Johnson City, Tenn. -- Last year, nearly 100,000 students got money from the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship fund but, there may be less money in the future.

In her third year at ETSU, Kensie McKee is thankful for a financial boost from the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship saying, "So far, I haven't had to take out any loans, it covers 2/3rd of my tuition."

The $4,000 scholarship given to Tennessee students who are going to an in-state school may have a different look in the future, because the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation is projecting a shortfall for the lottery scholarship fund.

While they're not sounding the alarm yet, there is some concern in the scholarship office at ETSU. Scholarship Office Director Kathy Feagins says, "Our goal is to help as many students as possible complete education, so anytime there is a negative effect on financial resources then that's going to be a problem."

There are 20 options on the table to make up for less revenue. Ideas include a 120-credit hour cap, paying for dropped courses, and reducing the amount of scholarship money received from $4,000 to $3,000.

Student Allen Glover says, "Fortunately, I'm blessed to have parents who pay for my education, but that $4,000 means a lot for them because they have to work hard for the money they earn."

ETSU says there are many students just like this who depend on scholarship money. Feagins adds, "If students lose the lottery scholarships some won't be able to attend school. Some will attend, but will need more student loans. It can be a big burden to them when they graduate."

Although the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation is not sure when a decision will be made, Kensie McKee worries the money won't be in place for future students. "I have a little brother who is 11. Right after I finish it's his turn and I hope he can have the same opportunities I've had."

4,000 students at ETSU get Tennessee Lottery Scholarship money each year. That's almost a fourth of the students at the University.