Regional Scholars Program

The MTSU Regional Scholars Program allows select non-Tennessee resident students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree who live within approximately 250 miles OR in a contiguous state and meet specific academic requirements to attend MTSU at a greatly reduced rate. The recently approved expansion of the program, which began Fall 2019, also included new and returning students living anywhere within the eight states bordering Tennessee (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia).

Undergraduate Students

In order to qualify the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Graduated from a high school located in a county within a 250 mile radius of MTSU or from one of the eight states bordering Tennessee (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia)
2. Have an ACT composite of 25 (or SAT equivalent) or above
   1. Prior to March 2016- SAT score of 1130 (Critical Reading & Math)
   2. March 2016 and future tests- SAT score of 1200 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing & Math)
3. Attend full time (at least 12 hours)
4. Apply for the Academic Common market program (if available)

Students who qualify will receive:

1. A reduced tuition rate equal to approximately 48% off the standard out of state rate. Students participating in the Academic Common Market Program may receive even lower rates.
2. Automatic consideration for the MTSU Freshman Academic Merit Scholarships (see additional requirements below).

Graduate Students

In order to qualify the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a documented permanent residence located in a county within a 250 mile radius of MTSU
2. Include new and returning students living anywhere within the eight states bordering Tennessee (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia)

Students who qualify will receive:

1. A reduced tuition rate equal to approximately 48% off the standard out of state rate.
2. Certain students may be eligible for the Academic Common Market Program which offers instate rates.

For additional Information regarding Graduate students participating in the Regional Scholars Program, please visit the College of Graduate Studies – Affording Graduate School website.

The Fine Print

Students not meeting initial eligibility requirements that feel they should be considered can submit an Appeal Request to the MT One Stop, SSAC 210. Examples for an appeal could include a high school within the range but not listed, out-of-date test scores, homeschooled students or transfers who did not submit ACT/SAT scores. Lack of test scores or test scores not meeting minimum requirements cannot be used as a reason to appeal.

Students who complete the application for admission to the University by December 1st for the following fall admission will receive the special tuition rate and may qualify for an academic scholarship (see additional requirements below). There is no separate application for the Regional Scholars program. 

Students who apply after December 1st but before the start of the term for the following fall admission will receive the special tuition rate but will not be guaranteed an academic scholarship.

Eligible High Schools

The following map will provide a reasonable estimate of the area of eligibility of this program, as well as Academic Common Market. 

You can also check your state’s list below for a list of eligible high schools outside of the eight contiguous states. If your high school is not listed, please contact us for more details.

*Homeschooled students living within the 250 mile radius or one of the eight contiguous states must self-identify in order to be reviewed for eligiblity. 

Academic requirements and award amounts for MTSU Freshman Academic Merit Scholarships

Underdgraduate Students who will be joining MTSU in the summer or fall semesters, who apply by the priority deadline, and who meet minimum eligibility requirements for the following awards will be offered the appropriate scholarship as long as funding is available. 

SAT equivalent scores are for tests taken March 2016 and after and will include Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math scores. 

Requirements for Continuing Eligibility

Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the fall and spring semesters. If a student withdraws from a class or classes and drops below full-time, they will be asked to pay out-of-state tuition for that term. A student may regain Regional classification the next term, provided they enroll full-time. If there are documentable extenuating circumstances for the change in enrollment, students can appeal the change in tuition using the appeal form. This form must be submitted to the One Stop prior to the end of the term in question. 

Who do I contact for more information?

Undergraduate Admissions
615-898-2111
[email protected]

Graduate students interested in learning more about the Regional Scholars program should contact the College of Graduate Studies.