A UT Degree is Attainable

College feels expensive — because it often is. The good news? Scholarships and aid make a UT degree affordable and more attainable than many Tennesseans realize. Nearly half of UT students graduate debt free. Explore estimated costs and resources to support your journey.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to paying for college — and we’re here to help! Take advantage of these resources that ensure the affordability of a UT degree.

Federal Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step toward receiving college financial aid. It’s free to file — and with the right info on hand, most students complete it in about an hour. College for TN offers several resources to help you through the process.

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Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Funded by the state lottery, HOPE provides tuition support to eligible Tennessee students. First-year students and sophomores can receive up to $2,250 per semester, and juniors and seniors up to $2,850 per semester. Completing the FAFSA automatically applies in-state students for the Hope Scholarship.

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UT Promise Scholarship

A last-dollar scholarship available at all five UT campuses for eligible Tennesseans with a household income under $75,000. What “last dollar” means is that UT Promise covers the remaining costs of tuition and mandatory fees after all other financial aid has been applied.

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Campus-Specific Scholarships

Each UT campus offers its own scholarships — some are awarded automatically, and others require an application.

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External Scholarships

Beyond scholarships offered by UT, students can apply for scholarships from private donors, foundations and employers. These awards can add up! Set aside time to search and ask school counselors for recommendations.

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Military and Returning Students

UT is proud to support those who’ve served and those returning to college. These dedicated programs are here to make your path to a degree easier and more accessible.

Supporting Military Students and Veterans

Veterans, active-duty service members, ROTC cadets and others can attend any UT campus at in-state tuition rates — no matter where you live.

A group of ROTC cadets, all wearing their physical fitness uniforms, participate in a morale run, with guidon bearers in the front.

Tennessee Reconnect

Thinking about going back to college? The Tennessee Reconnect Grant helps eligible adults attend community or technical college tuition-free — and can be a smart first step toward transferring to a UT campus.

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“It’s not often a person can point to one event that changes her life, but I can.

Courtney Brown, UT Promise Scholarship Recipient and First-Generation College Graduate
Learn More About UT Promise
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UT Promise turned Courtney’s college dream into reality — and changed her life. Read her story in Our Tennessee magazine.

Tip for Success: Plan Ahead

Understanding options early can help students and families feel more confident and in control when making informed financial decisions about selecting a UT campus that aligns with your goals and budget.

Proof Points of the Value of a UT Degree

  • 90%
    of UT Knoxville grads employed or in graduate school within six months

    Our graduates see results quickly — most are working or continuing their education just six months after graduation.

  • $1.5M
    more earned over a lifetime with a four-year degree

    A college degree pays off — on average, graduates earn $1.5 million more over their lifetimes than those without one.

  • A UT degree doesn’t just open doors — it leads to real results. From strong job placement to higher lifetime earnings, a UT degree is affordable and is an investment that pays off.

    Explore the Value

Take the Next Step

We’ve got the tools to help you figure out what’s next — and what’s best for you. Choose the resources that match where you are in your journey.