Tennessee Promise & Reconnect 2026: Free Community College for All Ages

Two Programs, One Goal: Free Community College

Tennessee was the first state to offer free community college statewide, and it now has two programs that cover nearly every resident.

Tennessee Promise (Recent Graduates)

• Who: Recent high school graduates
• Where: Any Tennessee community or technical college
• Cost: $0 tuition (last-dollar scholarship after Pell and state aid)
• Requirements: Apply senior year of high school, complete FAFSA, attend mandatory meetings, perform 8 hours of community service per semester, maintain 2.0 GPA
• Duration: Up to 5 semesters (2.5 years)

Tennessee Reconnect (Adults 23+)

• Who: Adults 23 and older who don't have an associate or bachelor's degree
• Where: Any Tennessee community or technical college
• Cost: $0 tuition
• Requirements: Tennessee resident, no prior degree, complete FAFSA, enroll in at least 6 credit hours
• Duration: Until you earn your associate degree or technical certificate

Combined Impact

Your Situation	Program	Free Tuition
Just graduated high school	Tennessee Promise	Yes
Age 18-22, didn't use Promise	HOPE Scholarship (3.0 GPA)	Partial to full
Age 23+, no degree	Tennessee Reconnect	Yes

Tennessee has effectively made community college free for nearly everyone.

Tennessee Community Colleges

All of these are free via Promise or Reconnect:

School	City	Regular Tuition
Nashville State CC	Nashville	$4,498/yr
Southwest Tennessee CC	Memphis	$4,550/yr
Chattanooga State CC	Chattanooga	$4,550/yr
Pellissippi State CC	Knoxville	$4,576/yr
Volunteer State CC	Gallatin	~$4,500/yr

How to Apply

Tennessee Promise: Apply at TNPromise.gov during your senior year of high school.

Tennessee Reconnect: Apply at TNReconnect.gov. Complete FAFSA and enroll at a participating institution.

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