Frequently Asked Questions

+ What are the primary benefits of being a Roan Scholar?

The Roan is much more than "just" a scholarship; it is a leadership development program that offers four years of experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower Roan Scholars to grow as leaders, and that connect them to Roan Alumni, other Roans, and community leaders who share their own experiences and wisdom - and who may become role models and mentors.
The Roan also provides a significant financial award for tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies; allowing students to graduate debt free.

+ How can I become a Roan Scholar?

Seniors living in TN, as well as the surrounding states of GA, KY, NC, SC, and VA may apply directly for the Roan from this site.

Seniors attending an eligible school may be nominated by that high school - schools are able to nominate 1 student each year. Any seniors at those high schools who are not nominees may apply directly for the Roan from this site (when the application window is open).

After applying or being nominated, you will need to complete and submit an online application, including getting recommendations from two different individuals. You must also take the ACT/SAT (required of all scholarship applicants at ETSU).

If selected for a semi-finalist interview, you will then have the opportunity to meet with members of our Interview Committee and share what makes you a strong candidate for the Roan. And if you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to spend two days on the ETSU campus with our Steering Committee, staff, and current Roan Scholars, to participate in a series of interviews and other activities. The Committee chooses the new class of Roan Scholars from among those finalists.

+ When can I apply? When is the deadline?

This year’s application window opened on August 15, 2026 and closes on October 15, 2026.

+ Can homeschoolers apply?

Yes - if you live in TN, or in GA, KY, NC, SC, or VA, you can apply directly from this website. Between August 15, 2026 and October 15, 2026, you can click here to create an account and start the application process.

+ Is there a minimum ACT or GPA?

To apply for the Roan, students must meet the minimum academic requirements for admission to ETSU and also take the ACT or SAT. Students selected as Roan Scholars in recent years have had composite ACT scores ranging from 21 to 35 and GPAs from 3.3 to 4.0+. Last year, Roan finalists had an average GPA of 3.97 and an average composite ACT score of 27.5.

+ What is the time commitment?

Roan Scholars participate their first year in an outdoor leadership challenge and Roan orientation prior to starting fall semester classes. Roans meet regularly during your first and second years, intern with a non-profit or service organization during the summer before sophomore year, and participate in a variety of other experiences throughout their four years at ETSU. Program commitments do not, however prevent Roan Scholars from becoming fully engaged on campus or in the community - or from excelling academically.

+ What is the financial award?

The Roan scholarship includes funding for four years of tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies.

+ Does the Roan offer summer enrichment experiences?

Incoming Roan Scholars participate in an outdoor leadership challenge just prior to the start of fall semester classes. Roans serve with a non-profit or service organization for at least eight weeks during the summer before their sophomore year ('Roan Summer of Service'). We expect and encourage Roan Scholars to spend their third and fourth summers pursuing competitive internships or other activities that enrich their leadership development, and we provide coaching and mentoring to help Roans develop and achieve summer goals.

+ Can Roan Scholars study abroad?

Yes! ETSU offers a number of fall, spring, and summer study abroad programs and we strongly encourage Roan Scholars to take advantage of those opportunities. For full semester programs, the Roan will typically provide the same level of funding as it would if the student were studying on the ETSU campus. In today's world, leaders need a global perspective; living and studying, interning, or serving in another country for an extended period of time helps develop that perspective.

+ Is financial need considered?

Selection for the Roan Program is based on demonstrated and potential leadership excellence; financial need is not, by itself, considered.