MCHS seniors can apply early for TN Direct Admissions

Students who complete the TN Promise application by Aug. 17 could receive offers, financial aid estimates in September

12:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 2026

MCHS seniors urged to apply early for TN Direct Admissions

Moore County High School seniors can begin lining up college options now through Tennessee’s direct-admissions program, with the first round of offers expected to arrive in September.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission said TN Direct Admissions is underway for the Class of 2027. Students who complete the TN Promise application by Aug. 17 are expected to receive personalized admission offers and estimated financial aid information next month.

Additional letters will be mailed throughout the fall. The final TN Promise application deadline is Nov. 2.

Now in its second year, TN Direct Admissions gives eligible Tennessee high school seniors automatic admission offers and estimated financial aid information from 63 participating colleges and universities.

The program is expected to reach about 70,000 public, private, and home-school students statewide.

“TN Direct Admissions is changing the way Tennessee students think about college by putting opportunities directly in front of them earlier in the process,” THEC Executive Director Steven Gentile said.

More time to weigh the options

TN Promise is Tennessee’s last-dollar scholarship program, covering tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), and other eligible institutions after other financial aid is applied.

The earlier start gives students and families more time to compare schools, costs, and financial aid before making a decision.

Students who miss Aug. 17 can still receive an admissions letter later in the fall if they apply for TN Promise by Nov. 2.

A wider reach this year

TN Direct Admissions began last year with 57 Tennessee colleges and universities.

More than 45,000 students in the Class of 2026 received personalized admission offers during the pilot, according to THEC. About half also received early financial aid estimates.

Participation has expanded to 63 colleges and universities for the Class of 2027.

Moore County seniors can complete the TN Promise application through the THEC Student Portal at CollegeForTN.org.