Helping Heroes Grant
A college grant for Tennessee veterans of recent conflicts. It pays $1,000 per semester if you take 12 or more semester hours, or $500 per semester for 6 to 11 hours, for up to 375 veterans each year on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who it is for
Tennessee residents who were honorably discharged, or current or former reserve or Tennessee National Guard members called into active military service, who earned the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. You cannot already hold a bachelor's degree, be in default on a federal or Tennessee student loan, or be incarcerated.
Focus: Post-9/11 veterans, National Guard and Reserve
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Send your DD-214 to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at 312 Rosa Parks Blvd, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, or fax it to (615) 741-6101.
- Complete the Helping Heroes Grant application in the TSAC Student Portal.
- Reapply each academic year; awards go out first-come, first-served.
Deadline: Apply by September 1 for fall, March 1 for spring, and May 1 for summer (or the following business day). Funds are first-come, first-served, so apply early. (Annual cycle)
Amount: $500 to $1,000 per semester
Verified as of 2026-07-05. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.