Tennessee Promise
Tennessee Promise, from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, funds tuition and fees for associate degree programs at eligible colleges, supporting students with mentorship and promoting postsecondary success.
Funder: Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Tennessee Promise application) | April 1, 2027 (FAFSA priority deadline)
Funding Amounts: Covers full tuition and mandatory fees at eligible TN community colleges and colleges of applied technology for up to 5 semesters (associate degree programs); last-dollar scholarship.
Summary: Provides tuition-free college for eligible Tennessee high school graduates by covering tuition and mandatory fees not met by other financial aid.
Key Information: Application requires both a Tennessee Promise application and FAFSA submission by stated deadlines.
Description
The Tennessee Promise program, administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), is a last-dollar scholarship designed to increase access to postsecondary education for Tennessee high school graduates. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees at eligible Tennessee community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and select other institutions offering associate degree programs, after all other gift aid (such as Pell Grants or TSAA) has been applied. In addition to financial support, Tennessee Promise provides students with a mentor to guide them through the college enrollment process.
