TN Promise application now open for Class of 2026

TN Promise Application Now Open for Class of 2026
Application now open – your first step toward tuition-free college in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN – August 1, 2025 – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today  announced the opening of the TN Promise application for the high school graduating class of  2026. Students can now apply at CollegeforTN.org/tnpromise. The deadline to apply is Monday,  November 3, 2025. 

TN Promise, one of the state’s landmark college access initiatives, provides high school  graduates the opportunity to attend college tuition-free. Students may use the scholarship at  any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 23 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs),  or other eligible institution offering an associate degree program. 

This year’s application will also serve as the entry point for Tennessee’s Direct Admissions Pilot  Program, a new initiative that automatically accepts eligible high school seniors into in-state  public and private universities, as well as the state’s community and technical colleges (TCAT),  using existing academic data. 

In partnership with tnAchieves and The Ayers Foundation Trust, TN Promise supports students  not only financially, but with built-in mentoring and support to help them navigate the  transition from high school to college. 

Last year’s TN Promise application cycle welcomed a record-breaking class of applicants—the  largest in program history. With continued momentum and support from local communities  and partners across the state, THEC hopes to surpass that milestone again this year. 

“Tennessee Promise has helped more than 250,000 Tennessee students access college over the  past ten years.,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “We are excited that the Class  of 2026 will have the opportunity to not just benefit from this program but to break last year’s  application record. We and our partners remain committed to helping students take the first  step toward earning a college credential.”

For more information and to apply, visit: CollegeforTN.org/tnpromise. 

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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General  Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, evaluates postsecondary education policies  and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state’s systems of higher education, and is  relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.

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