What are the requirements for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship?

I've heard about the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for college students and I'm wondering about the specific eligibility requirements. Can anyone clarify what academic or residency criteria I would need to meet to qualify for this scholarship?

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is the state's lottery-funded scholarship program available to students attending a Tennessee college or university. It's a notable opportunity for students residing in the state, and here are the general eligibility requirements:

1. Residency: You must be a Tennessee resident for at least one year prior to the date of application. For dependent students, this generally means a parent must have resided in Tennessee as well.

2. Academic Requirements: Graduating high school seniors must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Alternatively, students can qualify if they have a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT (or the equivalent on the SAT).

3. Enrollment: You need to enroll within 16 months of high school graduation at an eligible Tennessee college or university or an eligible out-of-state institution.

4. FAFSA: You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the scholarship.

5. Degree program: You must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible post-secondary institution.

Note that while the scholarship can be renewed, there are separate requirements for renewal that include maintaining a minimum GPA during college. Additionally, the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship could potentially be supplemented with the General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS) or the Aspire Award for eligible applicants. I would recommend checking with the financial aid office at your prospective college and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation's (TSAC) website for the most recent and detailed information.