The University of Tennessee System will extend the qualifying income level for UT Promise scholarship recipients from $60,000 to $75,000 (adjusted gross income). The university increased the income level from $50,000 to $60,000 in 2021. The announcement was made as UT System President Randy Boyd prepares to tour high schools across the state for the fourth UT Promise tour.
“UT Promise is more than a scholarship program; it’s a promise that we make to the young people of Tennessee. It’s a promise that their dreams, ambitions and hard work will not be limited by financial barriers,” Boyd said. “Through UT Promise, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers who will shape the future of our state and beyond.”
In addition to adjustments in income level, UT Promise will also guarantee a minimum $500 award per semester for qualifying students. These scholarship program enhancements represent additional steps taken by the University to decrease students’ cost to attend the UT school of their choice while also incentivizing program engagement.
Boyd will spend five days touring high schools across the state, starting Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, with visits to South-Doyle High School, 2020 Tipton Station Road, Knoxville – 9 a.m.; Austin-East High School, 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Knoxville – 10 a.m. ; and Morristown West High School, 1 Trojan TRL, Morristown) – 11:20 a.m.
Boyd will visit West Tennessee high schools on Tuesday, Sept. 5; Chattanooga-area schools on Wednesday, Sept. 6; Nashville schools on Tuesday, Sept. 12; and upper East Tennessee schools on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
UT Promise was launched in March 2019 for students with a household income of $50,000 or less. Since that time, more than 2,200 students have enrolled at a UT campus tuition-free. The program also matches eligible students with a volunteer mentor to help ensure success throughout a student’s college career.
UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship program that guarantees free tuition and fees after other financial aid is received (such as Pell Grants, HOPE Scholarship or other institutional scholarships) for qualifying undergraduate, Tennessee residents at University of Tennessee campuses located in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, Memphis and Pulaski.
Students must qualify for the Hope Scholarship and meet the academic qualifications for the institution to be eligible for UT Promise. Info about UT Promise here.
UT System communications and marketing provided information for this report.