2024-2025 FAFSA is Now Open. Tennessee Promise FAFSA Deadline Moved to May 15th.

MONEY FOR COLLEGE

WHAT IS
FINANCIAL AID
& WHO CAN HELP?

Financial aid is money to help you pay for college. It can be in different forms and come from various sources. Our THEC Outreach Specialists are here to help you understand and apply for financial aid opportunities. 

student studying

Sources of Financial Aid

YOUR COLLEGE

Colleges and universities offer financial aid programs for their students. Visit the financial aid webpages of every college you are considering and apply for all of the scholarships you think you might be eligible to receive.

YOUR COMMUNITY

Nonprofit organizations, foundations, and businesses often provide scholarships as a community service. To find these programs talk to your counselor.

Grants

Grants are free money that don’t have to be repaid. Grants come from the state and federal government and colleges. Generally, grants are based on financial need—i.e., awarded based on your family’s size and financial circumstances, like the Pell Grant. For 2023-24, the maximum grant available to students with the most financial need was $7,395.*

*To earn a Pell Grant, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and must complete the FAFSA. This amount may change every year.

Scholarships

Scholarships are also free money and don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships can come from a variety of places, from state and federal governments to colleges and private companies. Scholarships may be awarded based on your financial need, academic achievement, community service, athletic talent, and many other factors.

Loans

Loans are money that you borrow from a bank, government, or private lending company. A loan must be repaid with interest. Loans offered by the government often have lower interest rates and can be repaid over an extended period of time. Visit www.studentloans.gov for more information.

Work-Study

Work-Study allows you to receive funds through part-time employment while you are enrolled in college and can help you pay part of your college costs. Unlike other campus jobs, students apply for Work-Study by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

THEC Outreach Team

Below is contact information for our Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) Outreach Team. These Outreach Specialists travel the state sharing information about Tennessee financial aid and federal aid programs. Reach out to your Outreach Specialist if you have questions! 

SHELBY COUNTY (1)

FELICIA ORR

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ACCESS

615-390-4461

[email protected]

WEST TENNESSEE (2)

LORI MITCHUM

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

731-571-7888

[email protected]

MIDDLE TENNESSEE (3)

JONATHAN DONALD

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

615-478-1575

[email protected]

DAVIDSON COUNTY (4)

JASON SEAY

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH

615-319-1740

[email protected]

SOUTHEAST TN (5)

ERIC FARMER

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

423-326-7198

[email protected]

UPPER CUMBERLAND (6)

DUSTIN RAWLS

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

931-303-3296

[email protected]

EAST TN (7)

RITA TURCHETTA

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

615-478-5584

[email protected]

FIRST TN (8)

ERIKA ADAMS

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

615-417-0355

[email protected]