TELS Continuing Eligibility Summary

A student who is initially eligible for a Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship must continue to meet eligibility requirements in regard to GPA and enrollment status.

How can I keep my lottery scholarship?

·        Aim for a 3.0 TELS GPA and maintain it!  Check your lottery GPA and other stats (available in the Records section of RaiderNet) frequently to know how you’re doing.

·        Enroll in at least one class every fall and spring semester; don’t skip any semesters except summer.  (You must enroll in at least 6 hours to receive a scholarship for that semester, though!)

·        Be careful about dropping classes.  Don’t drop a class if it will cause you to fall below 12 hours for the semester. If you started the semester in part-time status (6 to 11 hours), don’t drop a class if it will cause you to fall below 6 hours for the semester.

·        Watch your calendar! You can receive the scholarship for only 5 years after you start college (or until you complete your first degree).

If I lose my scholarship, can I get it back?

·        You may be able to appeal if you lost your scholarship because you didn’t meet the enrollment requirements due to extenuating circumstances.

·        You may be able to regain eligibility later by raising your GPA, if you lost your scholarship because you didn’t meet the GPA requirements.

·        You can find more information about both appealing and regaining eligibility at the links below.

Where can I find more detailed information?

·        Click here for the actual legislative rules, the state TELS policies, and updates to the rules.

·        Click here for an explanation of the rules. (updated September 19, 2008)