ETSU EXCEL Scholars

MNPS to ETSU: Excel, Explore, Experience

First-time, full-time freshmen attending a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Academies of Nashville high school with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA or 21 ACT/1060 SAT who are eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum Pell Grant qualify for the ETSU EXCEL Scholars program.

EXCEL covers any ETSU tuition or program service fees remaining after HOPE, Pell Grant, and other public aid funds have been applied. While ETSU housing costs, meal plans, and course fees are not covered by EXCEL, students will receive a $1,500 housing scholarship annually for four years to help cover the cost of on-campus housing and meal plans. Recipients will also have access to the Mary V. Jordan Center, which serves as ETSU’s central hub for student success, connecting students with academic, financial, personal, and campus resources, making it easier to navigate challenges, access support quickly, and stay on track toward graduation.

To remain eligible, you must:

  • Attend a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Academies of Nashville high school. Eligible high schools include Antioch, Cane Ridge, Glencliff, Hillsboro, Hunters Lane, James Lawson, John Overton, Maplewood, McGavock, Pearl-Cohn, Stratford, and Whites Creek.
  • Enroll in at least 12 credits each fall and spring term for four years
  • Maintain your eligibility for the Pell Grant and Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship
  • Meet ETSU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each semester
  • Take and pass an approved first-year experience course by the end of the freshman year
  • You will receive support from the Mary V. Jordan Center, with specific support meeting requirements outlined in your offer letter.

  • Who is eligible for an EXCEL scholarship?
    First-time, full-time freshmen attending a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Academies of Nashville high school with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA or 21 ACT/1060 SAT who receive the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum Pell Grant. 
  • How long can I receive an EXCEL scholarship?
    By remaining eligible you can receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years.
  • Am I eligible for other scholarships if I am part of this program?
    Yes. 
  • How do I apply for an EXCEL scholarship?
    A separate application is not required. Students who have been admitted to ETSU and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the verification process (if applicable) are automatically considered.
  • Are new students who begin in the spring semester eligible for an EXCEL scholarship?
    Students who enter in the spring semester are not eligible for an EXCEL scholarship.
  • Are transfer and/or returning students eligible?
    Only first-time freshmen are eligible to participate. Please visit www.etsu.edu/scholarships and explore the many other scholarships that may be available to you at ETSU.
  • Am I eligible for an EXCEL scholarship if I live out of state or in a border county?
    Only students who are classified as in-state, attend a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Academies of Nashville high school, and qualify for the maximum Pell Grant and the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship are eligible for an EXCEL scholarship. Please visit www.etsu.edu/scholarships and explore the many other scholarships that may be available to you at ETSU.
  • Where can I learn more about the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and Pell Grant?

    Please review the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and Federal Pell Grants webpages for more information.

  • How do I get started?

    Apply for admission to ETSU and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ETSU will contact you if you're eligible for an EXCEL scholarship. A separate application for the scholarship isn’t required.

  • Does the EXCEL scholarship pay for anything besides tuition and program service fees?

    An EXCEL scholarship pays for tuition and program service fees after your other aid is applied, but it doesn’t pay for things like books or course fees. The costs associated with attending ETSU include both direct and indirect costs. See ETSU's Cost of Attendance for details.

  • If my Pell grant eligibility changes from full/maximum to a reduced amount after my freshman year, can I keep my EXCEL scholarship?

    Yes, as long as you remain eligible for the Pell Grant and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements for the EXCEL scholarship.

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