The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has opened the TN Promise Application for the high school class of 2026, offering tuition-free college at Tennessee’s community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT). This year’s application also serves as entry to the new Tennessee Direct Admissions Pilot Program, automatically admitting eligible seniors to in-state public and private universities and TCATs.

Supported by tnAchieves and The Ayers Foundation Trust, TN Promise provides financial aid, mentoring, and transition support. Last year saw a record number of applicants, and with over 250,000 students benefiting in the past decade, THEC, led by Dr. Steven Gentile, aims to surpass this record. Applications are open until November 3, 2025.