Costs and Financial Aid

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All fees are payable at the time of registration each semester. Registration dates and payment due dates are published online. Student schedules are deleted if fees are not paid by the applicable due date. Registration is incomplete until all fees are paid and no student may be admitted to classes without having met all financial obligations. Students whose fees are paid by an outside source must ensure that all appropriate paperwork from the paying agency is on file in the Business Office prior to the last day to pay for early registration.

There is a non-refundable $30 charge for any check returned to Northeast State. A student who has not redeemed a returned check for fees within 10 days after being notified by the Business Office could be administratively withdrawn from school. Receipt of three bad checks from any person will result in that person becoming ineligible to make payments by check thereafter. No student may re-enroll or graduate until all financial obligations to Northeast State are met. All charges are subject to subsequent audit. Errors will be corrected by refund or additional charge.

Cashiering offices are located at C2407 on the second floor of the General Studies Building, on the Blountville campus, room 107 in the Blazier-Wilson Hall at Northeast State Kingsport, room E132 on the Elizabethton campus, and room G114 on the Gray Campus. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. extended hours are available during fee payment deadlines.

By sending your completed, signed check to Northeast State Community College, you authorize Northeast State to copy your check and to use the account information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account for the same amount as the check.  Funds will be withdrawn from your account within 24 hours and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. The electronic fund transfer from your account will be on the account statement you receive from your financial institution.

Cash, checks, money orders, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Payments using these methods may be made in person or online at the Business Office. When using the Internet option an additional pay by web-check option is available. Payment by phone option is not available.

When record holds have been placed on a student account due to nonpayment of tuition, fees, fines or other balances, Northeast State reserves the right to delay the release of official documents for up to 7 days after payment, if the balance is paid by a personal check that exceeds $25. If payment is not honored by the financial institution due to insufficient funds or other reasons, the release of official documents may be delayed until full payment is made.

To comply with federal rule 34 CFR 668.14(b)(34) and state law T.C.A. 49-7-166(c) & (d) regarding transcript withholding, TBR institutions collect a Financial Responsibility Statement (FRS) for each applicable student at the point of registration. The FRS is an agreement completed by the student confirming that payment of charges is the responsibility of the individual and will be made. Transcripts will be released to students, even when a current balance exists, in accordance with 34 CFR 668.14(b)(33) & (34) and T.C.A. 49-7-166(d) other than for the category below.

Dual Enrollment (DE) and Middle College Categories
DE/Middle College students are primarily minors and not required to complete an FRS. They are also not eligible for Title IV aid or subject to 34 CFR 668.14(b)(33) & (34). Transcript holds will continue to be utilized by schools for these students with unpaid balances of $100 or more.

Please call the Business Office at 423.354.2510 with any questions concerning payment of fees.

Credit and Audit Course Costs - Each student registering for college courses on a credit or audit basis pays maintenance fees, a campus access fee, a student activity fee, an international education fee, and a technology fee each semester. In addition, if the student is not domiciled in Tennessee, out-of-state tuition is also charged. Contact the Business Office for current fee rates.

Select courses have digital course materials included with the course. The charges for these are included with the course and will appear as a separate charge. If the student chooses, they may opt out of the material. If the student does not opt out the charge will need to be paid by the due date. No refunds for digital course materials will be granted if the student does not opt out by the due date. Visit Digital Engagement for more information.

Note: Fee amounts are as of spring 2026. Contact the Business Office for an updated fee schedule or visit the Tuition and Fees section of our website. TN eCampus fees may also be viewed by visiting the Tuition and Fees section of our website. TN eCampus academic calendar
 

Note: Fee amounts are as of spring 2026. Contact the Business Office for an updated fee schedule or visit the Tuition and Fees section of our website. TN eCampus fees may also be viewed by visiting the Tuition and Fees section of our website. TN eCampus academic calendar

There is no maximum maintenance fee or out-of-state tuition fee charge for the summer semester or intersession courses. All fees are calculated on the per hour charges per credit hours taken.

*Students are classified as resident or non-resident by the Office of Admissions and Records for the purpose of assessing tuition charges. The definition of residency as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents will apply. A student once classified as an out-of-state student will continue to be thus classified unless a change of legal residence is established by evidence other than presence as a student. The burden of proof of all conditions pertaining to residence is placed upon the student, including the responsibility for submission of documentation required by Northeast State. If there is any question as to in-state residency at the time of registration, the student will be classified as out-of-state and will be charged out-of-state tuition. Information about residency classification may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records. Students have the right to appeal the assignment of residency status to the Vice President for Institutional Excellence and Student Success.

Additional Special Fees

Traffic Fines

Library Fines

Note: $10 processing fees are non-refundable. 

Test Fees

Miscellaneous Non-Refundable Fees

All special fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents. 

1. Tennessee Board of Regents fee waiver allows a regular full-time employee of the TBR system or the UT system to take one (1) course per term free of charges including tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees provided space is available. The enrollment is limited to available space with the intent that tuition-paying students shall not be denied enrollment by a student using a fee waiver. Registration is permitted no earlier than one day after the fee payment deadline for early registration (see important dates on the Business Office pages). The student is responsible for the campus access fee. This waiver applies for undergraduate or graduate courses offered through any TBR institution or a University of Tennessee institution. The waiver is limited to one course, not to exceed 4 credits or 120 clock hours per term. TBR employees registered for more than one course in the same term are financially responsible for the additional course(s). The TBR/UT employee is considered in-state for fee purposes.
2. Tennessee Board of Regents fee waiver allows a part-time regular and part-time temporary employee, of the TBR system of the UT system, excluding adjuncts, of community colleges and TN Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) to take one (1) course per term free of charges including tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees provided space is available. The enrollment is limited to available space with the intent that tuition-paying students shall not be denied enrollment by a student using a fee waiver. Registration is permitted no earlier than one day after the fee payment deadline for early registration (see important dates on the Business Office pages). The student is responsible for the campus access fee. This waiver is limited to the college in which they work. The waiver is limited to one course, not to exceed 4 credits or 120 clock hours per term. It may apply for partial payment of classes of more than 4 credit hours. TBR employees registered for more than one course in the same term are financially responsible for the additional course(s). The TBR/UT employee is considered in-state for fee purposes.
3. Children, 26 years of age or under, or spouses of regular full-time TBR employees may enroll and receive a 50 percent discount on applicable maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees. The student must be a recognized dependent and the TBR employee must be a regular employee defined as receiving full benefits. For purposes of this waiver, children and spouses are considered in-state for fee purposes. Children, 26 years or under, or spouses of regular full-time UT employees may enroll for a 50 percent discount of maintenance fees.
4. Employees of the State of Tennessee may take one course per term, regardless of the credit hours, free of charge provided space is available. The enrollment is limited to available space with the intent that tuition-paying students shall not be denied enrollment by a student using a fee waiver. Registration is permitted no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes. These employees should be full-time employees of the executive, judicial, or legislative branch of Tennessee state government scheduled to work 1,950 hours per year (full-time for 12 months) and have been employed for at least six months. The student is responsible for the campus access fee.
5. Children of full-time state employees may receive a 25 percent reduction of maintenance fees provided such children are less than 24 years of age.
6. Children, under 24 years of age, whose parent was killed on the job or in the line of duty while a full-time state employee of Tennessee, are eligible for a 25 percent discount on maintenance fees.
7. Children, under 24 years of age, whose parent is a retired employee of Tennessee is eligible for 25 percent reduction on maintenance fees.
8. Children, under 24 years of age, of full-time certified public teachers will receive a 25 percent discount on applicable maintenance fees for each term enrolled. Certified refers to teachers, supervisors, principals, superintendents, and other certified personnel who are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education and employed by any local board of education, for service in public, elementary and secondary schools in Tennessee supported in whole or in part by state funds.
9. Part-time students who are not domiciled in Tennessee, but who are employed full-time in the state, are to be classified in-state for fee purposes. Students may be employed by more than one in-state employer resulting in the equivalent of full-time employment.
10. An unemancipated (dependent) currently enrolled student shall not be reclassified out-of-state should his/her parent, having been domiciled in the state, move from the state. The student will not be required to pay out-of-state tuition as long as his/her enrollment is continuous.
11. Military personnel and their spouses stationed in the state of Tennessee who would be classified out-of-state in accordance with other provisions will remain classified out-of-state but will not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. This provision will not apply to military personnel and spouses who are stationed in Tennessee for educational purposes.
12. An unemancipated (dependent) person whose parent is not domiciled in Tennessee but is a member of the armed forces and is stationed in the state pursuant to military orders shall be classified out-of-state but shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. The student shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition if the parent(s) are transferred on military orders as long as his/her enrollment is continuous.
13. Persons who live in Scott or Washington County, Virginia, or Mitchell or Watauga County, North Carolina, may attend Northeast State without paying out-of-state tuition. The program has limited openings.
14. Disabled persons and persons 60 years of age and older who are domiciled in Tennessee may enroll in classes for audit without payment of maintenance fees. Enrollment as an audit student is subject to availability of space in the class(es) which permits registration no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes. The student is responsible for the program services fee. Proof of age is required. Proof of continuous disability is required each semester.
15. Disabled persons and persons 65 years of age and older who are domiciled in Tennessee may enroll in courses for credit for a fee equal to 50% of the per hour rate with a maximum of $70.00 per semester. The student is responsible for the program services fee. Enrollment is subject to availability of space in the class(es) which permits registration no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes. Proof of age or continuous disability is required.
16. Certain statutory fee exceptions exist for dependents or spouses of veterans of the military who died as a direct result of injuries received, or were officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States Armed Forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict.
17. A veteran or other individual eligible to receive educational benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, through any provision of the United States Code, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fee, when the veteran or other individual is:
    • Enrolled in any public institution of higher education in this state;
    • Utilizing such benefits at the enrolling institution; and
    • Living in the State of Tennessee, regardless of the individual’s formal state of residency.

NOTE: Fee waivers and discounts are due five business days before fee payment due dates each semester. Please allow up to five business days for fee waivers and discounts to be credited to your account. Northeast State cannot guarantee that fee discounts and waivers submitted after the nightly purges begin for the semester will be credited to your account the same day that they are submitted. This could potentially result in the loss of your class schedule.

Fee waivers and discounts are only active for the current semester and are not retroactive. A new waiver must be submitted each semester.

General Refund Policy - Northeast State will refund a portion of the maintenance and out-of-state tuition to any student who officially drops, withdraws, or is dismissed from a course(s) within the drop/withdrawal deadline. The official withdrawal date for calculating refunds will be based on the date the withdrawal form is recorded electronically in the student registration history. Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific refund periods. Refund amounts and adjustments will be calculated per the following provisions. Adjustments to all fees and charges must be in accordance with the following provisions or when required by federal law or regulation to be otherwise.

Note: Refunds are calculated on in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition only. All other fees, including TN eCampus online fees, are non-refundable.

Student must be completely withdrawn from the course(s) before an appeal can be considered. If the student is still enrolled the late withdrawal process should be completed before an appeal is submitted to the Business office. To appeal for late withdrawal please contact the Advising Resource Center at 423.323.0214.

Refund Appeals Process - Students may appeal a refund by submitting a refund appeal form  to the Business Office. The following procedures shall be followed:

1. Students may appeal for a refund by submitting a Refund Appeal Form along with appropriate documentation to the Business Office. Students must file a refund appeal request two (2) years from the last date of attendance. The student will be notified in writing of the decision within ten (10) working days of receipt of the written appeal request.
2. Students must officially drop/withdraw from the term or courses that are being appealed before the appeal can be considered.
3. The student may appeal the decision of the Business Office by submitting a written request to the Vice President for Finance and Information Technology. The student will be notified in writing of the decision within ten (10) working days of receipt of the written appeal request.
4. Withdrawals for other reasons will be subject to the standard 75%/25% refund policy of the college.

Refund appeals will be considered in the following exceptions to the normal refund policies:

1. The student is forced to withdraw from school because of a change in work schedule confirmed in writing by the student’s employer on the employer’s letterhead.
2. The student is forced to withdraw from school because of personal medical reasons. Withdrawals or reductions in course load due to personal illness/injury require a statement from a licensed medical physician stating withdrawal was necessary due to the health of the student. Copies of medical records are not necessary.
3. The student is forced to withdraw from school because of serious and lengthy illness of a member of the student’s family when the student is the primary caregiver. The family medical reason must be confirmed in writing by a licensed physician to include a statement that the family member needs a caregiver. Copies of medical records are not necessary.
4. The student is forced to withdraw from school because of the death of an immediate family member and will need to be verified with a copy of the obituary.

Return of Title IV Funds - Refund of fees for students who receive assistance from Title IV financial aid programs are returned to each fund in accordance with applicable federal regulations when students totally withdraw or stop attending all classes at Northeast State. Return of Title IV Funds policies that apply to students who receive assistance under Title IV financial aid programs can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.

Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees by certain eligible students - Certain eligible students receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or other governmentally funded educational assistance benefits may be eligible for a deferment of payment of tuition and fees. Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

Policy 03:11:00 Covered Military-Affiliated Students’ Right to Attend

Section 103 of Public Law 115-407, the Veterans Benefits Transition Act of 2018, prohibits denial of access and/or other penalties against recipients of Post 9/11 GI Bill^® benefits or Veterans Readiness and Employment benefits. Effective August 1, 2019, any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill^® benefits, must be permitted to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to Northeast State Community College a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under the aforementioned and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

The date on which payment from Veterans Affairs (VA) is made to the College, or

90 days after the date Northeast State certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Northeast State will not impose any penalty (including the assessment of late fees; the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities; or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds) on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Northeast State due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33. Penalties can be imposed after the first of the two above-mentioned dates passes.

Covered individuals may also be required to provide additional information to Northeast State’s School Certifying Official(s) such as a Certificate of Eligibility, DD Form 214, or proof of the Transfer of Entitlement request and/or other related documents.

Open enrollment continuing education course fees are listed with each course description on the college webpage and the course announcement. Course fees are payable by credit card (Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express), cash, money order, company purchase order, or written authorization from a company. Financial Aid and fee waiver policies for state employees, senior citizens, and disabled persons do not apply to continuing education programs.

GI Bill benefits can be sued for non-credit degree program by any Veteran, service member, member of the National Guard or Reserve, or qualified dependent.  To learn more, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Participants are considered registered for a course when they register online at northeaststate.edu/workforcesolutions.

Instructor-Led Continuing Education Courses

For continuing education classes, course fees are refunded should Northeast State cancel a class.

Continuing Education course fees are refundable if the participant sends an email canceling the registration to WorkforceSolutions@NortheastState.edu before the preferred registration deadline listed on the course announcement form. Refunds will not be granted once a scheduled class has begun.

Confirmed registrants in continuing education classes who do not attend the course or who do not cancel by the preferred registration deadline listed on the course announcement are responsible for the entire registration fee.

Online Continuing Education Courses

Northeast State will refund continuing education online course fees to any participant who sends a cancellation email to WorkforceSolutions@NortheastState.edu prior to starting the class. Refunds will not be granted once an online class has begun.

Student financial aid programs at Northeast State are designed to help students cover costs related to pursuing a degree or certificate.

Northeast State offers a comprehensive program of financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and Federal Work-Study. Emphasis is placed on financial need as defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and academic progress. A student must complete all requirements for the Office of Admissions and Records, as well as the Office of Financial Aid before any funds are disbursed. The student must be in an eligible certificate or degree program to receive financial aid.

Funding is limited for some scholarships and grants and awarded based on specific deadlines, or on a first-come, first-served basis. To be sure you qualify for the maximum amount of funding, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens for each academic year.

Information on the various financial aid programs, the application process, deadlines, maintaining eligibility, and more is available on the Financial Aid Webpage. Additionally, financial aid information is available at all Northeast State campuses or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@NortheastState.edu or 432.323.0252.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients - Northeast State, as required by the U.S. Department of Education, has established a Satisfactory Academic Progress standard for all recipients of financial assistance through any Title IV program (Federal Pell, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study Program). Progress is measured by the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), the pace at which they are progressing, credits earned in relation to those attempted, and the length of the academic program. Recipients of most state awards must also maintain satisfactory academic progress according to all state and federal guidelines. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is published and available upon request from the Office of Financial Aid.

Course Program of Study for Financial Aid Recipients - Northeast State, as required by the U.S. Department of Education, monitors the enrolled courses for each student. Financial Aid may only be applied to courses that are required for the student’s declared program of study. Financial Aid cannot be awarded for courses that do not appear as required on a student’s Degree Works audit. Course substitutions are allowed to be covered if approved by an academic advisor. An academic advisor must send a completed course substitution form to the Registrar for the course substitution to take effect.

All federal financial aid programs require the assessment of financial need which is based on information the student/family provides on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must complete the FAFSA each year. Log in to your StudentAid.gov account to complete the FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grants 

Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students seeking a first associate or baccalaureate degree who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. The amount of the student’s grant is based on the student’s financial need, cost of attendance, and number of enrolled hours. A student whose FAFSA is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education must complete the verification process before funds may be disbursed. All other outstanding application requirements must also be complete. Grants are applied to the student’s account, and funds in excess of the student’s balance will be refunded to the student. Grants are considered gift aid and generally do not require repayment. Students who withdraw, or cease attendance, in a semester could be required to pay back a portion of funds
received.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants 

FSEOG awards are available to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, are Pell eligible, and meet all other eligibility requirements to receive federal student aid. FSEOG funding is limited, and students are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should submit their FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens each year and complete all outstanding requirements to increase their chances of receiving FSEOG funds. Award amounts vary each year and are based on the number of eligible applicants and availability of funds. Grants are applied to the student’s account, and funds in excess of the student’s balance will be refunded to the student. Grants are considered gift aid and generally do not require repayment. Students who withdraw, or cease attendance, in a semester could be required to pay back a portion of funds received.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with unmet financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Eligible students will be hired into positions that will help them gain valuable work experience to carry throughout their careers. Students are paid an hourly rate, and paychecks are issued directly to students once per month. FWS earnings are not applied to the student’s Northeast State account. Funding for this program is limited so students are encouraged to apply for positions early. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine financial need and meet all other eligibility requirements to receive federal student aid.

Tennessee Promise Scholarship

Overview Tennessee Promise is a scholarship and a mentoring program for recent high school graduates. It provides a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning the scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees not met by federal and state gift aid (such as the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Award). TN Promise is not based on the student or parent’s income.

At Northeast State Community College eligible students can use Tennessee Promise to pursue an associate degree or certificate program tuition-free for up to five semesters.

Eligibility Requirements To receive and maintain the TN Promise scholarship, students must adhere to the following state-mandated requirements:

• Application: Students must apply for the scholarship during their senior year of high school (typically by November 1 but watch for deadline changes).
• FAFSA: Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline each year.
• Mandatory Meetings: Applicants must attend all required meetings coordinated by their partnering organization (e.g., tnAchieves or the Ayers Foundation).
• Community Service: Students must complete and report 16 hours of community service by designated deadlines for each academic year they receive the award.
• Full-Time Enrollment: To remain eligible, students must maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours) each fall and spring semester.
• Academic Progress: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 by the end of each academic year.

Covered Costs The scholarship pays for mandatory tuition and fees not covered by other state or federal financial aid. It does not cover books, supplies, or certain non-mandatory fees (such as lab fees or online course fees).

Additional Information TN Promise is administered through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) and partnering organizations. For detailed information regarding deadlines, community service opportunities, and mentor support, please visit collegefortn.org or tnachieves.org.

Tennessee Reconnect Grant 

Overview Tennessee Reconnect is a grant designed to help busy adults return to school to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, or fulfill a lifelong dream of completing a degree. TN Reconnect provides a “last-dollar” grant, meaning it pays for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by federal and state gift aid (such as the Pell Grant or Tennessee Student Assistance Award). Grants and scholarships are types of financial aid that do not have to be repaid. TN Reconnect is not based on your income, so any TN resident may qualify.

Eligibility Requirements To qualify for the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, an applicant must:

• Not have already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.
• Be classified as an independent student on the FAFSA or reach 23 years of age by the specified date.
• Be admitted to Northeast State Community College and enroll in a degree or certificate program.
• Enroll in and attend at least six (6) credit hours per semester.

Maintaining the Grant To remain eligible for Tennessee Reconnect once enrolled, students must:

• Maintain continuous enrollment (fall and spring semesters).
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year.
• Complete the FAFSA annually by state designated deadlines.

How to Apply

1. Apply for the Grant: Complete the Tennessee Reconnect Grant application through the TSAC Portal
2. Apply to the College: Submit an application for admission to Northeast State Community College.
3. File the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov - include our school code: 005378.
4. Enroll: Register for at least six credit hours in an eligible program.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office or collegefortn.org.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program

Overview The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program funded by the net proceeds of the state lottery. It is available to Tennessee residents who graduate from an eligible Tennessee high school, home school program, or earn a GED®/HiSET® and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within 16 months of graduation.

Eligibility To qualify as an entering freshman at a community college, students must meet certain academic criteria. Visit collegefortn.org for details. Home School students can find specific eligibility information HERE.

Award Amounts Currently, the base HOPE Scholarship award amount for full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) is $1,600 per semester. Students enrolled part-time (6-11 credit hours) will receive a reduced award amount.

Supplemental Awards In addition to the base HOPE Scholarship, eligible students may receive one of the following supplements (students cannot receive both):

• Aspire Award: This is a need-based supplement for students who meet all HOPE Scholarship requirements and have a household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below the designated amount as reported on the FAFSA. At a community college, the Aspire Award provides an additional $250 per semester for full-time students. Visit collegefortn.org for details.
• General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS): This is a merit-based supplement for highachieving students. To qualify, a student must meet all HOPE requirements and have at least a 3.75 weighted high school GPA and a 29 composite ACT score (or 1330 SAT). At a community college, the GAMS supplement provides an additional $500 per semester for full-time students. Visit collegefortn.org for details.

Maintaining Eligibility To retain the scholarship, students must:

1. File the FAFSA annually by the state deadline - studentaid.gov.
2. Maintain continuous enrollment in the Fall and Spring semesters.
3. Meet GPA benchmarks: Students must maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative HOPE GPA after attempting 24 and 48 semester hours. After attempting 72 hours and beyond, a 3.0 cumulative HOPE GPA is required.

How to Apply
Students apply for the HOPE Scholarship and its supplements simply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more detailed information regarding eligibility, appeals, and transfer requirements, please visit collegefortn.org or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant

Overview The Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant is a supplement to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and the HOPE Access Grant. It is designed to ensure that former foster youth can attend an eligible postsecondary institution, such as Northeast State Community College, without the burden of tuition and mandatory fees. The Foster Child Tuition Grant is awarded to students who entered state custody of the Department of Children’s Services any time after reaching 13 years of age.

Eligibility Requirements In addition to meeting the minimum HOPE Scholarship high school eligibility requirements, a student must submit to THEC an official certification from the Department of Children’s Services that the student meets the eligibility requirement for the Foster Child Tuition Grant. For details visit collegefortn.org.

Award Information The award amount for the Foster Child Tuition Grant is the cost of attendance less any gift aid with the total award not exceeding the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible postsecondary institution. Gift aid means scholarships and grants from any source that do not require repayment.

• Students may receive the grant for up to six years from the date of initial enrollment.
• Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the college to remain eligible.

How to Apply Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.

For more details on how to qualify and program deadlines, please visit collegefortn.org or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Ned McWherter Scholars Program

Overview The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship designed to encourage academically superior Tennessee high school graduates to attend college within the state.

Award Amount The current award amount is $6,000 per academic year. This is a partnership award consisting of $3,000 from the State of Tennessee and a matching $3,000 contribution from the college. The contribution from the college may be a campus-based award already included in the student’s financial aid package as long as it does not contain a work or service obligation. The scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of four years, provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements To be considered for the Ned McWherter Scholars Program, an applicant must:

• Be a Tennessee resident and U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen).
• Achieve a minimum unweighted cumulative high school GPA of 3.75.
• Earn a minimum composite score of 32 on the ACT (or 1430 on the SAT).
• Enroll full-time at an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution within 16 months of high school graduation.

Renewal Criteria To maintain the scholarship, recipients must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Maintain continuous full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester).

Application Process The application is available through the TSAC Student Portal. Because funding is limited and the program is highly competitive, students are encouraged to apply during their senior year of high school. The priority application deadline is typically March 1.

For more information and to apply, please visit collegefortn.org.

Helping Heroes Grant

Overview The Helping Heroes Grant is a state-funded program for US veterans who were honorably discharged or who are a former or current member of a reserve or TN National Guard unit.

Award Amounts

• $1,000 per semester for students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours.
• $500 per semester for students enrolled in 6 to 11 semester hours.
• Students enrolled in fewer than 6 credit hours are not eligible for the grant.

Eligibility Requirements To qualify, a student must:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States, or a former or current member of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit who was called into active military service of the United States.
• Be a Tennessee resident.
• Be awarded one or more of the following:
  • Iraq Campaign Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after Sept. 11, 2001
  • Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
  • Other qualifying medals as authorized by THEC
• Enroll at an eligible 2-year or 4-year postsecondary institution.
• Have not earned a baccalaureate degree.
• Not be in default on a federal Title IV educational loan or Tennessee educational loan.
• Not owe a refund on a federal Title IV student financial aid program or a Tennessee student financial aid program.
• Be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial assistance.
• Not be incarcerated.

Application Process Students must apply for the grant each academic year through the TSAC Portal.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit collegefortn.org or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Dependent Children Scholarship Program

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Tennessee residents who are the dependent children of Tennessee law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical service technicians who were killed or totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Eligibility Requirements To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must:

• Be a Tennessee resident and a U.S. citizen.
• Be the natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of a qualifying Tennessee service member (law enforcement, firefighter, or EMS) who was killed or disabled while performing duties within the scope of their employment.
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution, such as [Name of Community College].
• Maintain institutional Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for renewal.

Award Information The amount of the award will be based on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds up to the cost of attendance. Cost of attendance is the combined cost of tuition, mandatory fees, living expenses, books and other educational expenses as determined by the financial aid office at the eligible postsecondary institution.

Application Process

1. FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at studentaid.gov.
2. TSAC Portal: Submit an application through the TSAC Student Portal at collegefortn.org.
3. Documentation: Provide official documentation verifying that the parent/guardian was killed or disabled in the line of duty.
4. Deadline: The application and all required documentation must be received by state designated deadlines.

For more information, visit collegefortn.org or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Several scholarship programs are available to qualified Northeast State students. The Academic Work Scholarship Program and the Northeast State Foundation, as well as other individuals and organizations, provide awards for qualified students. Competitive scholarship awards are based primarily on academic merit with consideration given to a student’s major, county of residence, demonstrated leadership skills, and motivation among other selection criteria. Financial need is not necessarily a prerequisite for receiving Northeast State Scholarships. Students are eligible to apply for other scholarships and/or financial assistance from agencies outside the college. Such scholarships may be awarded to students in addition to scholarships awarded through Northeast State.

Academic Work Scholarship Program 

Recipients of the Academic Work Scholarship are required to work 75 hours per semester in return for a scholarship applied to their maintenance fees. Residents of the State of Tennessee must submit a Northeast State General Scholarship Application to be considered. Applicants must be:

1. First-time freshmen with a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, an ACT composite score of 21 or above, SAT equivalent, college placement assessment, or math diagnostic test results which allow them to enroll in college-level courses. These students receive priority placement.
2. Transfer and other than first-time freshman students with a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 earned on the basis of at least 12 credit hours and having completed Learning Support requirements.

Northeast State Foundation Scholarships

Foundation Scholarships are made possible by gifts to the Northeast State Foundation from various businesses, industries, organizations, and individuals. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Northeast State Scholarship Selection Committee. Students must apply by submitting the Northeast State General Scholarship Application to the Office of Scholarship Programs by March 1st.

A listing of Foundation Scholarships is available on the Northeast State website. 

Agency/External/Third Party Scholarships

These scholarship recipients are selected by the external organization providing the scholarship funds. Northeast State serves only as the administrating agency. In selecting recipients for these scholarships, emphasis may be placed upon scholastic achievement, character, future promise, and, in some cases, financial need.

Special Scholarship Programs

Scholarship awards may be made available through programs that utilize special grant funding or private sponsorship. Consideration for these awards may be dependent upon enrollment in specific majors or may be period specific. Eligibility requirements and application deadlines vary by program.  

The Northeast State General Scholarship Application for Academic Work and Foundation scholarships is available on the Northeast State website in November.  Scholarship awards are made during the spring and summer for the following fall and spring semesters. For consideration, submit the online application by March 1st.

All required documentation must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are matched to scholarship selection pools based upon the information supplied on the online application.

For additional information, contact the Office of Scholarship Programs at scholarships@NortheastState.edu or 423.354.2507 or visit the Northeast State website.

Applying for VA Educational Benefits

To receive VA education benefits, a student must complete all admissions processes and enroll in classes before the college can certify enrollment; however, a student may apply for VA benefits before admittance to the college or enrolling in classes. The average processing time for education claims with the VA is thirty (30) days.

If a student is a service member, veteran, or family member of a service member or veteran, and requires assistance applying for education benefits, please contact the Veteran and Military Student Success Center by visiting, calling, or emailing at:

Veteran and Military Student Success Center
Northeast State Community College
P.O. Box 246
Blountville, TN 37617-0246
Phone: 423.354.5305 or 423.354.2528
Email: veteransaffairs@NortheastState.edu

The VA Processing Center for Northeast State Community College is:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Buffalo Regional Processing Office
PO Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Please note that any changes in your enrollment may impact or delay eligibility. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with all laws and regulations controlling eligibility and receipt of veterans’ benefits. Tuition and fees are submitted to the VA, via the Enrollment Manager website and are determined by the start and end date of each course of study for which the student is registered. The college is only responsible for forwarding the student’s claim for benefits and certification of enrollment to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that further processing on a claim of benefits is controlled solely by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The chapter and percentage of benefits are based on the time of service and other factors evaluated by Veteran Affairs, which is noted on the student’s Certification of Eligibility (COE). The School’s Certifying Official (SCO) will process certification of enrollment when the following documents have been submitted:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Students are welcome to submit these documents electronically to veteransaffairs@NortheastState.edu or in person at the VMSSC on the Blountville, TN campus.

Financial Information

Tuition and eligible fees are submitted to the VA and are determined by the start and end date of each course of study for which the student is registered. The amount certified is the tuition and fees charged to the student after deducting any amount paid with Federal Funds, excluding Federal Financial Aid Programs (Title IV).

Students will not be monetarily or academically penalized due to late VA payments, according to PL115-407 Section 103. VA payments are defined as money received at the institution to be paid toward tuition and eligible fees.

State law allows eligible students receiving VA educational benefits additional time to remit fee payments, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-104 (Public Chapter 767, Section 3, Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. 

A Request for Certification and Deferment of Fees application must be submitted each semester. This form provides permission for the student to release enrollment information to the VA, combined with the application for a deferment for the current semester. The amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits have been received and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003. All VA students who are eligible for veteran education benefits may complete the Request for Certification and Deferment of Fees application at the following link: Veteran Affairs Request for Certification and Deferment of Fees (www.northeaststate.edu).

Please note that students must pay the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement before the last day of the semester. A late fee of $100 will be charged to all accounts with an outstanding balance on the last day of the semester.

The benefits certified by Northeast State Community College are as follows:

• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill^® (Prior Active Duty)
• Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
• Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill^®¹
  • Service Member & Dependent
• Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance
• Chapter 1606: Montgomery Selected Reserve/National Guard
• Tennessee Strong Act
• Tuition Assistance

Veterans and other eligible persons may receive educational benefits under Title 38, U.S.C. only when classified as a regular degree-seeking students. Furthermore, benefits are payable only for courses required for graduation in the declared major (except for the Entrepreneurship certificate).

Enrollment verification is a new requirement for Post-9/11 GI Bill^® students to verify that they have remained enrolled in the same courses or training every month. Students receiving the following benefits are required to verify enrollment each month:

• Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill^®
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill^®
• Chapter 35 - Survivor and Dependents Education Act
• Chapter 1606 - Montgomery Selected Reserve/National Guard

Students will have their payments withheld if they fail to verify or report that they are no longer enrolled in their courses or training. To streamline the process, VA is providing the option to verify enrollment easily and securely via phone, text message, or email.  To begin the process, please visit: www.Gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do or call 1-888-442-4551.

¹The G.I. Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Other Sources

Additional Grant Sources - Many students receive assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services Programs. Contact the appropriate agencies for information.