Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Category

How much Pell Grant money am I going to get?
FAQ Answer:
  • The amount for which you qualify depends upon family size, number of students in college, income and assets and is determined by a processor for the U.S. Dept. of Education. The amount also may depend upon your enrollment status.
Am I eligible for the lottery?
FAQ Answer:
  • If you recently graduated from a Tennessee high school and obtained a 3.0 GPA or scored at least a 21 on the ACT exam, you may be eligible for lottery funds. For more information and additional program eligibility information, visit the College Pays website at http://www.tn.gov/collegepays//mon_college/hope_scholar.htm
If I received a merit based scholarship my freshman year, does it automatically renew?
FAQ Answer:
  • It depends upon the criteria for the scholarship; however, most scholarships are awarded for one academic year or one semester. Usually, the best recommendation is to visit the Financial Aid Office before the end of your most recent semester, and inquire about the scholarship criteria. The student will want to prepare a personal thank you to those individuals involved with providing the scholarship.
Who do I contact regarding VA tuition benefits?
FAQ Answer:
  • Contact James Beel at 901-475-3147 for information on VA benefits. Information is also available on VA homepage.
How do I apply for a student loan?
FAQ Answer:
What is a MPN?
FAQ Answer:
  • MPN stands for Master Promissory Note which is an agreement to repay loan funds.
Can I get a loan if I have bad credit or have filed bankruptcy?
FAQ Answer:
  • If you have bad credit, it will be up to the Department of Education whether or not they allow you to borrow additional funds. If you have filed bankruptcy, you will need to get approval from the bankruptcy trustee verifying the amount of additional debt you will incur. The letter is valid for 10 days and must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office.
What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
FAQ Answer:
  • Subsidized loans are need-based loans where the government pays the interest due on the loan while the student is in school and during the grace period. Unsubsidized loans are non-need-based loans where the student is responsible for paying the interest due on the loan while they are in school and during the grace period.
Who is the lender for my loan?
FAQ Answer:
  • The lender for the Federal Direct Loan program is the U.S. Department of Education.
Why do I have to wait 30 days to receive my loan check?
FAQ Answer:
  • Federal regulations require that all first-year, first-time borrowers must wait 30 days from the first day of class to receive loan funds.