The Ned McWherter scholarship award totals $6,000 per academic year, comprising $3,000 from the State of Tennessee and an additional $3,000 from the college or university that the student attends.
It’s noteworthy that the institutional match can take the form of a campus-based award, which may already be included in the student’s financial aid package, provided that it does not come with a work obligation.
The distribution of these awards occurs in equal installments during each term throughout the academic year, although it’s important to emphasize that the competition for these awards is intense due to limited funding availability.
Furthermore, recipients have the opportunity to renew the award up to three times, resulting in a total of four years of support.
However, to maintain eligibility, recipients must uphold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and continue to attend full-time.
Eligibility for the Ned McWherter Scholarship:
- Residency requirement: Must be a Tennessee resident, a U.S. citizen, or permanent resident.
- Enrollment status: Must attend a qualified Tennessee college or university on a full-time basis.
- Academic requirement: Must possess a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5.
- Test score requirement: Must attain a minimum composite score of 29 on the ACT (or an equivalent score on the SAT).
- Bonus considerations: Extra credit may be granted for honors or advanced placement coursework and demonstrated leadership in high school extracurricular activities.
Ned McWherter Scholarship Application:
- Required Documentation:
- Submit an official high school transcript, including grades through the first semester of senior year.
- Provide an official ACT/SAT score.
- Application Access:
- Access the application via the provided link (TSAC Student Portal).
- Competitive Nature:
- Please note that awards are highly competitive due to limited funding.
- Renewal applicants receive priority.
- Application Deadline:
- Ensure that TSAC receives the completed application and all required attachments by February 15.
- Study Abroad Considerations:
- Recipients engaged in a study abroad program may still receive the Ned McWherter Scholarship.
- However, the program must be certified by an eligible Ned McWherter Scholars institution.
- Additionally, the student must be earning academic credit for the study abroad program from that institution.
- Consortium Agreements:
- If a recipient participates in a consortium agreement, the same requirements as for study abroad apply.
What are the requirements for Tennessee Scholars?
Requirements for Tennessee Scholars:
No Out of School Suspension:
Tennessee Scholars must have a clean disciplinary record, with no instances of out-of-school suspension during their high school years.
High Attendance Record:
Maintain an impressive 95% attendance rate throughout all four years of high school, which translates to missing no more than a total of 36 days over this period.
Academic Excellence:
Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of C or above in all classes, demonstrating consistent academic dedication and performance.
Community Service:
Engage in a minimum of 80 hours of volunteer service to contribute positively to your local community.
These requirements collectively reflect the commitment of Tennessee Scholars to both their education and their community, fostering personal growth and civic responsibility.