TN Promise FAQ - Cumberland University

Frequently asked questions

TN Promise FAQs

Who is eligible for Tennessee Promise?

Any high school senior who graduates from a Tennessee eligible high school or completes a Tennessee home school program can apply for the Promise Scholarship. While the Tennessee Promise is available to all students regardless of socioeconomic status, partnering organizations will work with high school guidance counselors to target at-risk students who would otherwise not pursue any education beyond high school.
At what schools can you use Tennessee Promise?

Students can use the Tennessee Promise scholarship at any of Tennessee’s 27 colleges of applied technology (TCATs), 13 community colleges or any in-state independent or four-year public university offering an associate’s degree.
Is Cumberland University a recognized Tennessee Promise participant?

Yes, Cumberland University is a recognized participant in the program and will offer Associate Degree programs to incoming, qualified high school graduates who are entering in the fall semester or a student transferring from another institution that utilizes the Tennessee Promise.
How can a student enroll in Tennessee Promise?

High school graduates who are planning to enter college for the fall semester should apply on Tennessee Promise website by November 1.
Can a Tennessee Promise student participate in athletics at Cumberland University?
- Cumberland University is a member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and a member of the Mid South Conference. Cumberland University allows only students who are baccalaureate degree seeking students to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
- Athletic bands, sideline cheer and dance are considered "club sports" and do not utilize the same guidelines as other NAIA athletic sports. Students may participate in band, sideline cheer and dance while utilizing the Tennessee Promise Scholarship. Students participating in competitive cheer are not able to use Tennessee Promise.
- Students who wish to utilize the Tennessee Promise for any other NAIA sport may participate in intercollegiate athletics once they are no longer on the Tennessee Promise Scholarship.
What are the student requirements?
To receive Tennessee Promise, a student must:
- Participate and meet all requirements of a Tennessee Promise partnering organization.
- Apply senior year and meet established application deadlines.
- Attend all scheduled team meetings and a mandatory college orientation.
- Begin at the postsecondary institution in the fall directly following high school graduation and remain at an eligible institution for consecutive semesters. (A student may begin at his/her postsecondary institution in the spring or summer directly following high school graduation; however, the student will be responsible for incurred tuition and fees until fall.)
- Maintain at least 12 hours each semester.
- Attend a postsecondary institution for consecutive semesters. (If a student withdraws from all classes during the semester, he/she will no longer be eligible.)
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the established deadline of each year beginning in high school and throughout his/her post-secondary experience.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress. At most institutions, this is the equivalent of maintaining a 2.0 GPA each semester.
- Complete at least eight hours of community service each semester. Failure to complete a requirement will result in loss of eligibility.
Is Tennessee Promise available for non-traditional students too?

No. The Tennessee State Legislature has decided that the Tennessee Promise funds will be for Tennessee residents who are high school seniors and who graduate from an eligible high school or home school program and anyone who completes a GED® or HiSET® diploma before 19 years of age.
Do non-citizens qualify for the Tennessee Promise?

No. In order to qualify for the Tennessee Promise you must be able to complete the FAFSA as well as be a U.S. Citizen and Tennessee resident.
What type of degree can I pursue with the Tennessee Promise?

Tennessee Promise will only cover two-year degrees, technical certificates and diplomas. There are several reasons why Tennessee Promise is focused on certificates and two-year degrees. The primary reason is that forecasts show that much of our increased workforce demand will be in skills provided at our Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and Community Colleges.
How will the Tennessee Promise be funded?

The Tennessee Promise will be funded within existing resources by interest from the newly established Tennessee Promise endowment and by changing the HOPE award for students attending community colleges from $2,000 per year to $3,000 per year, while reducing the award amount at the four-year institutions for freshmen and sophomores from $4,000 per year to $3,000 per year. The endowment will continue to grow as any net lottery proceeds above the general shortfall reserve will be added to the Tennessee Promise endowment.
What does Tennessee Promise fund?

Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that funds any leftover tuition and fees at TCATs, two-year, and four-year schools offering associate’s degrees once all other aid, with the exception of loans and work-study, has been applied. Tennessee Promise funds cannot be used for books or cost of attendance fees. Cost of attendance fees include costs like travel and gas expenses.
How will the funds be administered?

After students meet all Tennessee Promise requirements and all other financial aid, with the exception of loans and work-study has been exhausted, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) will send the funds directly to the institutions. The process for payment will be very similar to the distribution of TSAA grants and lottery scholarships.
Does TN Promise cover housing costs?

No, TN Promise does not cover housing costs. TN Promise covers all of tuition and general access fees. The student is responsible for the cost of books, housing, and a one time freshmen fee of $100.
When does the student get the cash for the scholarship?

Students never directly receive funding from Tennessee Promise. The partnering organizations will provide a final list of Promise students to TSAC. TSAC will then send the funds directly to the colleges each semester.
When do I apply for college admission?

Apply Now
Can I use Tennessee Promise if I attend a four-year program first then transfer to an eligible Tennessee Promise college

No. You must begin your college enrollment at an eligible Tennessee Promise college and in an eligible program. For complete details on Tennessee Promise, visit www.driveto55.org/initiatives.