University MNPS
Empowering Our Students Through Scholarships and Opportunities
Metro Nashville Public Schools proudly offers the University MNPS program. The initiative, a collaborative effort between MNPS and Nashville and Tennessee's renowned educational institutions, offers an array of scholarship opportunities and on-campus supports for qualified high school seniors.
"The University MNPS initiative underlines our commitment to every MNPS student. Through these partnerships, we're ensuring that our scholars' dreams of higher education are not just aspirations but realities. These pathways lead to not just degrees, but meaningful contributions to our community. This is our pledge to make sure every student is known, cared for, valued, and on a path to success." - Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent
Bell Tower Scholars
Belmont University presents the Bell Tower Scholars program. Fifty of our scholars each year have the chance to receive a Belmont education, with full-tuition, room, and board scholarships. Before their first semester, all scholars participate in a six-week Summer Academy to ensure a smooth transition and early success.
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 weighted GPA
Flight to Fisk
Fisk University, Nashville's historic HBCU founded in 1866, offers 10 full-tuition scholarships each year to MNPS graduates at an Academies of Nashville high school. .
Requirements
- Minimum 3.3 weighted GPA
- minimum 21 composite ACT
Lift Off to Lipscomb
Lipscomb University's Lift Off to Lipscomb program offers 10 full-tuition scholarships to MNPS students who aspire to become educators. Scholars receive academic and hands-on training to be classroom-ready upon graduation.
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 weighted GPA and minimum 21 composite ACT.
- All students are encouraged to apply regardless of ACT score.
- Must major in education leading to teaching licensure.
Nashville Grad and Nashville Flex
Nashville Grad and Nashville Flex combine Tennessee Promise scholarships with supplemental support including monthly stipends, dedicated advising, career development services, and textbook assistance.
Requirements
- Full-time Davidson County resident for at least one year prior to FAFSA completion.
- Open Enrollment - no GPA or ACT requirement.
Technical Diploma Pathway - Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Technical Diploma Pathway — Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)
MNPS graduates have a tuition-free pathway to earn technical diplomas and industry certifications in high-demand fields through TCAT Nashville, including industrial trades, construction, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Requirements
- Enrolled in Dual Enrollment coursework through TCAT.
- Tennessee Promise Application and FAFSA required.
- No GPA or ACT requirement.
TSU Trailblazer - Tennessee State University
The TSU Trailblazer Scholarship recognizes outstanding MNPS graduates with an award covering full tuition and mandatory fees at Tennessee State University, renewable for up to four consecutive academic years.
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA or minimum 21 ACT/1060 SAT (either qualifies).
- Tennessee HOPE Scholarship eligible.
- Students must maintain 15 credit hours per semester
- Complete the FAFSA annually.
Trevecca Scholars - Trevecca Nazarene University
The Trevecca Scholars Program offers up to 25 full-tuition and books scholarships per year to MNPS graduates, designed to make a Trevecca education accessible with little to no student debt. As part of the program, scholars are invited to MNPS Scholars Day in March — an opportunity to connect with fellow MNPS scholars, experience the Trevecca community, and envision their future on campus.
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA or minimum 21 composite ACT or equivalent SAT score (either qualifies).
- Must be admitted to Trevecca Nazarene University
- Complete the FAFSA
- Submit a recommendation from a teacher or school counselor.
Flagship Scholarship - University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Eligible MNPS graduates from select Nashville high schools will receive the Flagship Scholarship, covering full tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The partnership also provides targeted advising, college readiness programming, and ongoing student support through graduation.
Requirements
- Admission to UTK and FAFSA required.
- Must be a graduating senior from Antioch, Cane Ridge, Glencliff, Maplewood, Pearl-Cohn, Stratford, or Whites Creek High School.
Guaranteed Admission
Minimum 4.0 Core GPA (similar to weighted GPA) and minimum 24 composite ACT with at least 19 on Math and 19 on English.
Holistic Admission
Students who are HOPE-eligible are strong candidates to apply.
Nashville Vanderbilt Scholars - Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University's Nashville Vanderbilt Scholars covers all direct costs — tuition, fees, housing, and meals — for qualifying MNPS students admitted through Early Decision, plus a one-time $6,000 summer stipend after the second or third year to offset internship costs.
Requirements
- Must apply via Early Decision I (November 1) or Early Decision II (January 1).
- Federal Pell Grant eligible or family income at or below $100,000.
- No minimum GPA or ACT — Vanderbilt uses holistic review.
