Tennessee Promise
Columbia State is proud to be a participating college for Tennessee Promise, a new 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 will provide 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 will begin fall semester 2015. It will provide 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.
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 to eligible school like Columbia State
- Work with an assigned mentor
- Meet all deadlines and requirements
- Enroll in eligible school like Columbia State
- Begin college the fall after graduation
- Attend full-time
What fees are covered by the Tennessee Promise?
- Maintenance Fee
- Student Activity Fee
- Technology Access Fee
- Campus Access Fee
- International Education
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 Students
In order to participate in the Tennessee Promise, students must meet several requirements and deadlines:
- Apply to the Tennessee Promise program by Nov. 1, 2020 - TN Promise Application
- Complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA by February 1, 2020 - FAFSA Application.
- Attend mandatory meetings as coordinated by your county’s partnering organization.
- Apply to a community or technical college in the Fall 2019/Spring 2020 - Columbia State Application.
- Deadline to complete financial aid verification and community service hours for fall is July 1, 2020.