ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program

First-time, full-time freshmen with high school GPAs of at least 3.5 who are eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum Pell Grant also qualify for ETSU’s Promise Plus Scholars Program. If any tuition and program service fee costs remain after we apply these funds and other public aid you receive, you will receive a Promise Plus Scholarship to pay them. And if you live on campus, you’ll receive a $1,500 housing scholarship annually for four years.

• What is ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  The ETSU Promise Plus Scholars Program offers qualifying first-time freshman a last-dollar tuition scholarship and a range of pre-college, first year, and four-year benefits designed to support student success. This comprehensive program provides pre-college transition support, mentoring, career development, and a variety of other opportunities.
• How long can I participate in ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  Eligible students can be in this program for a maximum of four years.
• Who is eligible for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  First-time, full-time freshmen with high school GPAs of at least 3.5 who receive the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum Pell Grant.
• Am I eligible for other scholarships if I am part of this program?

  Yes. Students who are part of ETSU’s Promise Plus Program and receive a Promise Plus Scholarship are also eligible to receive other scholarships.
• How do I apply for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  A separate application is not required. Students who have been admitted to ETSU and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the verification process (if applicable) are automatically considered.
• Are new students who begin in the spring semester eligible for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

   Students who enter in the spring semester are not eligible for ETSU’s Promise Plus Scholars Program.
• Are transfer or returning students eligible?

  Only first-time freshmen are eligible for ETSU’s Promise Plus Scholars Program. Please visit www.etsu.edu/scholarships and explore the many other scholarships that may be available to you at ETSU.
• Am I eligible for the ETSU Promise Plus Scholars Program if I live out-of-state or in a border county?

  Only students who are classified as in-state, qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, and Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship are eligible for ETSU’s Promise Plus Scholars Program. Please visit www.etsu.edu/scholarships and explore the many other scholarships that may be available to you at ETSU.
• Where can I learn more about the Tennessee Education Lottery (Hope) Scholarship program and the Pell Grant?

  Please review the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and Federal Pell Grants  webpages for more information.

• How do I get started?

  Apply for admission to ETSU and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ETSU will contact you if you're eligible for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program. A separate application for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program isn’t required.

• Does ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program pay for anything besides tuition and program service fees?

  ETSU’s Promise Plus Scholars Program pays for tuition and program service fees after your other aid is applied, but it doesn’t pay for things like books or course fees. The costs associated with attending ETSU include both direct and indirect costs. See ETSU's Cost of Attendance for details.

• What do I have to do to remain eligible for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  To maintain program eligibility, you must:

  • Transfer in (passed course) or take and pass an approved first-year experience course by the end of your freshman year
  • Be enrolled in at least 12 credits each fall and spring term for four years
  • Maintain your eligibility for the Tennessee Educational Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and Pell Grant
  • Meet ETSU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each semester
• If my Pell grant eligibility changes from full/maximum to a reduced amount after my freshman year, am I still elilgible for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program?

  Yes. As long as you remain eligible for the Pell Grant and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements for ETSU's Promise Plus Scholars Program.