NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — For high school graduates looking to further their education and even adults who want to go back to school, there are now more options than ever to do just that, and to do it for free.
In fact, there are two specific programs at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) that help people do just that. News 2 sat down with the board’s chancellor to learn more programs available in the Volunteer State.
“Well, our mission is very simple. It is student success and workforce development. We encompass all of the two-year colleges and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology,” said Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents. “We have 40 colleges, 175 teaching locations across the state.”
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The TBR is the state’s largest higher education entity whose main purpose is to knock down barriers to higher education. However, one big road block for many is the cost, which is where Tennessee Promise comes in.
“Tennessee Promise pays for the tuition for any student directly out of high school. You have to apply for this your first year out of high school to be eligible, but it pays all tuition for that individual at any of our community or technical colleges. So, it is free to any student in the state of Tennessee,” explained Tydings.