The starting point
Carson-Newman publishes a clean automatic GPA-only merit grid ($10,000 even below a 2.5 GPA, up to $18,000 at 3.9, never reduced for low test scores) plus stackable niche awards — but institutional aid is explicitly last-dollar under a gift-aid cap, and tuition-based outside funds can reduce it.
More than one award path. Some awards use published academic thresholds. Others have different selection criteria. A score chart does not describe every award at this school.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 6 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Freshman Merit Scholarships (Fall 2026-Spring 2027 grid)
$10,000-$18,000 · Published range
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
GPA: Presidential Excellence $18,000 at 3.90+; Presidential $16,000 at 3.5+; Dean's $14,000 at 3.0+; Faculty $12,000 at 2.5+; Achievement $10,000 below 2.5 · SAT: Optional · ACT: Optional — a low score can never decrease the award
Eligibility: Awarded at acceptance from high school GPA and optional ACT/SAT/CLT; 'No additional application is required.' Updated scores accepted until June 15, 2026 for merit INCREASE consideration.
Renewal: Students maintain eligibility by enrolling full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) and obtaining Satisfactory academic standing each semester. Merit scholarships are renewable for a total of 8 semesters.
Other terms: Grid verbatim: <2.5 → $10,000 | 2.5 → $12,000 | 3.0 → $14,000 | 3.5 → $16,000 | 3.9 → $18,000. 'No student's merit scholarship can be decreased because of a low ACT/SAT/CLT score.'
https://www.cn.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Transfer Merit Scholarships (Fall 2026-Spring 2027 grid)
$10,000-$14,000 · Published range
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
GPA: Pinnacle $14,000 at 3.60+ transfer GPA; Elite $12,000 at 3.00-3.59; Excellence $10,000 below 3.00
Eligibility: All admitted first-degree transfers automatically considered; 'No separate scholarship application is required.' Based solely on the college transfer GPA; highest qualifying award granted.
Renewal: Automatically renewed for the applicable sophomore, junior, and/or senior year(s), provided that grade point average and progress toward degree requirements are met.
https://www.cn.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Jesse Baker Presidential Fellowship
Full tuition, housing, meals, books, and fees (4 years / 8 semesters) · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: C-N's most distinguished academic scholarship; awarded to ONE remarkable incoming first-year student; invitation-based; participation in Insignis Weekend required for consideration.
Renewal: Provides four academic years (eight semesters) of continuous study.
Other terms: The only true full-ride at C-N.
https://www.cn.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
