University launches ETSU Promise Plus

JOHNSON CITY (Jan. 17, 2020) – East Tennessee State University has announced a new program that provides last-dollar assistance covering tuition and program service fees as well as extensive support for incoming freshmen.

ETSU Promise Plus begins in fall 2020 and will be open to first-time, full-time freshmen eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum Pell Grant.  In addition to financial assistance, Promise Plus offers free support to help students be successful in their pursuit of a degree.

These support services include participation in pre-college programs including new student orientation, Preview ETSU and early move-in to the residence halls.  Program benefits include access to faculty and peer mentors, academic tutoring services, career support, a first-year experience course, and membership in the Buccaneer Family Association.  Students living on campus can receive up to $6,000 in on-campus housing scholarships ($1,500 annually).

“This is much more than just a scholarship or free tuition,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “We have spent considerable time envisioning a program that offers a range of pre-college and four-year benefits designed to support students and help them succeed in pursuing their dreams of earning a college degree.” 

The program will cover a student’s last-dollar amount of tuition and program service fees after other financial aid, such as Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and institutional scholarships, are applied.

Students must stay continuously enrolled full-time each fall and spring term to retain eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship and ETSU Promise Plus.

The program is open to incoming, first-time freshmen beginning in fall 2020. To be considered for ETSU Promise Plus, students must apply for admission to ETSU and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the verification process, if applicable.

More information about ETSU Promise Plus is available by emailing admissions@etsu.edu or visiting etsu.edu/promiseplus.