Chattanooga, TN – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is urging high school seniors to take an important step toward their future this September by applying for the Tennessee Promise scholarship during TN College Application & Exploration Month.
Throughout September, schools across Tennessee will celebrate the statewide initiative, designed to build awareness and excitement around the college-going process. Officials said applying early helps students stay on track with their college and career goals.
The deadline to apply for Tennessee Promise is Nov. 3, 2025, but THEC encourages students to apply in September to secure early access to tuition-free opportunities at community colleges, technical colleges, and other eligible institutions across the state.
Tennessee Promise may be used at all 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology, and eligible four-year public and private institutions that offer associate degree programs. As a last-dollar scholarship, Tennessee Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees not already paid through the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Award.
Applying is simple—students and families can create a TSAC Student Portal account at CollegeforTN.org to get started. More information about Tennessee Promise is available at CollegeforTN.org/tnpromise.
In addition, THEC is highlighting the new TN College Application Fee Waiver Toolkit, which provides application links and fee waiver details for 40 participating colleges and universities across Tennessee. The toolkit, available as a PDF, includes step-by-step video guidance to help seniors take advantage of free in-state college applications.
While the Tennessee Promise deadline applies to seniors, officials emphasized that TN College Application & Exploration Month is for students of all ages. The Next Guides on CollegeforTN.org offer grade-appropriate resources, from elementary activities that introduce career pathways to high school planning tools that keep students on track toward graduation and college.
Information about College Application & Exploration Month will be shared with all public high schools through counselors, and additional resources—including webinars, videos, flyers, and posters—are available online to support schools, students, and families.