Beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, the awarding process for the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), the state’s need-based grant program, will change.  Applications with a completion date (an application that is complete and error free) by March 1 will be considered.  The maximum Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will remain at 2100. 

Below is a summary of the awarding process:

• Renewals, TSAA recipients who received an award in the prior year (2013-14), will be given first priority if their applications are complete by March 1.  Renewal students must continue to have an EFC of 2100 or less to receive the award. 

• All other eligible applicants who have a completion date on or before March 1will be ranked based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and completion date after the deadline.

o   Applicants with a zero EFC will be given first priority.

o  If funding remains after awarding zero EFC students then awards will be made to applicants with EFCs greater than zero. 

 Students should continue to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov as early as possible after January 1.  If you have questions about the new awarding methodology, please contact Naomi Derryberry at (615) 253-7478 or naomi.derryberry@tn.gov or Tim Phelps at (615) 253-7441 or tim.phelps@tn.gov.