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.
State BenefitTennesseeEducation & Training
Verified September 30, 2026 against collegefortn.org
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
- September 30, 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
- Veterans
- National Guard
- Reservists
- 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
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- collegefortn.org
- Apply at
- tn.gov
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.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Helping Heroes Grant (Education)
Who qualifies for Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?
Helping Heroes Grant (Education) is for Veterans, National Guard, Reservists; available to any veteran; tennessee residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Helping Heroes Grant (Education) worth?
The listed value is Up to $8,000 total. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Helping Heroes Grant (Education)?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other Tennessee Education & Training
- In-State Tuition for Veterans$10,000-$20,000+/year savingsVeterans (or dependents) using VA education benefits pay in-state tuition at TN public institutions, regardless of formal state of residency.
- Early Class Registration for VeteransVeteran 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 or master's degree (or a TCAT certificate/diploma) at an eligible TN institution.
- Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)$8,000-$13,000/yearWaiver 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.