(a) As used in this part:(1) “Eligible postsecondary institution” means:(A) An institution in the state university and community college system, or an institution in the University of Tennessee system;(B) An eligible independent postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902; or(C) A postsecondary institution that was eligible for awards under this part and whose students received such awards in the academic year beginning July 1, 2025, and that remains accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education;(2) “Eligible program of study” means:(A) A curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or diploma at a Tennessee college of applied technology; or(B) A federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate, diploma, or an associate or a bachelor's degree at an eligible postsecondary institution;(3) “FAFSA” means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;(4) “Financial need” means having a valid SAI on a student's FAFSA that is at or under the eligible SAI established by the executive director of the Tennessee higher education commission;(5) “Primary campus” means the main location or campus where the eligible postsecondary institution is headquartered and typically conducts its central administrative operations for its programs and campuses;(6) “Resident” means a student classified as a resident of this state pursuant to § 49-8-104;(7) “SAI” means the Student Aid Index, which is a calculation in the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for financial aid; and(8) “TSAC” means the Tennessee student assistance corporation.
(1) “Eligible postsecondary institution” means:(A) An institution in the state university and community college system, or an institution in the University of Tennessee system;(B) An eligible independent postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902; or(C) A postsecondary institution that was eligible for awards under this part and whose students received such awards in the academic year beginning July 1, 2025, and that remains accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education;
(A) An institution in the state university and community college system, or an institution in the University of Tennessee system;
(B) An eligible independent postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902; or
(C) A postsecondary institution that was eligible for awards under this part and whose students received such awards in the academic year beginning July 1, 2025, and that remains accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education;
(2) “Eligible program of study” means:(A) A curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or diploma at a Tennessee college of applied technology; or(B) A federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate, diploma, or an associate or a bachelor's degree at an eligible postsecondary institution;
(A) A curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or diploma at a Tennessee college of applied technology; or
(B) A federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate, diploma, or an associate or a bachelor's degree at an eligible postsecondary institution;
(3) “FAFSA” means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
(4) “Financial need” means having a valid SAI on a student's FAFSA that is at or under the eligible SAI established by the executive director of the Tennessee higher education commission;
(5) “Primary campus” means the main location or campus where the eligible postsecondary institution is headquartered and typically conducts its central administrative operations for its programs and campuses;
(6) “Resident” means a student classified as a resident of this state pursuant to § 49-8-104;
(7) “SAI” means the Student Aid Index, which is a calculation in the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for financial aid; and
(8) “TSAC” means the Tennessee student assistance corporation.
(b) There is established the Tennessee student assistance program, which is administered by the Tennessee student assistance corporation.
(c) To be eligible for a Tennessee student assistance award provided through the Tennessee assistance program, a student with financial need must:(1) Be a resident of this state;(2) Be enrolled or intend to enroll full-time or part-time in an eligible program of study at an eligible postsecondary institution; and(3) Submit an application, as required by TSAC.
(1) Be a resident of this state;
(2) Be enrolled or intend to enroll full-time or part-time in an eligible program of study at an eligible postsecondary institution; and
(3) Submit an application, as required by TSAC.
(d) Students who are citizens of the United States must receive priority in the making of Tennessee student assistance awards.