Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship Application Guide 2026–2027: Requirements & Deadline (USA)

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Overview & Value

The Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program established by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). Created specifically to support students with intellectual disabilities who have completed high school, the program helps fund postsecondary educational opportunities that foster academic growth, independent living, and employment skills.

The financial award mirrors the standard Tennessee HOPE Scholarship payout rates. Full-time students attending eligible four-year institutions receive up to $2,250 per semester ($4,500 annually) during their freshman and sophomore years, which increases to $2,850 per semester ($5,700 annually) for their junior and senior years. For students enrolled full-time at eligible two-year institutions, the award provides up to $1,600 per semester ($3,200 annually).

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Nationality & Residency Requirements

To qualify for funding under the STEP UP program, candidates must satisfy the following state legal and residency criteria:

• State Residency: Applicants must be classified as legal Tennessee residents for at least one full year immediately preceding the date of application or renewal.
• Citizenship & Legal Status: Candidates must meet US citizen requirements or hold permanent resident status (Green Card) in the United States.
• Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship international student requirements: Non-immigrant foreign visa holders (such as F-1 or J-1 international students) are ineligible, as the funding is strictly reserved for Tennessee residents enrolled in approved state programs.

Academic & GPA Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must fulfill specific credential, timeline, and institutional enrollment benchmarks:

• Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship eligibility for undergraduate students: Applicants must have completed high school in Tennessee in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Eligible credentials include a high school diploma, occupational diploma or certificate, special education diploma, transition certificate, or IEP certificate.
• Enrollment Timeline: Students must be admitted to and enrolled in an approved postsecondary program no later than 16 months after completing high school.
• Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship GPA requirement: There is no minimum high school or college GPA requirement. Eligibility is based on program admission and IEP credential completion rather than traditional grade point averages.
• Approved Postsecondary Programs: Students must enroll in a designated Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP) at an eligible Tennessee institution (such as Lipscomb University, Union University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, or Vanderbilt University).
• Distinction / Application Quirk: Unlike the traditional Tennessee HOPE Scholarship—which enforces strict cumulative GPA checkpoints (e.g., maintaining a 2.75 college GPA)—the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship renewal requirements state that recipients do not have a minimum numerical GPA cutoff to maintain in college. Instead, students remain eligible as long as they maintain continuous enrollment and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by their specific postsecondary institution’s program.

Application Materials Needed

To submit a complete application packet, candidates and their families must complete the following requirements:

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Completed and submitted for the appropriate academic year.
2. Official Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship Application: Downloaded from the TSAC website or TSAC portal, completed, and emailed directly to [email protected].
3. High School Credential Documentation: Official transcript or verification verifying completion of high school under an IEP with an approved diploma or certificate.
4. Institutional Acceptance Letter: Proof of admission to an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program in Tennessee.

Step-by-Step How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your submission prior to the official Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship application deadline:

1. Apply to an Approved CTP Program: Secure admission to an eligible Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program at a participating Tennessee college or university.
2. File the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, listing your postsecondary institution.
3. Complete the STEP UP Form: Download and fill out the official paper/PDF Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship application.
4. Submit Application via Email: Email your completed application form directly to [email protected].
5. Observe Deadline Cutoffs: Ensure all forms and FAFSA filings are finalized prior to September 1 for fall semester entry, March 1 for spring semester entry, or May 1 for summer semester entry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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