High school seniors across Wilson County have until Monday, Nov. 2 to apply for TN Promise. The state scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees at Tennessee community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs).

The deadline also triggers something new. Seniors who complete the TN Promise application will receive automatic college admission offers and personalized financial aid estimates from 63 Tennessee colleges and universities through TN Direct Admissions, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).

TN Direct Admissions, now in its second year, expanded statewide to serve eligible public, private and homeschooled seniors, THEC said. Tennessee is the first state to pair automatic admission offers with personalized financial aid estimates.

Nearly 44,000 letters already sent

Nearly 44,000 Class of 2027 students have already received personalized letters from Gov. Bill Lee, with about 26,000 more expected after the Nov. 2 deadline, according to the Lebanon Democrat. The number of students claiming admission offers has already passed the program's first-year total.

"With TN Promise and TN Direct Admissions working together, students have more opportunities than ever to explore their options, understand the financial support available, and take the next step toward a credential that leads to lifelong success," Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC executive director, said in a statement.

How the scholarship works

TN Promise is a last-dollar scholarship. It covers tuition and mandatory fees not already paid by the Pell Grant, the HOPE Scholarship or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. Students can use it at community colleges, TCATs and other eligible institutions.

How to apply

Students apply through the THEC Student Portal at CollegeforTN.org. They will need their name as it appears on their Social Security card, their Social Security number, date of birth and a personal email address.

The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 2.

Students who receive a TN Direct Admissions letter have until June 1, 2027, to claim their spots at participating institutions.