The Tennessee Promise Scholarship Program is a statewide “last-dollar” scholarship and mentoring initiative that provides high school graduates with the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition-free.
Scholarship Details
- Covers tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid
- Applies to Tennessee’s 13 community colleges and 23 colleges of applied technology (TCATs)
- Can also be used at eligible four-year institutions, though coverage is limited to the average cost of community college tuition and fees
- Available for up to 5 semesters at a community college/four-year school or 8 trimesters at a TCAT
- Includes a structured mentoring component to support student success
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Graduate from an eligible Tennessee high school, home school, or bordering high school
- GED recipients before age 19 may also qualify
- Must maintain continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress
- Required to complete 8 hours of community service annually
Application Process
- Submit the Tennessee Promise application by November 3rd
- Complete the FAFSA by April 1st
- Attend mandatory meetings and follow requirements set by tnAchieves or partnering organizations
- Fulfill annual 8-hour community service requirement
- Maintain enrollment at an eligible Tennessee institution each semester
The Tennessee Promise Scholarship ensures students can pursue higher education by covering tuition and mandatory fees that remain after other forms of financial aid, such as Pell Grants, HOPE scholarships, or Tennessee Student Assistance Awards, have been applied. In addition to financial support, the program pairs students with mentors to help guide them through the transition from high school to college.
