High school seniors have until today, November 1, to apply for the Tennessee Promise, a program offering two years of tuition-free attendance at community or technical colleges in Tennessee.¶
The Tennessee Promise provides a last-dollar scholarship, which covers tuition and mandatory fees not already covered by other financial aid, such as the HOPE Scholarship, Pell Grant, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. However, it does not cover costs for books or housing.¶
To apply, students must submit their application through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) Student Portal. After creating an account, students can select the Tennessee Promise from the list of available scholarships. The portal also allows students to apply for other Tennessee financial aid programs, including:¶
- Ned McWherter Scholars
- Dependent Children Scholarship
- Minority Teaching Fellows
- Tennessee Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness
- Helping Heroes Grant
- Dual Enrollment Grant
- Middle College Scholarship
- Tennessee Promise Scholarship
- TN Reconnect Scholarship
The Tennessee Promise, launched in 2015 by former Governor Bill Haslam, aims to increase higher education enrollment in Tennessee. Along with receiving tuition assistance, students in the program are paired with a mentor to help guide them through the college process.¶
To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours each semester.¶
Tennessee Promise Making an Impact
Earlier this year, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) reported that 54.5 percent of Tennessee students transitioned directly from high school to college, a 1.5 percent increase from the previous school year and the largest increase since the Tennessee Promise began.¶
The program has also contributed to making higher education more affordable. A study by the National College Attainment Network found that 50 percent of Tennessee’s two-year public community colleges are considered affordable, compared to the national average of 40 percent.¶
