Financial Information for Families

Next Steps at Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee FUTURE, TigerLIFE at the University of Memphis, Lipscomb’s IDEAL,  the Union Edge Program, and Access ETSU are all federally approved Comprehensive Transition Programs. This status enables eligible students to apply for Federal Financial Aid. The Federal Student Aid website has added a page explaining financial aid for students with ID following this link provides further assistance.

Tennessee Assistance

• Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship—The Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship is a program designed to assist students with intellectual disabilities who have completed high school and enroll in an individualized program of study of up to four (4) years at an eligible postsecondary institution. Read more about the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship.
• Tennessee Promise Scholarship—students who graduated from a Tennessee high school, and completed Promise program requirements during final year of school are eligible for this award. Read more about the Tennessee Promise Scholarship.
• Tennessee Reconnect Grant—students that are Tennessee residents, have been out of high school for longer than 16 months, have not already earned a higher education degree, and have Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) status of “independent” are eligible for this grant. Read more about the Tennessee Reconnect Grant.
• Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA)—was established to provide non-repayable financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate urgent financial need and who are residents of Tennessee. Students must complete FAFSA application early for consideration. Please note that students that receive TSAA would not also get TN Promise of Reconnect. Read more about the Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program.