How To Get Free College in Tennessee

Whether you're a high school student thinking about going to college or a working adult hoping to return to school, you may be feeling discouraged by the price of tuition and other college costs. Perhaps you're wondering, ''Is there any way I can attend college for free in Tennessee?''

Several state scholarships and programs enable many Tennesseans to attend community and technical colleges for free. There are also tuition-free online colleges in Tennessee available to students.

In addition, various grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options can help students eliminate most or all of the costs associated with attending a four-year institution.

Keep reading for further information about free and low-cost options for Tennessee students.

Is Community College Free in Tennessee?

Though all community colleges in Tennessee charge tuition, fees, and other expenses, many students can complete free associate degrees and certificate programs. Thanks to several state programs, tuition and fees can be reduced or eliminated for qualifying students.

In addition to these programs, students can also obtain other forms of financial aid to help them cover other expenses related to their college degree. These other forms of assistance may include grants, private scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Tennessee?

The exact eligibility requirements for free college tuition vary depending on the program and the institution. In general, you must be a resident of Tennessee, though this is not always the case. You'll be expected to attend school at least part-time, though most programs expect full-time attendance.

Recent high school graduates, first-time college students, and returning adult students may all qualify for free tuition, depending on the school and the program. Students may also need to demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA, and participate in various mentorship or engagement activities.

What Is the Tennessee Reconnect Grant?

The Tennessee Reconnect Grant is a last-dollar program enabling adult students to return to school so they can complete their degree or pursue a new degree or certificate. It can be used at all public Tennessee community colleges and technical colleges.

As a last-dollar program, the grant provides funds to cover remaining tuition and fee expenses after other forms of aid have been applied. The TN Reconnect Grant can be used at public and private schools in Tennessee as well but, in these cases, it does not function as a last-dollar program; it will provide some funding for your education but may or may not cover all remaining expenses.

Who Is Eligible?

Students must meet the criteria to be eligible for the program and maintain eligibility during their studies. To be approved for the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, you must:

• be a Tennessee resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be at least 23 years old or qualify as an adult student on the FAFSA
• enroll in at least six credit hours per semester at a public community college or technical school
• not be incarcerated
• not defaulting on a student loan
• not already hold an associate or bachelor's degree
• submit all high school transcripts

To maintain eligibility for the grant, you must:

• maintain a 2.0 GPA
• complete the FAFSA each year
• participate in the Reconnect Success Plan
• complete your degree or certification within five years

Eligible Institutions

You can use the Tennessee Reconnect Grant to cover expenses at any of Tennessee's 13 public state community colleges or 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. You can also use it at public and private schools with eligible two-year programs. Some eligible schools include:

• Tennessee State University
• Austin Peay State University
• Southern Adventist University
• Trevecca Nazarene University
• South College

How To Apply

Students can apply with a few simple steps. To apply for the grant, complete the following steps listed below.

• Fill out the Tennessee Reconnect Grant Application.
• Apply to the eligible college or university of your choice.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What Is the Tennessee Promise Program?

The Tennessee Promise Program is a scholarship program that covers tuition and mandatory fees for recent Tennessee high school graduates. In addition to the scholarship, students receiving this financial aid gain access to a mentorship program to help them navigate college.

This is a last-dollar program covering all remaining tuition and fees after other forms of financial aid have been applied. The scholarship is accepted at each of Tennessee's state community colleges and Colleges of Applied Technology.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, you must:

• be a high school senior graduating from an eligible high school or homeschool program
• begin college in the fall after graduating high school
• participate in all mentorship activities and counseling sessions
• enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester
• attend school during consecutive semesters until graduation
• complete the FAFSA
• maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout college
• complete eight hours of community service each semester

Eligible Institutions

Students can use the Tennessee Promise Scholarship at any of the 13 community colleges in the College System of Tennessee. The scholarships also apply to technical degrees and certificate programs offered at the 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT).

How To Apply

To apply for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, you must complete the TN Promise application. You'll also need to complete the FAFSA application online. This will help determine any other financial aid options you qualify for. Then, apply to the eligible school of your choice and complete all necessary steps outlined by the school.

What Is the Tennessee Hope Scholarship?

The Tennessee Hope Scholarship is a financial aid award based on merit rather than financial need. Award amounts vary depending on your enrollment status and various other factors.

This scholarship is available to students at any eligible high school in Tennessee, provided these students meet other eligibility requirements and basic academic standards.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship, you must meet several criteria. Students must be high school seniors or recent graduates and enroll in a postsecondary school within 16 months of graduation. They must also achieve one of the following:

• 21 or higher on the ACT
• 1060 or higher on the SAT
• minimum 3.0 GPA

Eligible Institutions

The Hope Scholarship can be used at any of the following:

• Tennessee public community colleges
• Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
• public and private four-year institutions with eligible two-year programs or certificates in Tennessee
• regionally accredited public and private out-of-state institutions

How To Apply

To apply for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship, you must fill out the Hope Scholarship application. After this, complete the FAFSA online form to determine financial need. Once you've submitted these two applications, you'll need to apply to the school of your choice and submit all required documentation.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Now that you know about some of the programs available to cover tuition in Tennessee, you may still be wondering how you can reduce or eliminate other college costs. You can do so by following these tips:

• applying for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or scholarship applications
• using military or employer tuition benefits, if available
• living off-campus
• participating in work-study programs or working a part-time job
• choosing an in-state school or community college

Tuition-Free Colleges in Tennessee

If you're ready to enroll in college, keep reading. The following schools are just a few of the colleges in Tennessee where you can study tuition-free.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private institution in Nashville. This school doesn't participate in any statewide programs discussed above, but it offers generous financial support for all qualifying students.

Through the Opportunity Vanderbilt program, students whose families earn less than $150,000 a year can earn full-tuition scholarships. Financial aid is also often available to help with other expenses, such as housing and book costs.

University of Tennessee System

The University of Tennessee System has campuses throughout the state. These universities offer the UT Promise program, a last-dollar program that ensures tuition and fee coverage for eligible students.

To be eligible, students must come from a family that earns less than $75,000 a year. Students must also attend University of Tennessee campuses at Knoxville, Martin, Chattanooga, Memphis, or Pulaski.

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College is one of the 13 public community colleges in Tennessee. Students can attend this school for free through the Tennessee Reconnect or Tennessee Promise programs.

Students must meet basic eligibility requirements for each program and maintain eligibility throughout college.