FAFSA
When does the FAFSA open for 2026-27?
October 1st.
Student is FTIC with a 3.9 GPA and planning on doing traditional program and living on campus, what is their scholarship?
$15,000
TN Resident
3.0 GPA or 21 ACT
Graduate from Eligible High School
I am a sports science major and it is too expense. Can I switch to being an Online Student
No. Only select programs are offered in Online.
What is the difference between COA and Direct Cost?
What tax year should be on the 2026-27 FAFSA?
2024
I am a transfer student whose parents do not have a bachelors degree... Do I qualify for First in Family?
Why or Why not?
No
First in Family is for FTIC students who do not have a Bachelor's degree.
Can a graduate student get HOPE Scholarship?
Do online students get institutional academic scholarships?
No... their discounted price excludes them from most institutional aid.
If I have a change in circumstances, is there a way for financial aid to help?
Yes, there are both professional judgments and dependency overrides available for students who find themselves in unique circumstances where their data from the FAFSA has changed.
Who needs to be on my FAFSA?
Student and Parent(s) who provide the most financial support
I am a student athlete and heard about the debate scholarship... Can I get the scholarship?
It depends... is the student getting athletic aid.
TN students or surrounding bordering counties who are at least Juniors in High School and who complete the TN DEG application on the TSAC Portal.
What is the price per credit hour for an ONLINE UG student?
$600/cr
I cant afford Tusculum... what now?
2. If not accepted, try to get them to fill in the Net Price Calculator--> sticker shock is real
3. See if they qualify for being a commuter
4. See if they qualify for PASS funding.
What does SAI stand for?
Student Aid Index
What is the Sonlight Scholarship?
Scholarship designed for students who graduate from a homeschool or private Christian school.
What is TSAA?
A $4,000 grant at private school for students who SAI is between -1500 to 5000 and are TN residents who submitted their FAFSA before 02/01.
Deadline subject to extend based on funding. Currently funded through 06/01.
What credit hours per semester does my traditional tuition cost cover?
12-19 credits per semester.
What information do you need to tell a student about our COA?
Nothing... the Department of Education requires that we provide the COA to any student or prospective student that asks without requiring any information.
$7395
What is the amount of the Transfer 2025 Scholarship? How is it different from the Pathways Scholarship?
$2,000
Only Traditional student can receive and have to have a 2.0 GPA to get it. Pathways is $500 and is awarded to anyone (online or traditional) who comes to TU right after AA/AS degree.
I am full Pell Grant and my TN Promise is not showing to cover my remaining tuition owed... Why is it not showing on my award?
TU can only match what a CC gets in TN Promise. That is about $4600 a year. Then, we have to subtract federal grants.
4600- full pell grant (7395)= -need= No TN promise.
Why is my athletic not showing on my award?
The student has to sign their athletic aid before we are legally allowed to add it to their award offer.