Tennessee Promise Application Deadline Extended to May 31 Due to Extraordinary FAFSA Issues

Media Contact
Jessie Greene
Jessie.Greene@tn.gov
615-519-7730

NASHVILLE, TN – May 15, 2024 – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced today the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program will be extended to Friday, May 31. The new deadline provides high school seniors and their families additional time to complete their FAFSA and remain eligible for the state’s tuition-free higher education program.

The Tennessee Promise scholarship program offers eligible high school seniors the opportunity to obtain a technical certificate or associate degree tuition-free, paying for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid sources.

The decision to extend the deadline comes amid ongoing challenges faced by students and families navigating the college application process and experiencing difficulties due to the federal implementation of the new FAFSA.

Governor Bill Lee addressed this year's FAFSA rollout and the subsequent extension of the deadline, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by students.

"Tennessee has an unwavering commitment to providing pathways for students to succeed in post-high school education and training," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Due to extraordinary circumstances beyond our control, we are extending the FAFSA filing deadline for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program to May 31."

THEC alongside Tennessee Promise’s partnering organizations, the Ayers Foundation Trust and tnAchieves, remain committed to supporting students every step through the FAFSA process.

Students who wish to remain eligible for the Tennessee Promise scholarship are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov prior to the May 31 deadline. Students and parents who encounter difficulties or have questions while completing the FAFSA can easily access support through the following avenues:

-       Reach out to their college advisor or high school counselor

-       Call the THEC/TSAC FAFSA Hotline at 1-800-342-1663

-       Email fafsa.help@tn.gov

-       Contact the Ayers Foundation Trust or tnAchieves

“Expanding access to higher education remains a top priority for Tennessee,” Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director, stated. “By extending the application deadline, we are removing barriers and empowering more students to pursue their dreams of a college education.”

This week marks the 10-year anniversary of the Tennessee Promise program, a milestone in the state's ongoing
commitment to increasing access to higher education. Since 2014, Tennessee Promise has empowered over 150,000 Tennessee students to enroll in college and to pursue their educational aspirations to build brighter futures for themselves
and their families.  

###

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is the state's coordinating agency for higher education, responsible for developing and implementing policies and initiatives to support and enhance postsecondary education opportunities for Tennesseans. For more information about THEC and its initiatives, please visit tn.gov/thec.