The purpose of student financial aid is to provide assistance to qualified students through a variety of resources that include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The student and his/her family have the primary responsibility for financing the cost of education. Financial Aid is a supplement to an applicant’s personal resources. Through federally-funded programs, students may receive assistance based upon their financial need. Need is defined as the difference between the cost of education and the calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The The Guide to Federal Student Aid or Funding Education Beyond High School from the United States Department of Education is a helpful source of information regarding the federal financial aid programs. Copies are available from the Office of Financial Aid or directly from the United States Department of Education.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the document from which the Expected Family Contribution is calculated. This form is used to determine eligibility for federal and state funds. The FAFSA is generally available January 1, for the upcoming academic year, and it must be completed each academic year for which the student wishes to seek aid. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as early as possible after January 1, each year using the required, accurate tax and untaxed income information. The FAFSA provides a comprehensive review of the family's financial status. The results, including the Expected Family Contribution, are generated on the Student Aid Report (SAR), sent to the student and sent electronically to the colleges listed by the student on the FAFSA.

Students should seek scholarship assistance within the University, as well as through their communities. High School Guidance Counselors, the ETSU Office of Financial Aid, the ETSU Scholarship Office, employers, local libraries and the Internet are excellent sources of scholarship information.

Various "self-help" options may be considered by the student, which include both student employment and federal loans. Students are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to repay when borrowing through student loan programs.

Students may also want to explore their eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits and Veterans’ benefits.