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SB 1387

Scholarships and Financial Aid - As introduced, adds Western Governors University as a postsecondary institution at which Tennessee resident students may be enrolled for purposes of receiving a Senator Ben Atchley opportunity grant. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Watson

Tennessee bill adds Western Governors University to eligible institutions for state Atchley opportunity grants, expanding online educational funding options for residents.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1387

Legislative bill overview

SB 1387 expands Tennessee's Senator Ben Atchley opportunity grant program to include Western Governors University (WGU) as an eligible institution for Tennessee resident students. Currently, the grant program appears limited to certain postsecondary institutions, and this bill adds WGU, an online, competency-based university, to that list.

Why is this important

This change could provide more educational pathways and flexibility for Tennessee students, particularly those seeking online or competency-based degree programs. It also represents a policy decision about which institutions receive state financial aid support and may signal the state's position on online higher education as a legitimate alternative to traditional models.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Adding an institution to a grant program may increase state spending on scholarships unless funds are redirected from other programs; fiscal analysis details are not provided here
  • Institutional equity: Other online or non-traditional institutions may question why WGU was selected, potentially creating pressure to add additional schools to the eligible list
  • Program oversight and accountability: Online institutions operate differently from traditional colleges; questions may arise about how the state monitors graduation rates, student outcomes, and appropriate use of grant funds at distance-learning institutions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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