NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Families and students across the state have even more time to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid and stay eligible for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation announced Friday that the filing deadline is now Thursday, Aug. 1.
This final extension allows students ample time to apply for essential financial aid for college and solidify their college choices for the fall.
"The release of the new FAFSA has inadvertently been an obstacle to certainty around many students’ fall college decisions," Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC/TSAC executive director, said. "Our ongoing objective is to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA before fall enrollment. This final extension will allow us to effectively utilize these funds and provide support to as many students as possible."
The decision to push the deadline is in part due to THEC/TSAC being notified of a $1 million award from the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA Student Support Strategy initiative, according to a release from THEC.
This funding will enable THEC to enhance FAFSA completion efforts and provide more targeted support to students and families across the state.
Since the launch of the redesigned FAFSA in January 2024, which serves as the application for both federal and state financial aid, many students have encountered challenges in successfully submitting their applications. This award will fund THEC’s “TN FAFSA Frenzy” initiative this summer.
As part of “TN FAFSA Frenzy,” THEC/TSAC will organize events statewide, implement communication campaigns to promote FAFSA completion, and provide staff resources to assist institutions. These initiatives aim to ensure that more students and families can successfully navigate the FAFSA application process and secure the financial aid they need.
The Tennessee Promise scholarship program, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, offers eligible high school seniors the opportunity to obtain a technical certificate or associate degree tuition-free, paying for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid sources.
“THEC/TSAC will continue to work diligently to ensure that every student in Tennessee can access higher education through the completion of the FAFSA,” Gentile said.
Students and parents who face issues while filing, or who have questions about completing the FAFSA, can find support by calling the THEC at 1-800-342-1663 or by reaching out to a college advisor or high school counselor.