More Than 67,000 Students Apply for the Tennessee Promise

College and Higher Edu...
Written By Sky Arnold

Stock image of a graduation cap (Photo by Unsplash)

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced Monday that more than 67,000 high school seniors applied for the Tennessee Promise this year.

The total continues last year’s record application period, which also saw more than 67,000 seniors apply for the program that provides students with last-dollar scholarship support to cover college tuition and mandatory fees.

“Tennessee Promise continues to be a powerful driver of opportunity,” said THEC Executive Director Dr. Steven Gentile. “Seeing this level of sustained engagement from students across the state reinforces our shared commitment to making higher education accessible, affordable, and within reach for every Tennessean.”

Next Step for Students

Students who want to receive the Tennessee Promise still must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA additionally provides students with access to other federal and state financial aid opportunities.

The FAFSA deadline for Tennessee Promise applicants is April 1, 2026.

Sky Arnold

Sky serves as the Managing Editor of the Tennessee Fireflly. He’s a veteran television journalist with two decades of experience covering news in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee where he covered government for Fox 17 News in Nashville and WBBJ in Jackson. He’s a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a big supporter of the Oklahoma Sooners.

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