Columbia State Community College

Columbia State is proud to be a participating college for Tennessee Promise, a statewide program that allows graduating high school and home school seniors the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate from a community or technical college regardless of financial status. Beginning with the Class of 2015, Tennessee Promise has provided Tennessee high school and home school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and fees. What is Tennessee Promise? Tennessee Promise is a scholarship, mentoring and community service program that began fall semester 2015. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the Tennessee Promise will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA funds. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institution offering an associate degree program. While removing the financial burden is key, a critical component of Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive from a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admissions process. In addition, Tennessee Promise participants must complete eight hours of community service prior to each term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution.