ETSU's Passport Scholarship

Helping promising students pay for and succeed in college.

ETSU invites promising first-time, full-time freshmen to participate in the Jordan Scholars Program and receive a Passport scholarship, plus an on-campus housing scholarship. Space and funding in the program are limited.

If you maintain eligibility, you will receive a $1,000 scholarship annually for four years, payable as $500 each fall and spring term. If you live on campus, you'll also receive a $1,500 housing scholarship annually for four years. 

To remain eligible, you must:

  • Be enrolled in at least 12 credits each fall and spring term for four years
  • Maintain your eligibility for the Pell Grant
  • Meet ETSU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each semester
  • Participate in ETSU's Jordan's Scholars Program
    • Take and pass an approved first-year experience course by the end of your freshman year
    • Meet with a Jordan Center success specialist at least 3 times each in the fall and spring terms of freshman and sophomore years
    • Develop a college-success plan in consultation with a Jordan Center specialist in your freshman and sophomore years

  • Who is eligible to receive a Passport Scholarship?

    Select first-time, full-time freshmen who are eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, but do not qualify for the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship.

  • How long can I receive a Passport Scholarship?

    By remaining eligible you can receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years.

  • Am I eligible for other scholarships if I receive a Passport Scholarship?
    Yes. 
  • How do I apply for the Passport Scholarship?
    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 the Passport Scholarship?
    Students who enter in the spring semester aren't eligible for the Passport scholarship.
  • Are transfer and/or returning students eligible?
    Only first-time freshmen are eligible to participate. Please visit www.etsu.edu/scholarships to explore the many other scholarship opportunities that may be available to you.
  • Am I eligible for the Passport Scholarship if I live out-of-state or in a border county?
    Yes. Students whose residency is classified as out-of-state or border county could qualify for the scholarship.
  • Can I take a leave of absence from ETSU and be eligible for the Passport Scholarship when I return?
    No. To retain your Passport scholarship, you must be continuously enrolled, with no breaks in enrollment, for both fall and spring semesters for 4 years.
  • Where can I learn more about the Pell Grant?

    Please review the Federal Pell Grant webpage 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 a Passport scholarship. A separate application for the Passport scholarship isn’t required.

  • If my Pell Grant eligibility changes from full/maximum to a reduced amount after my freshman year, can I keep my Passport Scholarship?

    Yes. As long as you remain eligible for the Pell Grant and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements for the Passport scholarship.