Resources for Parents
Students may apply for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship by the November 1 deadline of the year in which the student will graduate from high school, complete a home school program, or complete a GED/HiSET, provided the GED/HiSET is earned prior to the 19th birthday. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship may cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the federal Pell grant, the HOPE Scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award at any of the state’s 13 community colleges or 27 colleges of applied technology. Students may also use the scholarship at other eligible public or private four-year institutions offering an associate degree, but at these institutions the award would be capped at the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the community colleges.
For scholarship eligibility, students must meet the following deadlines and requirements:
- Follow this link to apply for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship by November 1, 2023 for class of 2024 graduates. The application for 2024 graduates will be available on August 1, 2023.
- File the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 15, 2024 at www.studentaid.gov.
- Attend a mandatory meeting led by the local partnering organization. Failure to attend the mandatory meeting will result in loss of the Tennessee Promise scholarship. The assigned partnering organization will communicate with each student the schedule of meetings.
- Complete and submit 8 hours of community service for each semester to maintain eligibility for the Tennessee Promise scholarship. The initial community service must be completed and submitted by July 1, 2024, but may not be completed prior to November 1, 2023. Partnering organizations will assist students in finding community service opportunities in their area.
- Apply to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary program at an eligible postsecondary institution. Some partnering organizations may ask students to apply to an eligible college program by February 15, 2024. Though this deadline is not an official requirement, it is highly encouraged.
- If selected, provide all requested documentation to complete the process of FAFSA verification.
Once enrolled, students must maintain full-time enrollment and attendance, a 2.0 GPA at a community college or four-year institution (or satisfactory academic progress at a TCAT), complete and report eight (8) hours of community service for each semester enrolled by the prescribed deadlines, and file the FAFSA by the required deadline each year. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college or university once enrollment is confirmed and the institution has made a final determination of eligibility.
It cannot be emphasized enough that each phase of the Tennessee Promise Scholarship program will require students to complete their requirements, and failure to do so will result in the permanent loss of eligibility.
CollegeforTN.org is a website offering an array of resources for students interested in learning about higher education. From getting college advice to career planning, students use this website to help them navigate the college-going process.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students must complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible for the Tennessee Promise. The FAFSA is required for a student to qualify for any governmental financial aid for higher education.
Tennessee has 13 community colleges located across the state, with multiple satellite campuses. These colleges offer two-year associate’s degrees and other certification programs.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT)
Tennessee has 27 colleges of applied technology located across the state, which provide technical training for workers to obtain the technical skills and professional training necessary for advancement in the job market. Students completing a program at a TCAT can receive certificates and industry certifications.
Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)
TSAC is a state agency that provides financial assistance for postsecondary educational opportunities to Tennessee residents and other students who have established eligibility in accordance with program guidelines. TSAC administers Tennessee Promise with assistance from the partnering organizations.
Tennessee Transfer Pathways are advising tools designed to help community college students plan to transfer to a Tennessee public or private four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree. Tennessee Transfer Pathways constitute an agreement between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities to assure that community college courses will transfer seamlessly and meet major preparation requirements.
Fall 2016 marks the first time the FAFSA will be available starting October 1. High schools and colleges across the state will be hosting TN FAFSA Frenzy events to provide support to students and families completing the FAFSA. Check out TNFAFSAFrenzy.gov to find FAFSA resources as well as information about FAFSA events across state.