Financial Assistance
Undergraduate Opportunities
The Department of Appalachian Studies is deeply committed to supporting the academic and creative journeys of our students. Students in this department have access to a variety of financial assistance opportunities designed to make their education more affordable and to recognize their artistic talents. These opportunities include scholar programs, internships, scholarships, and other funding options.
Assistance is also available to out-of-state and international students, including programs that allow them to attend at the in-state rate. All eligible students are encouraged to apply, and students may receive multiple awards for financial support if they qualify.
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Academic Common Market
The Academic Common Market was developed to increase access to specialized programs. Participating states allow residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific programs in other states and pay the in-state rate in the state where the program is offered. Students who are participating in other programs that cover out-of-state tuition (including, but not limited to, Public Performance Scholarships, Honors-in-Discipline, or Border Waivers) are not eligible.
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Academic Performance Scholarship
These are merit based scholarships intended to reward students for their acidemic performance.
Award
Between $2,000 and $5,000 per academic year, depending on academic acheivement.Requirements
Incoming Freshmen:
- Be a resident of a Tennessee high school, or a neighboring out-of-state county in
East Tennessee:
- North Carolina: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey.
- Virginia: Grayson, Lee, Scott, Washington.
- Graduated with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Attained an ACT score of 22 or above, or an SAT score of 1100 or above.
Transfer Students:
- Be a resident of a Tennessee high school, or a neighboring out-of-state county in
East Tennessee:
- North Carolina: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey.
- Virginia: Grayson, Lee, Scott, Washington.
- Entering with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Be a resident of a Tennessee high school, or a neighboring out-of-state county in
East Tennessee:
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BLUE Performance Scholarships
Scholarship Award
$1,500 per semester, renewable for up to eight semesters ($3,000 per academic year; $12,000 total),Eligibility
- Tennessee resident or an approved border-county resident (designated counties in North Carolina and Virginia),
- New freshmen or transfer student (have not previously been enrolled at ETSU),
- High school GPA of 2.50 minimum OR college transfer GPA of 3.00 minimum,
- Full-time students in any Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program.
Restrictions
Awards can only be used to cover tuition in Spring and Fall semesters.
Cannot be combined with any university Academic Performance Scholarship at any level (Presidential, Provost, Dean, or Faculty) – OR – an Athletic Bands Service Award.
Semester Requirments
Receipants of this award agree to:
- maintain a 2.5 GPA
- Enroll in Individual Instruction each semester
- Enroll in a band
- Complete 25 hours of service as assigned by the Department of Appalachian Studies
each semester.
Deadlines
Returning students are given priority for Endowed Scholarships, but they have a March deadline for applications. Incoming students have no deadlines and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered for a scholarship before funds are depleted.Application Process
For questions about this scholarship and the application process please contact Nate Olson -
Bert C. Bach Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program
The Bert C. Bach Fine and Performing Arts Scholars program (BCBFPA) was created in 2005 as a competitive scholarship program that was a part of the Honors College with a mission which emphasizd a shared and collaborative approach to learning and “cross-training” among artists of diverse areas, including: digital media, theatre, dance, performance voice, classic music styles as well as bluegrass, and the two- and three-dimensional fine arts. Nearly 200 students have completed the program, representing every arts progrm at ETSU, and many have gone on to exciting careers and graduate schools in the arts.
In 2023, the BCBFPA program moved to the Mary B Martin School of the Arts (MBMSOTA) with an updated curriculum that is specifically designed to educate artists of the 21st century while remaining open to all of the arts at ETSU. Acceptance into the program is through a competitive application process.
The BCBFPA program is designed to support an interdisciplinary group of student artists who will share the experience of learning about the arts together. It offers a distinctive curriculum focused on fostering artistic identities and professional practices that is embedded in the required Fine & Performing Arts Scholars Minor. Students accepted into the program are pushing the boundaries, defining and constructing new works, learning what is needed survive as a professional, and pursuing your own major creative works and projects.
Scholarship: The BCBFPA Scholarship awards up to $5,000 per year (split between the Fall and Spring semester) to all students accepted into the program, both in-state and out-of-state students. The scholarship is available for a total of eight semesters for incoming first-year students and up to six semester for students already enrolled at ETSU. The scholarship is no longer awarded after a student’s senior year.
The BCBFPA program includes additional benefits, such as:
Additional Advising
BCBFPA students receive individual advising with the program director, helping to ensure that they are on track to meet educational goals. You will not be alone. You will be surrounded and supported by your student colleagues and faculty mentors. They will be your best friends and most honest critics. You will have the opportunity to share your artistic endeavors and part of your coursework with other arts scholars and work with exceptional faculty artists in your field.
Priority Registration
BCBFPA scholars are permitted to register for courses early, which ensures an opportunity to register for desired courses that best fit with their schedule.
Degree Recognition
Upon competition of the program requirements, BCBFPA scholars receive recognition of accomplishment on the university degree and transcript.
Internships and Intensive, High-Impact Experiences
BCBFPA scholars are connected with internships on campus and in the region, and are supported by intensive and high-impact classes such as study abroad.
Students in the BCBFPA program are required to be active members of the ETSU Arts community. Additionally, they are required to major in one of ETSU’s arts and register for the Fine and Performing Arts Studies Minor as part of their degree program. When an arts area only exists as a minor at ETSU — Dance, Creative Writing and Film Studies, as examples — minoring in one of these fulfills the requirement. All BCBFPA scholars are required to register in their arts area by the end of their first Fall semester. -
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee offers a single application for over 160 scholarships including the Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship. Application requires a free Kaleidoscope account, which will also allow you to search for additional scholarships.
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Creative Arts Scholarships
The Creative Arts Scholarship at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) was created to provide access to ETSU's vibrant artistic community to creative talent from around the world. It offers an exceptional opportunity for new, full-time students from outside Tennessee who are pursuing a degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies.
This scholarship is open to both first-time freshmen and transfer students who do not qualify for in-state tuition through other programs such as the Border County Program or Academic Common Market. International students are also encouraged to apply, in consultation with ETSU's International Student and Scholar Services.
Award
This scholarship provides in-state tuition rates for up to eight semesters.Application Requirements
- Applicants must apply for admission to East Tennessee State University.
- Applicants must demonstrate both strong performance skills and academic achievement that indicate a strong potential for success in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies.
- Applicants must be a first-time freshmen with a 21 ACT (990 SAT) or a 2.75 high school GPA, or a transfer student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on 12 or more transferable credit hours.
Scholarship Requirements
- Declare Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies as their major or minor.
- Enroll in and complete at least 15 credit hours per semester, including individual instruction and band classes.
- Maintain a 2.0 overall GPA, with a 3.0 GPA in all BLUE courses each semester.
- Participate in public performances (typically 2-4 per semester) and assist with other performance-related activities.
- Develop musical and performance skills while collaborating with faculty and peers.
- Freshmen are required to live on campus for the first two semesters.
Application Deadlines
Application Process
In addition to a compleated applicaiton form, applicants must submit the following:- Video recordings of three performance pieces, showcasing the student's musical ability.
- These should be uploaded to YouTube with links provided in the application.
- An explanation of the material in each video, including the performance skills demonstrated and why the student selected each piece.
- A 200-300 word essay that summarizes the applicant’s experience with Bluegrass, Old-Time, Celtic, and/or Country music, as well as future musical goals.
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Endowed Scholarships
Award
Vary between $50 and $10,000 dependanding on scholarship and need.Eligibility
Full-time students in any Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies area.Deadlines
Returning students are given priority for Endowed Scholarships, but they have a March deadline for applications. Incoming students have no deadlines and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered for a scholarship before funds are depleted.Streamlined Application Process
To be considered for all available endowed scholarships, only one application is required. As part of your application, you will submit three performance videos showcasing your musical talents and respond to thought-provoking questions that explore your goals and aspirations in the field of music.
Incompleate applications may impact awards, for any questions please contact endowedscholarships@gmail.com.
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ETSU General University Scholarship Application
East Tennessee State University offers a streamlined application process for all scholarships offered by the university, and the Department of Appalachian Studies encourages all students to complate an application.
Deadline
The application opens October 1 and closes March 1 each year. Students are encouraged to apply early in order to be considered for the most scholarship opportunities.Requirements
- Completed ETSU application
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Contact information for letters of recommendation.
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Gray Fox Scholarship
The Grey Fox Bill Vernon Memorial Scholarship supports talented and motivated students involved in bluegrass music who need financial assistance for college tuition. Named after Bill Vernon, a renowned bluegrass expert, writer, radio host, and festival friend, the scholarship is funded through the generosity of instrument builders such as Stelling, Deering, Martin, Collings, Beard, Eastman, and others, as well as through annual raffles and donations from individuals and organizations.
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Helen White Scholarship
Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) is proud to offer the Helen White Higher Education Scholarship Fund, a prestigious opportunity for high school seniors and current undergraduate students pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors the legacy of JAM’s founder, Helen White, and is sustained through generous memorial donations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to high school seniors planning to attend college, and current undergraduates.
- Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing a degree in one of the following areas:
- Traditional Appalachian or American Music
- Education or Counseling (Elementary, Middle, or High School)
- Appalachian/Regional Studies
- JAM Program Participation: Applicants must have been actively involved in a JAM-affiliated program for at least one year during their childhood. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated long-term commitment to JAM. This includes all JAM affiliates, even those not using the JAM name (e.g., YAM students in Pickens County, S.C.).
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Hope Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship, funded by the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS) program, offers a valuable opportunity for Tennessee residents to achieve their academic dreams without the financial burden.
Designed to support Tennessee's top high school graduates, the HOPE Scholarship encourages students to pursue higher education within the state, helping them build successful futures at home. If you're a Tennessee resident, you may qualify for this prestigious scholarship, which is aimed at making college more accessible and affordable.
How to Apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). No additional forms are required, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, the HOPE Scholarship will be awarded to you automatically. -
International Bluegrass Music Association
The IBMA offers several scholarships and grant opportunities ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per award. For a full listing of all opportunities click the button below.
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Steve Gully Scholarship
The Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship is offered by Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation. Each year it is awarded to a college student who they feel best represents the future of bluegrass music. The scholarship was created in honor of Steve Gulley, a renowned bluegrass artist who passed away in 2020. It was established by Crandall Creek, a bluegrass band that allocates a portion of its earnings to charitable causes.
Award amount: $5,000
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Steve Mandell
The Steve Mandell Memorial Music Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Steve Mandell, a talented musician who made significant contributions to folk, bluegrass, and acoustic Americana music. Mandell, known for his Grammy-winning performance on the song "Dueling Banjos" from Deliverance, had a long and varied career. He worked with prominent artists like Judy Collins, Maria Muldaur, John Denver, and many others. In addition to his performing career, Mandell was deeply involved in promoting music in his community, organizing events, and fostering music education in Maryland.
Launched in 2020, the scholarship provides financial awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 to individuals who wish to further their education in folk, bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic Americana music. It is intended to support students in need who are passionate about these genres. The fund is administered by Common Ground on the Hill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Awards are based on need, intention, and available funds, and applications are reviewed by a panel of musicians and industry professionals.
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Veterans
East Tennessee has a history of strong veteran support and a veteran population that is almost twice the national average. The Department of Appalachian Studies has always counted both veterans and military families among its student body. Both students and faculty are deeply involved in veteran-focused community projects and have developed partnerships with many veteran service organizations.
Whether you are a graduating senior preparing for a career in the military or a veteran looking to continue your education, East Tennessee State University looks forward to the opportunity to serve you. ETSU is one of the few universities that has consistently received the Military Friendly designation every year for over a decade. It is home to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Mountain Home, which consistently ranks in the top 5 nationally. ETSU also hosts one of the most robust veteran and military academic support programs in the United States, along with the top-ranking ROTC program in Tennessee.
Veteran focused initiatives at ETSU:
In addition to the specific requirements set by individual scholarships, all scholarships and awards are subject to the policies outlined by the ETSU Scholarship Office.