Bill would open the HOPE scholarship to students seeking a master’s degree

Tennessee students may soon be able to use their HOPE Scholarship to obtain a master’s or other advanced degree.Legislation filed earlier this month by State Representative William Lamberth and State Senator Bo Watson would open the scholarship program to students who’ve completed their first baccalaureate degree early.The HOPE Scholarship is funded through proceeds from the state lottery and awarded to qualifying students after graduating from a Tennessee high school. The award provides up to $2,250 a semester for full-time freshmen and sophomores and up to $2,850 for full-time juniors and seniors.Under current law, students can only receive the scholarship until they’ve either earned a baccalaureate degree or five years have passed from the date of initial enrollment.The proposed legislation would change that to allow students to continue receiving their scholarship amount for a limited time after receiving a degree if they’re seeking a master’s degree, doctorate, or other advanced degree.“This bill ensures our hardest working students do not have to pay out-of-pocket or delay college to take advantage of a scholarship they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Lamberth. “The intent of the HOPE Scholarship is to give students a leg up on their educational journey. I’m proud that the General Assembly was able to increase the award amount for the first time since 2008 last year and this year we will further support Tennessee students in pursuit of their goals with House Bill 27.”The legislation would not extend the total time a student could be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship.  Students who qualify for an award while seeking a higher degree would still be limited to receiving assistance no longer than 5 years from the date of their initial enrollment.