Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:  Tell me about Tennessee State University?

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University (TSU) has grown dramatically from a small college to two campuses: The 450-acre main campus and the downtown Avon Williams campus, located in the heart of Nashville, near the State capitol. The university has been listed for the past thirteen years in the U.S. News & World Report “Guide to America's Best Colleges.”

The diverse student population of more than 9,000 represents 46 states and 45 countries. 

TSU, located in Nashville, is a major, comprehensive urban land-grant institution offering 45 bachelor's degrees and 24 master's degrees. Doctoral degrees are offered in seven areas: biological sciences, psychology, public administration, curriculum and instruction, administration and supervision, and computer information systems engineering and physical therapy.  

Tennessee State competes in Division I of the NCAA with the exception of men's football (I-AA). Programs are available for men in Basketball, Football, Golf, Tennis, and track and field. Programs are available for women in Basketball, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting applications?  

The deadline for submitting applications is March 1..  However you should plan to submit your application in during the late February time frame to ensure you receive the most favorable consideration.  You can find and print out the  application by clicking HERE. 

This timing allows all applications to be reviewed by the scholarship committee, application verification checks to be completed and follow-up interviews with scholarship finalists held before the winners are notified by March 30. 

Q:  When are letters of recommendation due? Can they be sent separately from my application?

All application materials must be mailed in one packet.  Transcripts and letters of recommendation should not be sent under separate cover.  Incomplete, e-mailed or faxed applications will not be considered. Everything is due by February 1. 

Q:  Where do I submit my application?

You should submit your application to the TSU Foundation, c/o Bryan A. Collins Scholarship 3500 John A Merritt Blvd, Campus Box 9542, Nashville, TN 37209-1651.   

Q:  Do my letters of recommendation have to be written by my professors, or can they come from anyone?

We ask for at least one letters of recommendation. This letter should preferably come from a Tennessee State University faculty member who knows you well and can attest to your character, leadership ability, commitment to community service, or academic achievement. This may include an employer, minister, neighbor or friend of the family. It cannot be your mother, father or guardian.

Q:  Can I apply on-line?

No. You may print the application from our web site and mail it to us, but it is not possible to apply on-line. If you do print the application from the web site, be sure to print both pages....and attach your letter of recommendation at the time you submit your application. 


Q:  Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to apply for a Bryan A. Collins scholarship?

Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to apply.

Q:  Is there an income limit?

There is no income limit.  Winners will come from those who best meet our criteria.  If you think that you will be eligible for financial aid from other sources, you can still apply for a Bryan A. Collins Scholarship.

Q:  If I am awarded other scholarships or financial aid, does it affect my eligibility for the Bryan A. Collins Scholarship?

Not it does not.  Again, you are eligible for a Bryan A. Collins Scholarship even if you receive other scholarships or financial aid. 

However, if the total amount of financial assistance you receive exceeds your college expenses, you may defer the scholarship to the following year.   

Q:  Can I use the Bryan A. Collins Scholarship at any college and for any major?

The scholarship may be used only at Tennessee State University.  However you may use the scholarship for any academic discipline or major of your choice at TSU. 

Q:  If I am awarded a Bryan A. Collins Scholarship, how do I get my money?

The scholarship is paid directly to Tennessee State University to cover costs of your tuition and fees. 

Q:  When are the winners notified? Are applicants who have not won also notified?

Finalists will be notified by March 30.  Because of the large number of anticipated applicants, we are not able to notify those who have not reached the semi-finalist or finalist stage. We will post the names of the scholarship winners on our website in early April.