University of Tennessee expands UT Promise Scholarship, increasing accessibility for students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Here's some good news for prospective college students.

The University of Tennessee System is expanding eligibility for the UT Promise Scholarship.

The University of Tennessee started their UT Promise program back in 2019.

But now, they are changing who qualifies and opening it up to more people.

Starting in the fall of 2024, the income threshold will be raised from $60,000 to $75,000.

The University says the program will now offer an enhancement, giving recipients $500 per semester to help with expenses.

"For us it's really about access, opportunity, and affordability for students across Tennessee. What we saw was the increase in the Hope scholarship, and the Pell grant, we can make a bigger impact by expanding that top line family income," saysBernie Savarese, Vice President of Academic Affairs for UT System.

The expanded income eligibility for student families may help financially, but another challenge comes up.

Where will these new students live?

While UTC does not anticipate a huge wave of incoming students from the changes in the UT Promise, they do say they are already at max capacity for housing this semester.

They recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid a housing waitlist.

"I think with capacity, housing is the one thing that challenges us the most. We are over 100% full this fall with our biggest freshman class ever, so apply for housing early," says Steven Angle, UTC Chancellor.

Students that participate in the program will be required to meet with their assigned mentor and engage in 8 hours of community service.

To learn more about UT Promise, go here.