA or ACT score requirement and the student could have graduated from high school at any time in the past.

#14: If I receive other scholarships, can I also receive the HOPE Scholarship?
Yes. The Financial Aid Office may award the HOPE scholarship and other scholarships up to the cost of education at your institution.

#15: If I receive other financial aid, can I also receive the HOPE Scholarship?
Yes. The Financial Aid Office may award the HOPE Scholarship and other need-based awards up to the student’s need.

#16: I have always wanted to attend a certain college, but it is located in another state. If I qualify, can I use the HOPE Scholarship at that school?
No. The HOPE Scholarship is available only if you attend a Tennessee school that is accredited by SACS. However, transfer from an out-of-state school to an eligible Tennessee institution is allowed. The GPA and completed hours will determine eligibility.