Navigating the TSAC Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide to Tennessee Scholarships

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) Student Portal is a crucial resource for students seeking financial aid and scholarships in Tennessee. This portal serves as a central hub for accessing and managing applications for various state-funded programs, including the Tennessee Hope Scholarship (TELS) and the Tennessee Promise. Understanding how to effectively use the TSAC Student Portal is essential for maximizing your opportunities for financial assistance.

Why Create a TSAC Student Portal Account?

Creating a TSAC Student Portal account is a fundamental step in applying for and managing Tennessee state scholarships. While the user's provided information does not explicitly list the reasons, it is implied that it is necessary for the following:

Accessing Scholarship Applications: The portal allows students to apply for scholarships such as the Tennessee Promise.
Monitoring Scholarship Status: Students can track the status of their scholarship applications and eligibility.
Updating Information: The portal allows students to update their school of record and other relevant information.

Applying for Scholarships Through the TSAC Student Portal

Applying for scholarships via the TSAC Student Portal involves a series of steps that must be followed carefully. It's important to note that simply creating an account does not complete the application process for all scholarships. For example, applying for a scholarship (example: the Tennessee Promise) is not complete once a student portal account has been created.

Here's a general outline of the application process:

FAFSA Completion: The first step for many Tennessee scholarships, including the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program, is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will be redirected to complete your FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA early is crucial to meet state-designated deadlines.
TSAC Student Portal Redirection: Once you have completed your FAFSA, you have applied for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship. You will be redirected to the TSAC Student Portal.
User Agreement and Application: Next, you must re-enter your Username and Password and answer the challenge question. Once you have accepted the “User Agreement”, click the “Apply for Scholarships” button and then click the appropriate scholarship program to complete and submit the online application.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS) Program

The Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program provides scholarship assistance to Tennesseans attending eligible Tennessee institutions. Students apply for the TELS program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Key TELS Requirements and Considerations

FAFSA Completion: Students apply for the TELS program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. You should complete your FAFSA early to ensure that you meet the state-designated deadlines each year.
Regular Review of Requirements: TELS program requirements change from time to time, so review application and eligibility requirements regularly to ensure that you remain in full compliance.
Impact of Enrollment Changes: Understanding how dropping classes or changing from full to part-time status may impact your TELS eligibility is especially important.
Enrollment Timeline: Students must enroll no later than 16 months after graduation from high school or home school.
Minimum Enrollment: Students may enroll in as little as one credit hour and remain eligible for future semesters; however, all TELS recipients must enroll at least half time (at least 6 credit hours) every fall and spring semester to receive the scholarship for that semester.

TELS GPA and Provisional Eligibility

You will be allowed to repeat a single class and request that the earlier grade be excluded from the TELS GPA. Must have maintained enrollment status for every semester. Must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year. You may regain the TELS award beginning with the semester after attempting 48, 72, and 96 hours as defined by TSAC’s TELS policy. Awards cannot be applied retroactively to prior semesters. A student who, at the end of a semester, reaches the 72 or 96 hour benchmark and has a 2.75 - 2.99 TELS GPA and at least a 3.0 MTSU semester GPA for the current semester in which the benchmark is reached may be provisionally eligible for the TELS award. The student must earn a 3.0 MTSU semester GPA for each semester (including the benchmark semester) and must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester to maintain TELS eligibility under the provisional rules.

At the 72 bracket and subsequent checkpoints, a student may provisionally qualify with a 2.75 cumulative TELS GPA and a 3.0 semester GPA. Please see below for the full provisional rules.

Enrollment Status and TELS Disbursement

Eligibility to receive TELS funds for a semester is based on student’s enrollment in Coursework towards their Program of Study (CPoS). A TELS recipient must maintain his or her enrollment status each fall and spring semester. (Example: A student receiving a full-time scholarship must remain enrolled in at least 12 hours through the end of the semester. If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from meeting Continuous Enrollment requirements, the student may be eligible for an appeal. Please visit the Financial Aid Appeals webpage for more information about filing a TELS appeal. The disbursement of TELS funds is also based on student’s enrollment in Coursework towards their Program of Study (CPoS) for semester. Students enrolled full-time are eligible to receive the maximum amount.

TELS and Advanced Degrees

Effective Fall 2023, any TELS eligible student who graduates with their baccalaureate degree from an eligible Tennessee college/university on-or-after July 1, 2023 AND has not reached the maximum 5 year TELS program completion limit AND immediately enrolls in an eligible advanced degree program (i.e. Masters or Doctoral) the semester after receiving baccalaureate degree MAY be eligible to receive TELS funds while working on advanced degree program (i.e. The student completes an advanced degree program (i.e. Masters or Doctoral).

Maintaining Eligibility for Advanced Degrees TELS

Students must enroll in the next immediate required Fall or Spring semester after graduating with their baccalaureate degree to maintain TELS continuing eligibility. Failure to do so will result in a total and permanent loss of TELS eligibility; however, if student has a valid and documentable circumstance, they may appeal the loss.

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Students will NOT receive a TELS award for courses attempted towards a certificate (undergraduate or graduate) program OR on a 2nd baccalaureate degree. For lottery purposes, these programs are NOT considered advanced degrees. However if student maintains continuing eligibility while enrolled in certificate program or 2nd baccalaureate degree program, does not reach a terminating TELS event, and later enrolls in an eligible advanced degree program (i.e. An Advanced degree (i.e. Masters or Doctoral) TELS recipient must maintain their enrollment status each Fall and Spring semester. (For example, a graduate student receiving a full-time award must remain enrolled in at least 9 graduate level hours through the end of the semester. For Advanced degree (i.e. Masters or Doctoral) TELS purposes, enrollment status at MTSU is defined below. Students enrolled less than ½ time MAY be eligible to receive funds for semester dependent on reason why student is enrolled less than ½ time. As with undergraduate TELS, advanced degree TELS may only be awarded and paid on credit hours towards an eligible program of study.

These steps are also applicable for students who are admitted into an Advanced degree program (i.e.

TELS for Less Than Half-Time Enrollment

Effective Fall 2023, any TELS eligible student who is enrolled less than half-time in Coursework towards Program of Study (CPoS) may be eligible to receive a less than half-time TELS award amount dependent on the reason why student is enrolled less than ½ time. Students who are enrolled less than half-time CPoS and meet 1 of the approved reasons above should complete the Lottery Less Than Half-Time Exception Request form for MTSU to determine eligibility for a less than ½ time TELS award. Documentation of inability to enroll half-time or greater (i.e.

TELS for Non-Traditional Students

A student who initially qualifies for a lottery scholarship under non-traditional rules will continue to be eligible for the award as long as he or she meets continuing eligibility requirements and has an Adjusted Gross Income of $36,000 or less on the FAFSA.

Transferring and TELS

Notifying TSAC of School Changes

It is important that you inform the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) of which school you plan to attend. You may do so by visiting College Pays TN’s Student Portal. It is recommended that you use the Student Portal, since it is processed by TSAC immediately. If you choose to send the paper form, please allow 2 weeks for processing.

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TELS Transfer Notification Form

Submit a TELS Transfer Notification form to the MT One Stop If you are an Undergraduate student seeking your 1st baccalaureate degree - When you see all your transfer credits on your MTSU transcript, and you have made MTSU your school of record with TSAC for the applicable award year, complete the online MTSU TELS Transfer Notification Form. If you are a Graduate student you has already received their baccalaureate degree on-or-after July 1, 2023 from an eligible Tennessee institution, and are now seeking an Advanced degree (i.e.

Transferring Mid-Year

Are you transferring to MTSU mid-year? If you are transferring to MTSU in the middle of the academic year (for example, if you transfer in the spring after attending another school in the fall), please be aware that you may not receive your lottery award prior to the fee payment deadline and the beginning of classes, depending on the timing of when you complete all steps for eligibility processing. Please Note: If you received your baccalaureate degree from an out-of-state institution, and you are transferring to MTSU in pursuit of an Advanced degree (i.e.

Monitoring Your Scholarship Status

It’s important to periodically check your lottery scholarship status and other lottery information on your PipelineMT account. Select the term you want to check (ex. The information at the top of the page is your eligibility information. The most common cause of a missing TELS award is that you listed a school other than MTSU first on your FAFSA. Inform the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) of which school you plan to attend. You may do so by visiting College Pays TN’s Student Portal. This is called changing your ‘school of record’. Your FAFSA may have been selected for verification, and we may still be waiting for you to submit required verification documents.

Addressing Missing TELS Awards

The most common cause of a missing TELS award is that you listed a school other than MTSU first on your FAFSA. Inform the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) of which school you plan to attend. You may do so by visiting College Pays TN’s Student Portal. This is called changing your ‘school of record’. Your FAFSA may have been selected for verification, and we may still be waiting for you to submit required verification documents.

Additional Tennessee Scholarship Programs

While the TELS program is a significant source of financial aid, Tennessee offers other scholarship opportunities.

UT Promise

UT Promise is an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees. Don’t leave any financial aid on the table.

Tennessee Reconnect

Tennessee Reconnect is a state initiative that helps adults return to college tuition-free.

Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester (Fall/Spring required; Summer optional).
Tuition and allowable fees for up to 5 years (10 consecutive Fall/Spring semesters, or 15 if including Summer).
Courses must count toward your degree or certificate.
Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Stay continuously enrolled (Fall and Spring semesters). Summer semester is optional
File the FAFSA every year.

Get Started Apply to Vol State online (no application fee).Create a TSAC Student Portal account.Complete and submit your TN Reconnect application. From Your first day of college to graduation, we’re here for you.

tnAchieves

tnAchieves is dedicated to supporting college students on their journey to college graduation by providing proactive college coaching, resources, and guidance. Through proactive coaching and access to critical academic and financial resources, tnAchieves helps students navigate the challenges of higher education.

TN Promise

File the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov. Please click here to learn more about this requirement!Keep in mind, this is a mandatory scholarship requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the loss of TN Promise scholarship eligibility. Complete and submit at least 16 hours of community service for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please click here to learn more and submit your hours!Keep in mind, this is a mandatory scholarship requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the loss of TN Promise scholarship eligibility. If you are attending a community college or 4-year institution, you are required to maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each academic year to remain eligible for TN Promise. A student may request a medical or personal leave of absence from timely enrollment in the initial semester, full-time attendance or continuous enrollment at an eligible post-secondary institution as long as all other applicable eligibility criteria are met.

In order to complete an appeal prior to initial enrollment, a student must click here for instructions on submitting an appeal.In order to request a leave of absence after initial enrollment, a student must complete the appeal process as specified by his/her college. Your college may require you to complete financial aid verification before awarding your scholarships and financial aid. Click the link below to review colleges eligible for TN Promise funding. Eligible InstitutionsTN Promise acts as a last-dollar scholarship at Tennessee community colleges and colleges of applied technology. Some four-year colleges are eligible for TN Promise funding; however, they have a different funding model.

Resources for College Students

Linked below is a comprehensive collection of tools designed to support college students in their academic journey and career exploration. These resources include personalized success guides, career assessment tools, and professional development resources that help students identify their strengths, explore potential career paths, and develop the skills necessary for success in both college and the workforce.

Transferring from Community College to a Four-Year University

Transferring from a community college to a four-year college is an important step toward reaching your long-term academic and career goals. Planning ahead and utilizing available resources can help ensure a smooth transfer process. If you plan to transfer to a four-year university after you earn your associate degree, we can help! Our dedicated team of COMPLETE Coaches are here to be a resource for you as you continue your academic journey. To help you get started, we have created a transfer checklist that outlines the general requirements for transferring to a four-year university. Please note that each institution has its own specific deadlines and requirements. It is critical that you are working closely with your institution and your tnAchieves COMPLETE Coach to ensure you are on track.

tnAchieves Transfer Checklist

Meet with your current college advisor to review class credits and TN Transfer Pathway.
Apply for admission at all 4-year schools that interest you.
Submit unofficial transcript from your community college to your intended 4-year university. A highschool transcript may also be required for admission.
Submit the FAFSA for the academic year in which you will transfer. Submitting the FAFSA early (by February 1) each year maximizes your access to financial aid and scholarships!

To help you with the transfer process, our team has created guides for some of the four-year institutions in Tennessee! These guides include information about various scholarships and transfer-specific deadlines. Find the guide for the college you are planning to transfer to and ensure you are meeting all of the necessary deadlines and requirements. While affordability can be a challenge as you navigate the college transfer process, it does not have to keep you from transferring to the college/university of your dreams! Filing the FAFSA early each year is an important first step to determine your eligibility for certain forms of financial aid, like the HOPE scholarship or Pell grant. tnAchieves is also here to help you identify additional scholarship opportunities, like institutional scholarships and external scholarships.

Institutional Scholarship Opportunities

Institutional scholarships are scholarships that are offered to students directly through their 4-year institution. tnAchieves' Transfer Timelines (found above) are a great place to learn more about institutional scholarships available to transfer students. There is a Transfer Timeline for every 4-year institution in Tennessee! Once you find the Transfer Timeline for your 4-year, scroll to the very bottom for scholarship information. If you plan to transfer to an out-of-state or international 4-year institution, please reach out to tnAchieves for help identifying institutional scholarship opportunities.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the federal/state aid you could qualify for based on your FAFSA and the institutional aid you could qualify for through your 4-year institution, you can also apply for external scholarships!

Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree

Earn your bachelor’s degree! It will only take about two more years after you transfer before you can earn your bachelor’s degree. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree typically earn $19,000 more a year compared to individuals with an associate degree.
Meet new people and expand your perspective! By attending a 4-year institution, you have the opportunity to continue to increase your social and cultural experiences on a broader level.

Resources and Support

Each guide contains the contact information for several services supporting people in your area with issues of homelessness, transportation, food insecurity, mental/physical health, childcare, Hispanic/Latino services, legal aid and more. Have questions or need help? Connect with the tnAchieves team by clicking the link below.

Transient Students

TransientI’m a degree-seeking student at another institution and I plan to enroll at UTC to take classes toward my degree. Good to know: Students are not eligible to receive financial aid at more than one institution in one term. You must apply for financial aid at the institution where you are degree-seeking - - - your home institution. As a transient student coming into UTC you are not eligible to receive financial aid at UTC, but you could receive financial aid at your home institution with a Consortium Agreement, also known as a Concurrent Enrollment. Not all schools will recognize Concurrent Enrollment, so you need to contact your home institution to see if it is an option.

Outgoing Transient Students

Outgoing students: As a UTC student, you can take classes at another institution and receive financial aid from UTC. You must be currently admitted to UTC as a degree-seeking student eligible for aid and be enrolled as a transient student at the host institution. Then, Please Pay Close Attention to the Following Steps and Notices - - Complete UTC's Concurrent Enrollment Form for the corresponding Semester. Provide all necessary information on the form (i.e. list course numbers, not course registration numbers). Initiate the form 3-4 weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Completed documents must be received no later than the last day of semester. UTC’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is here to guide you through your financial options. UT Promise is an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees. Don’t leave any financial aid on the table.

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