TN Promise & TN Direct Admissions

TN Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that allows students to attend an eligible institution for up to five semesters at a community college or four-year institution or eight trimesters at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). As a last-dollar scholarship, the TN Promise scholarship will cover a student’s tuition and mandatory fees not paid by federal or state aid (i.e., Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, Tennessee Student Assistance Award and Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant).

All TRA students will apply for the TN Promise and attend the Mandatory Meeting. 

New this Year!

For the class of 2027, all eligible TN Promise applicants will receive a TN Direct Admissions letter from Governor Bill Lee. All letters will include a list of universities, colleges and technical schools where they have already been accepted AND the estimated grants and scholarships they are on track to receive at each. 

Direct Admissions Overview Flyer

Click HERE for a list of participating institutions. 

PROJECTED TIMELINE

  • April 1, 2026 – TN Promise application opens for juniors.
  • May 15, 2026 – Secure portal opens for 6th semester HOPE GPA upload (State Uniform Grading Policy).
  • August 17, 2026 – GPA upload deadline for 1st round of letters. Mid-September arrival.
  • September 8, 2026 – 2nd round GPA deadline. Early October arrival.
  • October 5, 2026 – 3rd round GPA deadline. Early November arrival.
  • November 2, 2026 – TN Promise application closes. Final round GPA deadline. Late November arrival.