Tennessee Promise & Reconnect 2026: Free Community College for All Ages
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 22, 2026
Tennessee Promise: free CC for recent grads. Tennessee Reconnect: free CC for adults 23+. Together they cover nearly everyone.
Tennessee was the first state to offer free community college statewide, and it now has two programs that cover nearly every resident.
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
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Try the Calculator →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.