The Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award is more than just a financial aid offer; it’s a celebration of Tennessee’s brightest minds and most promising talents. Established to recognize exceptional high school seniors who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a dedication to service, this scholarship embodies the values of UT and the Volunteer State itself.
The Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award rewards one student from each Tennessee county with a tuition and mandatory fees scholarship. This prestigious scholarship award is renewable for four years and serves as a continued commitment to provide a valuable educational experience to Tennesseans as the state’s flagship, land-grant institution.
Admitted first-year, in-state students will be automatically considered for this award. Priority consideration for this award will be given to first-year, in-state students who apply for admission by November 1 of their senior year.
Hear from 2023 Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award Recipients
Delaney Turner
“The Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award will allow me to focus more on my coursework, making friends, and enjoy this chapter of my life without the worry of using all of the financial resources available. This scholarship will truly make my entire college experience uplifting and inspire me to become more involved in my school and its community.”
Ebriahna Laws
“This scholarship has helped me so much with finances and has really taken a lot of pressure off my family. It will allow me to be able to experience my college years better without having to worry about any major finance issues.”
Seth Carter
“The scholarship has made UT an affordable and wonderful learning environment where I hope to grow in my understanding and usefulness for improving the lives of others and myself.”
Meet the Criteria
Eligible students must have a minimum 3.2 UT core weighted GPA and will be selected based on a holistic review of their admission application and supplemental materials. Although not required, it is encouraged that students submit recommendation letters. For more information, access the Distinguished Tennessean webpage.
Each award is based on the student’s county of residence, not the county where the student attends high school. You must be admitted to UT and attend the fall semester immediately following your graduation from high school and be a US citizen, permanent resident, or domestic international student to be considered.
In order to retain this scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and full-time enrollment each semester.
Distinguished Tennesseeans Can Lower Costs Even More
UT is committed to helping Tennesseans go to college with little to no debt. In addition to The Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award, the university offers the Tri-Star Scholarship program, the Volunteer Scholarship, and other institutional scholarships to Tennessee residents. More scholarship opportunities can be found here. Students should apply by the regular admissions deadline of December 15 to be fully considered for these scholarships.
The Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship Award recognizes students with exceptional academic performance and active engagement in their community. If you are interested in being considered for this award, the next step is to apply and submit your application!