The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is rolling out a program to help high school students start preparing for their post-graduation paths earlier.¶
The TN Direct Admissions program will be mailing high school seniors a personalized letter in the coming months that includes automatic admission offers and estimated financial aid information from more than 63 participating colleges, universities, and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs).¶
Public, private, and homeschool seniors in the Class of 2027 are eligible for their letter if they complete the TN Promise application. The TN Promise is Tennessee’s last-dollar scholarship program that helps students cover tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges, TCATs, and other institutions.¶
The letters will be sent out in batches through the end of November, according to THEC’s Chief Access and Outreach Officer Brett Gipson. In total, these letters are expected to reach about 70,000 students across Tennessee.¶
“For some families getting the letter, we hope it will be the kicking-off point of talking about what’s possible for (students) after high school,” Gipson said.¶
What Can Students Expect From Their Letters?
After completing the TN Promise application, students will receive a hard-copy letter via the U.S. Postal Service. The letter will contain a list of eligible colleges in the TN Direct Admissions program. Eligible colleges that are part of TN Direct Admissions can also be found on its website.¶
A QR code is also included that takes the student to the enrollment form, also called the “claim your spot site,” according to Gipson. From there, students can select the schools from their list that they want to attend or are potentially interested in and hit submit.¶
Schools can then get back in touch with interested students and follow up on what planning after graduation looks like, such as what they want to major in, whether they are interested in living on campus, and discussing shot records, etc.¶
Financial aid estimates are also communicated. Gipson said estimates are based on student information that school counselors submit to TN Direct Admissions, including whether they are expected to graduate on time, the maintenance of their grades, etc.¶
“These are based on that snapshot in time from the data we have when we send the letter,” Gipson said. “So they’re not guaranteed offers, but they're solid based on the information we have.”¶
Gipson said the goal of these letters is to let students and their families know the options that are available to them, breaking down any overwhelming barriers. He hopes the letters will start conversations that might not have happened otherwise and give families hope for something better for their students post-graduation.¶
“You gotta have the aid, you gotta have the one-on-one advice in some form or fashion,” Gipson said. “And then sometimes you just need the right tool.”¶
What Students Should Know
To become eligible for TN Direct Admissions, students must complete the TN Promise application through the THEC Student Portal. Letters will be sent on a rolling basis throughout the fall, meaning students who apply by the August 17 first deadline will receive the first letters.¶
The final deadline is November 2, 2026.¶
