JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Following the approval of increased Tennessee HOPE scholarship funding by the Tennessee State Legislature and Governor Bill Lee, officials at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) have been happy to report that paying tuition might be a little easier this fall.
According to a press release from ETSU, $85 million has been added for use in the lottery-powered program. This increased funding means that scholarship amounts will increase to $1,200 per person per year.
“This is great news for our students,” said Dr. Sam Mayhew, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment at ETSU. “The students who receive the HOPE scholarship have already done a tremendous job, and we are delighted to see them receiving additional funding.”
The changes break down as follows:
- Freshmen and sophomores: $4,500 per year, an increase of $1,000.
- Juniors and Seniors: $5,700 per year, an increase of $1,200.
Additionally, the ETSU Board of Trustees voted not to increase tuition or fees in the 2022-23 academic year at its April meeting as part of an effort to to keep costs low for students in the region.
“This increase in state scholarship funding, coupled with our decision not to increase tuition for the upcoming academic year, means ETSU is an incredibly affordable choice,” Mayhew said.
To access those savings, however, ETSU officials have urged students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by July 1 to avoid delays.
“There are so many funding opportunities, including the HOPE Scholarship, that will not be available without a completed FAFSA,” said Catherine Morgan, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at ETSU. “We have trained staff who are ready to help you.”
