Institutional Accrediting Agencies
The HOPE Scholarship requires students to enroll in an eligible TN public college, university, or private college (or an out-of-state public or private college accredited by one of the agencies listed below) within 16 months following high school graduation. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees, and therefore, UTC does fit this criteria. However, enrollment at an ineligible TN institution (or an out-of-state institution not accredited by one of the agencies listed below) any time after high school graduation will make the student permanently ineligible.
As such, we strongly encourage students who choose to attend out-of-state to research their institution of choice, ensuring it is accredited through one of these institutional accrediting agencies. There is no exception or appeal process for students to regain the TN HOPE Scholarship that choose a non-accredited institution. Our office is always available if questions arise.
List of institutional accreditors
Institutions accredited by the following agencies meet the criteria pursuant to § 49-4-902(34):
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, formerly part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission, formerly part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education, formerly part of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges