Helping Heroes Grant (Education)
$1,000/semester (full-time, 12+ hours) or $500/semester (part-time, 6-11 hours) for up to 8 semesters for veterans with qualifying campaign medals.
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — Tennessee
- Who it's for
- Veterans, National Guard, Reservists
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- Up to $8,000 total
- Where it applies
- Tennessee
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?
Helping Heroes Grant (Education) is a Tennessee education & training benefit for veterans, national guard, reservists. $1,000/semester (full-time, 12+ hours) or $500/semester (part-time, 6-11 hours) for up to 8 semesters for veterans with qualifying campaign medals. The listed value is Up to $8,000 total.
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- Tennessee residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Honorably discharged veteran OR former/current reserve/Tennessee National Guard member activated for federal service. Must have one or more qualifying campaign medals (Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal awarded after 9/11/2001, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, or other medals authorized by THEC). Tennessee residency required. Enrolled at eligible 2-year or 4-year TN institution. Must not have previously earned a baccalaureate degree. Must be in good standing on federal/state education loans and compliant with federal drug-free regulations; cannot be incarcerated.
What Helping Heroes Grant (Education) covers
Maximum
8 full semesters of funding.
How to apply for Helping Heroes Grant (Education)
How to apply
Through Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).
Verified information & sources
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Frequently asked questions about Helping Heroes Grant (Education)
Who qualifies for Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?▾
How much is Helping Heroes Grant (Education) worth?▾
How do I apply for Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?▾
Where can I verify Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?▾
Other Tennessee Education & Training
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans (or dependents) using VA education benefits pay in-state tuition at TN public institutions, regardless of formal state of residency.
$10,000-$20,000+/year savings
Early Class Registration for Veterans
Veteran students at TN public institutions may register for classes before the general student population (TCA 49-7-152).
Tennessee STRONG Act (National Guard Tuition)
Last-dollar tuition reimbursement for active TN National Guard members pursuing a first bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited TN institution.
Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)
Waiver of tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and registration fees at TN state institutions for dependents of veterans killed in action, deceased from service injuries, or POW/MIA.
$8,000-$13,000/year
See every benefit you qualify for in Tennessee
Get a personalized list of federal, state, and local veteran benefits based on your service history, disability rating, and Tennessee residency — in under 2 minutes.
Find My Tennessee Benefits