Student Aid

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a comprehensive program of student financial aid. Students may receive one or more types of financial aid: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, and Part-time employment. These can be awarded individually or in combination, depending on the student’s financial need and eligibility.

Certain financial aid programs require financial need. Financial need is the difference between the student’s estimated Cost of Attendance for the academic year and the Expected Family Contribution (FAFSA results). The estimated Cost of Attendance includes direct costs: tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, and related expenses (estimated transportation and personal expenses). Students may not receive financial aid in excess of the cost of attendance. The estimated tuition and fee component in the cost of attendance will be replaced with your actual fees on the first day of each semester. The book component will be prorated for students enrolled part-time on the first day of each semester.

Financial aid offers are based on full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more). Disbursed grants and HOPE Scholarship will be prorated based on your enrollment status on the last day to add classes each semester.

Financial Aid

Information and Assistance

The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office staff provides assistance with the financial aid application process and financial budgeting. In addition, the student may request a review of the determination of the student’s need and award. For further information regarding financial aid, contact:

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Dept. 4805
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University Center 201
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
(423) 425-4677
finaid@utc.edu

 Information and forms are available on the UTC Financial Aid website at: www.utc.edu/financial-aid.

Application Procedures

The FAFSA is the online application used to determine eligibility for all federal grants and student loans, work study and the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (HOPE) funds. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov October 1 and must be completed each year.

Five Steps to Financial Aid at UTC

Deadlines for Submitting Verification Documents

Students selected for verification must submit all requested documents by the last day of the term for which they are enrolled in order to receive Federal Work-Study (FWS), Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Federal Direct student loan. Please review our Important Dates at www.utc.edu/financial-aid/important-dates/important-dates.php for the last day the financial aid office can certify a loan.

If offered the Federal Direct student loan, you must accept it through your MyMocsNet account before the last day to certify.

Eligible Federal Pell Grant applicants selected for verification must submit all requested documents within 120 days after their last day of enrollment or by mid-September if enrolled summer.  Please note, Pell can only pay retroactively for classes passed.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

This is a brief overview of UTC’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. It is the individual student’s responsibility to review the complete financial aid SAP policy and the right to appeal process on our website at www.utc.edu/financial-aid/sap-standards.php.

Federal  regulation requires all students, including students not currently receiving aid, be evaluated based on financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. Financial aid satisfactory academic progress is reviewed each semester after grades post.

Financial aid SAP is evaluated on the following 3 criteria:

1. Completion Rate: Students must earn (pass) a cumulative 67% of all credit hours attempted.
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA: All students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
3. Maximum Time Frame: The maximum time limit for a student to receive financial aid 150% of the published program credit hour length.

Other important things to know regarding financial aid SAP:

• Academic Forgiveness: Financial Aid regulations do not have a provision for academic forgiveness; therefore, all credits and grades removed for academic forgiveness must be used to calculate financial aid SAP.
• Transfer Hours and GPA: Transfer students are evaluated based on the transfer credits accepted by UTC.
• Rights and process to appeal suspension of financial aid: Students have a right to appeal the suspension of financial aid. The deadlines for a student to appeal his or her suspension are available on the Financial Aid Office website at www.utc.edu/financial-aid/important-dates/important-dates.php.

Examples of actions that may affect a student’s financial aid SAP status include but are not limited to: dropping a class, withdrawal from all classes, failing a class, changing your major, receiving an incomplete grade, repeating a course, or changing a class from credit to audit.

If you have any questions about this SAP policy, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 423-425-4677.

• The Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee does not have the authority to approve or deny University or HOPE scholarship appeals. For information about scholarship appeals, visit www.utc.edu/scholarships/appeals-forms.php.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grant awards range is updated each aid year with the value of the award reflecting the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated from the FAFSA and the number of credit hours in which the student has enrolled. The grant is the “base” award of financial aid and is awarded before other forms of aid. Regulations and provisions of the Pell Grant Program are subject to change by Federal legislative action. Pell Grant Awards are awarded based on full time enrollment status and are prorated based on actual number of hours enrolled on the last day to add classes for the semester.

Students can receive the Pell Grant for a maximum of 12 full time semesters (or its equivalent). This provision applies to all Federal Pell Grant Eligible students and the calculation of the duration of the student’s eligibility will include any previous semesters the Pell Grant has been received.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

This grant ranges from $250 to $2,000 per semester and is available to undergraduate Pell eligible students with high financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Funds are limited, so it is essential that students complete the FAFSA and all other required documents as early as possible. Students not awarded SEOG initially may request funds by completing the Request for Supplemental Funds Form.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The TEACH Grant is a Federal grant available to students who have completed the FAFSA, are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have a 3.25 GPA or scored in the 75th percentile on a standard admission test (such as the ACT/SAT/GRE), and have declared one of the eligible majors as defined by UTC. The maximum award for the academic year is $4,000 with a cumulative maximum of $16,000 for undergraduate studies and $8,000 for graduate studies. Regulations and provisions of the TEACH Grant are subject to change by Federal legislative action. Agreement to serve/promise to pay: The student must teach full-time for at least four years within eight years of completing an eligible program as a (1) highly qualified teacher; (2) at a Title 1 school; (3) in high-need specified subject area (mathematics, science, foreign language, bilingual education, English language acquisition, special education, or as reading specialist). If service is not met: the grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Direct Loan, with interest from the date(s) of original disbursement. For more information and a list of eligible majors go to: www.utc.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/teach-grant.php.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) Grants

This grant is made available by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) to residents who show financial need according to the FAFSA. The maximum TSAA Grant is $2,000 per academic year. Funds are limited. Therefore, to receive priority consideration, students are strongly encouraged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 each year.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program provides students with low interest student loans based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Most students enrolled at least half time with good academic standing and satisfactory academic progress for continuing financial aid are eligible for the Federal Direct Loan program. Federal direct loans are offered and must be accepted or declined through the MyMocsNet account within 30 days.

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Repayment of the loans is deferred for 6 months after a student graduates, terminates his or her education, or drops below halftime; and then the payments are structured over a 10-year standard repayment plan. Other repayment plans are also available by application with the lender. For a subsidized direct loan, the interest is paid by the Federal government as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. Interest will accrue during this six month grace period on the subsidized direct loan. For an unsubsidized direct loan, the student is responsible for the interest at a low government fixed rate while enrolled at least half time in college. Please refer to our website www.utc.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/student-sub-unsub.php for current interest rates.

The maximum loan amount for a dependent undergraduate (as defined by the FAFSA) in a 12-month period is $5,500 for freshmen; $6,500 for sophomores; and $7,500 for juniors and seniors per academic year. Independent students, as defined by the FAFSA, are eligible for additional unsubsidized funds in the amount of $4,000 for freshmen or sophomores, and $5,000 for a juniors or seniors per academic year.

The Federal direct loan aggregate limit may not exceed $31,000 for the dependent undergraduate (maximum of $23,000 subsidized) or $57,500 for the independent undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students. The Federal direct loan aggregate limit for graduate and professional students is $138,500.

Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Federal PLUS loans allow parents with good credit histories to borrow for each dependent child who is enrolled half-time or more. The yearly loan limit is the student’s cost of attendance minus any financial aid the student receives. The interest rate, as set by the Federal government, will be variable but not higher than 9.0 percent. If a parent is denied a PLUS loan by a lender, the student may be eligible for an additional unsubsidized loan at the independent annual limit. Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Federal Perkins Loans

Per Federal legislative action, the Perkins Loan Program has ended.

Schools that participated in the Perkins Loan program can no longer award and disburse new loans.  UTC will remain the servicer and collection agent until all borrowed funds have been repaid.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program is a federal loan with a 5.0 percent interest rate. No payment on principal or interest until nine months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.

The maximum repayment period is normally 10 years. Upon making a properly documented written request, portions of the Federal Perkins Student Loan may be canceled if the borrower performs full-time service in one of several service areas. More information about Perkins Loan forgiveness may be found on the U.S. Department of Education’s website www.ed.gov. The above regulations and provisions of the Federal Perkins Loan Program are subject to change by Federal legislative action.

Private Loans

A private education loan is a non-federal loan, through a private lender typically issued in the student’s name and requiring a cosigner. Generally, alternative loans have interest rates, repayment terms, and deferment options that are substantially less favorable than those of the Direct, Perkins, Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS Loan programs.

Each lender has their individual eligibility requirements, interest rates, repayment terms and conditions. For example, some lenders require students to be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program, while others will lend to students who are non-degree seeking, enrolled less than half-time, or not making Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students should exhaust federal loan options first before considering a private loan. Students and/or parents who find they must apply for a private education loan may choose to contact their bank, credit union or other private lending institution to ascertain if the provide private (alternative) education loans. We strongly recommend you compare interest rates, loan fees and repayment plans before applying for any loan. For more information regarding private educational loans, refer to our website: www.utc.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/private-loans.php.

Federal Work-Study Program

The University participates in the Federal Work-Study Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, a student must be accepted for admission and enrolled with good standing. A student’s eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. Funds are limited. Therefore, to receive priority consideration, students are strongly encouraged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 each year. On-campus part-time work opportunities are available in various departments, offices, and agencies of the University.

Additional Employment Opportunities

Additional part-time employment opportunities, both on and off campus, are located in Handshake. The student must meet the position requirements and must apply as instructed on each posting. Handshake can be accessed on the Center for Career and Leadership Development’s website.

Refund Process—Return of Title IV Funds

Students who receive federal Title IV financial aid and withdraw from all classes – officially or unofficially - are subject to a federal Return of Title IV regulations. The Return of Title IV aid calculation determines the amount of earned and unearned federal Title IV aid, based on the student’s withdrawal date. Students earn Title IV aid as they attend classes during the semester. Only when a student has attended past the 60% mark in the semester have they earned all of their federal Title IV assistance for the term. The Return of Title IV aid calculation determines if federal funds need to be returned by the institution and/or the student (when federal aid has been disbursed for the semester) or if the student is due a post-withdrawal disbursement of federal aid (when federal aid has not been disbursed).  The Return of Title IV aid calculation is made within 30 days of the University receiving the student’s withdrawal request (or notice of unofficial withdrawal) and the student is notified of the results of this calculation.

The Return of Title IV calculation may require a return of previously disbursed federal aid by UTC and/or the student. This return of Title IV funds may result in an outstanding balance that the student owes UTC. After UTC adjusts the student’s federal aid awards based on the R2T4 calculation of earned aid, federal funds may not cover all of the student’s institutional charges.

Students awarded federal Title IV aid that has not disbursed for the semester may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of aid. Post-withdrawal grant amounts are disbursed to the student’s UTC account and the student is notified of their eligibility for this post-withdrawal grant disbursement. Students eligible for post-withdrawal loan disbursements are mailed a notice of their eligibility for a post-withdrawal loan disbursement. The student must sign and return a statement indicating that they wish to receive the post-withdrawal loan disbursement. The post-withdrawal loan disbursement notice sets a deadline for the student to request the post-withdrawal loan disbursement. No post-withdrawal disbursement of loan is made without the student’s written request.

Title IV funds are returned in the order listed below, as determined by the federal Department of Education. Title IV funds are returned within 45 days of the student’s withdrawal.

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Direct PLUS Loan
4. Federal Perkins Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. FSEOG
7. TEACH Grant
8. Other SFA Programs
9. Other federal, state, private, or institutional sources of aid
10. The student

Note: The University reserves the right to bill the student for any Return of Title IV aid that exceeds the University’s institutional refund (as determined by UTC refund policy).

Repayments

Students who receive Federal student financial assistance funds in excess of what is owed to the University (e.g. maintenance, tuition, room) may be required to repay funds to certain Title IV programs:

1. Federal Pell Grant
2. FSEOG
3. Other Student Financial Aid Programs
4. Other Federal, State, private, or institutional sources of aid

General Refund Information

Students who stop attending classes prior to the completion of the term should carefully read the information on unofficial withdrawals. All refund/repayment calculations are completed within 45 days of the official withdrawal date, and all funds are returned to the appropriate programs. Failure to withdraw officially will result in the University applying its own administrative procedures for determining the unofficial withdrawal date. 

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Scholarship Program for new and currently enrolled students is made possible through funds provided by the University, outside foundations, estates, private businesses, civic groups, individuals, and alumni.

Scholarships application procedures: Freshmen Scholarships are awarded based on high school GPA and ACT score. To apply for scholarships, the UTC Online Scholarship Application must be completed after being accepted to the University. Students currently enrolled and who are receiving University scholarships will automatically be renewed if they meet the scholarship renewal criteria.

The UTC Online Scholarship Application is available by clicking the Money Tab in your MyMocsNet portal. The link to the online application is located in the Scholarship Search section of the Money Tab. Please click on the following link for additional information on “How to Apply”. You can also click on the following link to ONLY view or search scholarships that are available: https://utc.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/ScholarX_ScholarshipSearch.aspx.

Information and Assistance

For further information regarding Scholarships, contact:

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Dept. 4805
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University Center 202
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423)425-5790
scholarships@utc.edu

First-Time Freshmen Scholarships

Important Dates and Deadlines for Fall and Spring Academic Year

Early-Mid November - Firm Scholarship Offers Begin for First-Time Freshmen Applicants

UTC begins sending firm offers for the first-time freshmen scholarships - the Chancellor’s, Provost’s and Mocs Scholarships. These award notifications will be sent by email and subsequent notice by U.S. Mail. Note: since the Chattanooga YES is dependent on demonstrated financial need, we will not send offers until late April to allow students/parents to file the FAFSA and complete any Financial Aid requirements.

Dec 1 - Priority Deadline for Current High School Seniors who will be First-Time Freshmen Applicants

This is the priority application deadline for ALL the first-time freshmen scholarships - the Chancellor’s, Provost’s, and Mocs Scholarships as well as the Chattanooga YES. By this date, students must have a completed UTC Admissions file (admissions application, application fee, high school transcript, and ACT/SAT scores) THEN must complete/submit the UTC Online Scholarship Application for consideration within 3-5 days of receiving notification of acceptance. Students must have qualifying scores/GPA to UTC Admissions by December 1 as well.

Mid-December – Second Round of Scholarship Offers Begin for First-Time Freshmen Applicants

Award notifications for first-time freshmen scholarships (the Chancellor’s, Provost’s, & Mocs Scholarships will initially be sent by email and subsequent notice by USMail. 

Mid-January - First-Time Freshmen

Final deadline to apply for scholarships. First-Time Freshmen – Please refer to Nov1 & Dec1 dates for priority consideration. 

July 1 – Final deadline to submit UTC Online Scholarship Application for consideration in the awarding of UTC endowed scholarships.

First-Time Freshmen Scholarships Programs

Chancellor’s, Provost’s, Mocs Scholars and Chattanooga YES! Grant

First-time freshmen who present certain minimum high school grade point averages and ACT or SAT scores are eligible for scholarship considerations. Scholarships are renewed for up to three additional years based on the student’s academic performance and the availability of funds. Recipients are determined by the UTC Scholarships Committee.

Chancellor’s Scholars

First-time freshmen with a 3.75 GPA and a 29 ACT Super Score (or equivalent score on the SAT) will be considered for a $5,000 annually renewable award. Students may also receive an additional $4,500 or more of Tennessee Lottery Scholarship funds, if eligible.

Provost’s Scholars

First-time freshmen with a 3.4 GPA and 25 ACT Super Score (or equivalent score on the SAT) will be considered for a $4,000 annually renewable award. Students may also receive an additional $3,500 or more of Tennessee Lottery Scholarship funds, if eligible.

Mocs Scholars

First-time freshmen with a 3.2 GPA and 22 ACT Super Score (or equivalent score on the SAT) will be considered for a $3,000 annually renewable award. Students may also receive an additional $3,500 of Tennessee Lottery Scholarship funds, if eligible.

Chattanooga YES! Grant

First-time freshmen will be considered for a $3,000 annually renewable award. Students may also receive an additional $3,500 or more of Tennessee Lottery Scholarship funds, if eligible.

The student must meet the following requirements:

• Tennessee Resident
• 3.0 High School GPA and a 19 ACT Super Score (or equivalent score on the SAT)
• Demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA
• Applicants with incomplete financial aid files will not be considered

Student Leaders Become Alumni Leaders UT Alumni Scholarship

The scholarship was created to provide funds for students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and proven academic ability. This scholarship award is valued at $1,500 ($750 each term) which is renewed for up to three additional years.

The student must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a first-time freshman student enrolling immediately following high school graduation
• Minimum 3.25 high school GPA and a minimum 23 ACT composite score
• Requires documented current leadership activities in civic community and student organizations
• Requires continued leadership participation during freshman year in select student organizations on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus
• Open to any Tennessee or out-of-state student

Additional Endowed Scholarships

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is proud to offer a broad array of scholarships that help students complete their education. These scholarships represent the generous support of former students, faculty, and friends of the University who wish to ensure that UTC continues to recruit, enroll, and retain a qualified student body and to prepare those students to work and live in a diverse and global community as citizens and leaders. The following link describes scholarships available. Our general online application is available until July 1st each year and should be submitted for consideration.

https://utc.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/ScholarX_ScholarshipSearch.aspx

Tennessee HOPE Scholarships

Tennessee residents who graduated from a Tennessee high school may qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarships. Students must have graduated from high school with a 3.0 overall GPA out of a possible 4.0, or scored at least a 21 ACT composite (or equivalent on the SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests. These funds are administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), and awards generally range from $3,500 to $6,750 per year.

The application form for HOPE Scholarship funds is the FAFSA. The FAFSA application deadline is September 1 for Fall and February 1 for Spring/Summer.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga must be listed first on the FAFSA to receive the student’s eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship. In the event UTC was not listed first, you must log into TSAC’s Student Financial Aid portal and choose UTC as your institution at  www.tn.gov/collegepays/tsac-student-portal.html.

For students who first received the HOPE Scholarship prior to Fall 2009

Award amount - Up to $4,000 for four-year institutions or a two-year eligible postsecondary institution that offers on-campus housing. Up to $2,000 for two-year eligible postsecondary institutions. Awards to part-time students are prorated.

For students who first received the HOPE Scholarship in fall 2009 or thereafter

Award amount - Up to $6,750 per year at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution or a two-year eligible postsecondary institution that offers on-campus housing. Up to $3,500 per year at an eligible two-year postsecondary institution. Freshmen and Sophomores are eligible for $1750 each semester.  Juniors and Seniors are eligible for $2,250 each semester.  Awards to part-time enrolled students are prorated.

Adult students, age 25 and older, who have never been enrolled in college (or have not been enrolled at least two (2) years after last attending college) may also be eligible for these funds. All students who believe they are eligible should check with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to receive the most up to date information as these scholarships are subject to annual changes by the State legislature.

All information correct as of June 2020. Award amounts/requirements are subject to modification based on current regulations. Meeting the eligibility requirements for the University scholarships does not guarantee a student will receive a scholarship.