Private School Financial Aid in Tennessee
2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply
Tennessee has no state voucher program, but 36% of private school families still get aid through school-based financial assistance. Average tuition: $11,400/year.
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your household income to see which Tennessee programs you might qualify for.
Gross income before taxes. Income limits shown for a family of 4; actual limits scale with household size.
Tennessee Financial Aid Programs
All available programs for private school families in 2026
Education Savings Account (court-blocked)
Passed in 2019 for Nashville and Memphis. Blocked by courts. May be reauthorized
Income limit: $57,000/year (family of 4)
$7,300
/year max
School-based financial aid
Nashville and Memphis private schools have institutional aid. Catholic schools offer tuition assistance statewide
Varies
by school
The Full Picture in Tennessee
Tennessee passed a voucher law in 2019 but it's been blocked by state courts. Reauthorization attempts are ongoing — check for updates. Without the voucher, all aid is school-based. Nashville's independent schools (MBA, Harpeth Hall, University School) have endowment-funded aid. Catholic Diocese of Nashville and Memphis provide tuition assistance. Christian academies throughout the state offer church-funded discounts. Tuition varies wildly — $5K at a small Christian school to $30K+ at top independents.
How to Apply for Aid in Tennessee
Apply for state programs first
Tennessee has no state-funded program. Skip to step 2.
Apply for school-based aid at every school
Most schools use TADS, FACTS, or SSS for financial aid assessment. Apply by January-February for the following school year. School aid stacks with state programs.
Check private scholarship organizations
Local nonprofits, community foundations, and religious organizations often provide additional scholarships. Search "[your city] private school scholarships" for local options.