Dec. 1 deadline for incoming freshmen to apply, qualify for guaranteed MTSU scholarships

John Davis, left, assistant director of undergraduate transmission admissions at Middle Tennessee State University, chats with a prospective student and his mother Sept. 30 in the Student Union Commons during the first of two MTSU True Blue Preview Days. MTSU holds is final preview day starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Student Union Building. (MTSU file photo by James Cessna)

Middle Tennessee State University awards an array of guaranteed scholarships to qualifying first-time, incoming freshmen — including scholarships enhanced in 2022 — but the deadline to take advantage is quickly approaching.

Prospective students must have a complete application on file with the MTSU Admissions Office by Friday, Dec. 1, to be considered for an academic merit guaranteed scholarship, ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 per year for four years based on ACT scores and GPA, for the 2024-25 academic year.

Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president — Dr. Sidney A. McPhee

Dr. Laurie Witherow, associate vice provost for Admissions and Enrollment Services — Dr. Laurie Witherow

Last year, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced the enhancement of the True Blue Scholarship, almost doubling the amount from a total of $8,000 to $14,000 over four years, while also announcing a new Centennial Scholarship that awards a total of $32,000 over four years.

This fall, during daily campus tours, True Blue Tour and True Blue Preview events, MTSU recruiters’ visits to schools and other outreach, McPhee and other representatives are encouraging prospective students to meet the application deadline to secure those guaranteed dollars to ease the burden of college tuition.

“High school seniors with an ACT of 22 or higher and a 3.5 GPA are encouraged to apply now to meet the Dec. 1 application deadline,” said Laurie Witherow, interim vice provost for Enrollment Services.

“Apply immediately and don’t miss out on this guaranteed investment in your future and a great education at MTSU. Students will need to act quickly to request transcripts, finalize other details and go ahead and complete the process.”

Prospective students can apply by going to https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/index.php and following the prompts.

Guaranteed scholarships for qualifying students include:

• Centennial Scholarship (34 to 36 ACT/3.5 or higher GPA) — $8,000 per year.

• National Merit/Achievement/Hispanic semifinalist — $6,000 per year.

• Trustee Scholarship (30 to 33 ACT/3.5 or higher GPA) — $5,000 per year.

• Presidential Scholarship (25 to 29 ACT/3.5 or higher GPA) — $4,500 per year.

• True Blue Scholarship (22 to 24 ACT/3.5 or higher GPA) — $3,500 per year.

Students who qualify must accept the scholarship by May 1, 2024, Witherow said.

Students scoring 30 and above on the ACT and with a minimum 3.5 high school GPA can apply for MTSU’s highest academic award, the Buchanan Fellowship, a competitive and selective full-tuition scholarship offered through the University Honors College. A separate application for this offering is also due Dec. 1. For more information, go to www.mtsu.edu/honors.

The deadline for transfer students to apply to potentially receive guaranteed scholarships is Feb. 15.

For questions about admissions, financial aid and more, call 615-898-2111 or visit the MTSU One Stop.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)