Tennessee Promise
Columbia State is proud to be a participating college for Tennessee Promise, a statewide program that allows graduating high school and home school seniors the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate from a community or technical college regardless of financial status.
Beginning with the Class of 2015, Tennessee Promise has provided Tennessee high school and home school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and fees.
What is Tennessee Promise?
Tennessee Promise is a scholarship, mentoring and community service program that began fall semester 2015. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the Tennessee Promise will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA funds. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institution offering an associate degree program. While removing the financial burden is key, a critical component of Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive from a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admissions process. In addition, Tennessee Promise participants must complete eight hours of community service prior to each term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution.
Ready to Apply?
Tennessee Promise
Click TN Promise to apply
Columbia State Community College
Click Columbia State to apply
Who is eligible?
- Tennessee resident
- Graduate from eligible TN high school or home school program, or, prior to 19 years of age, obtain GED or HiSET diploma
What are the initial requirements for Tennessee Promise?
- Complete the Tennessee Promise application
- Apply for admissions and enroll in an eligible school (Columbia State)
- Work with an assigned mentor
- Meet all deadlines and requirements
- Begin college the fall after graduation
- Attend full-time
What fees are covered by the Tennessee Promise?
- Tuition
- Student Activity Fee
- Technology Access Fee
- Program Services Fee
- International Education Fee
What are the requirements for keeping Tennessee Promise?
In order to keep Tennessee Promise, students must meet all deadlines and requirements, including the following:
- Maintain full-time enrollment with a minimum of 12 hours per semester.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Complete eight hours of community service prior to each semester of enrollment.
Important Dates for Class of 2025 High School Seniors
In order to participate in the Tennessee Promise, students must meet several requirements and deadlines:
- November 1, 2024: TN Promise Application Closes - TN Promise Application
- December 2024/March 2025: Attend a mandatory meeting coordinated by your assigned partnering organization.
- April 1, 2025: Complete and submit at least 8 hours of community service for Summer 2025 term.
- April 15, 2025: FAFSA Deadline - FAFSA Application. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available in December 2024.
- By Spring 2025: Submit application to Columbia State.
- By July 1, 2025: Complete and report your first eight hours of community service for Fall 2025 term.
Learn more about Tennessee Promise.
Useful links
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CollegeforTN.org is a website offering an array of resources for students interested in learning about higher education.
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Students must complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible for the Tennessee Promise.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Administration of Tennessee Promise
The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) will administer the scholarship component of Tennessee Promise, while local, non-profit partnering organizations will coordinate the mentoring and community service pieces. County mayors selected partnering organizations for their counties in the summer of 2014. Once a student applies to the Tennessee Promise program, his or her respective partnering organization will be responsible for reaching out regarding program requirements and mentorship connections.