Tennessee Reconnect is a state initiative that helps adults return to college tuition-free. It provides a last-dollar grant that covers tuition and allowable fees after all other aid (such as Pell or HOPE) is applied.
Important: Tennessee Reconnect does not cover book costs, online course fees, or special course, program or lab fees.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Not already have an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Be a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen) and a Tennessee resident.
- Be at least 23 years old or meet the FAFSA definition of an independent student.
- Not be incarcerated (though re-entry programs can help you prepare while incarcerated).
- Apply, be admitted, and enroll in a degree or certificate program at least part-time (6+ credit hours).
- Complete both:
- TN Reconnect Scholarship application (TSAC Portal) your initial semester
- FAFSA each year
Income and household size do not affect eligibility.
Requirements to Maintain Eligibility
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester (Fall/Spring required; Summer optional).
- Tuition and allowable fees for up to 5 years (10 consecutive Fall/Spring semesters, or 15 if including Summer).
- Courses must count toward your degree or certificate.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Stay continuously enrolled (Fall and Spring semesters). Summer semester is optional
- File the FAFSA every year. For the FAFSA filing deadlines see Tennessee Reconnect Grant
Get Started
- Apply to Vol State online (no application fee).
- Create a TSAC Student Portal account.
- Complete and submit your TN Reconnect application. Your initial semester
- File your FAFSA.
Important: Never drop a class without talking to Financial Aid—dropping may affect HOPE eligibility.
