National Merit Students Belong at Tennessee Tech
Join a community of high achieving students who receive premier scholarship support, personalized academic experiences, undergraduate research opportunities, and direct pathways to leadership and career success.
APPLY TODAY Schedule Your Visit
Scholarships Designed for National Merit Scholars
Your hard work deserves recognition. Tennessee Tech offers competitive scholarship opportunities for National Merit students, helping make a nationally recognized education even more affordable. To be eligible for most of the scholarships below, you must be admitted and complete the scholarship application by December 15, 2026.
Freshman Scholarships 2027-2028
This program offers guaranteed scholarships to high school students. Submit your application by December 15 and meet the GPA and ACT qualifications by January 15. No additional application is needed.
Presidential Scholars
National Merit – $15,000 annually*
-
$10,000 annually
- $40,000 over four years
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT score of 36
-
$8,000 annually
- $32,000 over four years
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT score of 35
-
$5,000 annually
- $20,000 over four years
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT score of 30 to 34
-
$4,000 annually
- $16,000 over four years
- Minimum 3.4 GPA
- ACT score of 25 to 29
-
$3,000 annually
- $12,000 over four years
- Minimum 3.4 GPA
- ACT score of 23 to 24
*National Merit Finalists must have at least a 30 ACT and 3.75 GPA to receive the $15,000 Level Presidential Scholarship, in addition to naming Tennessee Tech as their first-choice institution with NMSC by May 30. Failure to complete this step will result in the Presidential Scholars Scholarship being reverted to the amount that the student would have qualified for based on GPA and test scores alone.
Additional Scholarships
- » National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship
National Merit Finalists who list Tennessee Tech as their first-choice institution with NMSC will receive a $500 annual College-Sponsored Scholarship in addition to the Earl McDonald Academic Achievement Scholarship.
Students should follow NMSC instructions to designate Tennessee Tech as their first-choice institution.
- » Earl McDonald Academic Achievement Scholarship
- $3,500 annually
- Renewable for up to four years
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Requires National Merit Finalist designation and Tennessee Tech as first-choice institution by May 30
- » Arliss and Mary Etta Roaden Endowed Scholarship
- $1,000 annually
- Renewable for up to four years
- Maintain a 3.25 GPA
- Limited to eight academic semesters
- Not available during summer terms
- Requires National Merit Finalist designation and Tennessee Tech as first-choice institution by May 30th
- » Jere Whitson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- $1,000 one-time award
- Based primarily on academic achievement
- Leadership and citizenship considered as secondary criteria
- » Departmental & College Scholarships
Many academic colleges and departments offer additional scholarship opportunities for National Merit Finalists. Awards vary by major and academic year and are often included in initial scholarship notifications, but may also arrive separately through late March.
- » Honors Academic Scholarship (Out-of-State Students)
Competitive scholarship that covers the out-of-state tuition portion for students admitted to the Honors Program.
Applications are submitted through ScholarWeb.
- » Tennessee Merit-Based Scholarships
Tennessee residents may also qualify for:
- TN HOPE Lottery Scholarship
- General Assembly Merit Scholarship (HOPE Merit)
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program
- Additional application required. Institutional scholarships may satisfy state matching requirements.
Meet Your National Merit Recruiter
Choosing a college is about more than touring campus. It's about finding a place where you can thrive. That's why Tennessee Tech offers National Merit students a personalized campus visit tailored to your interests and goals.
Working directly with Turner Fain, you'll create an itinerary that fits your college search. Meet with faculty, connect with Honors students, explore research opportunities, tour residence halls, and learn more about scholarships and campus life. Every visit is customized for you.
Your personalized visit includes:
- A one-on-one planning experience
- Meetings with the people and programs that interest you most
- Complimentary lunch on campus
- A Tennessee Tech T-shirt
- Free parking for you and your guests
Turner is ready to help you create a visit that answers your questions and gives you an authentic look at life at Tennessee Tech. Schedule your personalized visit today!
Why National Merit Students Choose Tech
Big Opportunities. Personal Attention.
At Tennessee Tech, you won't get lost in the crowd. National Merit students have access to research opportunities, honors experiences, leadership development, and faculty mentorship from their first year on campus.
Work alongside faculty mentors, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain valuable real-world experience.
Join a community of high-achieving students who are challenged academically and supported personally.
Choose from more than 225 programs and concentrations designed to prepare you for a successful future.
See What's Happening at Tennessee Tech
Tech sets sixth consecutive record for research funding, surpassing $50 million in
fiscal year 2026 The record total, which includes 177 funded research projects across all eight of
Tech’s academic colleges and schools, surpasses the previous record of $47.9 million
set in fiscal year 2025. Luna to assist NASA Tennessee Tech’s relationship with NASA will continue with the announcement that Dr.
Jeannette Luna, Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, is set to assist
the first Artemis mission to land astronauts on the moon. Tennessee Tech wind tunnel moves forward in Crossville Tennessee Tech University announced that it has finalized the acquisition of its new
wind tunnel and completed the purchase of the former TAP Publishing building in Crossville,
where the much-anticipated research facility will be housed.
Your Achievement Deserves a University That Matches Your Ambition
National Merit Scholars at Tennessee Tech receive more than scholarships, they gain access to a community of innovators, researchers, leaders, and mentors committed to helping them succeed.
