Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Tennessee Reconnect grant, an applicant must:
- Be a Tennessee resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Qualify as an independent student on the FAFSA *OR be at least 23 years of age on or before January 1 of the academic year of initial enrollment
- Not be incarcerated*
- Not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree
- Not be in default on student loan
- Must submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Be admitted to and enroll in a Tennessee public community college at least part-time (minimum 6 hours) in courses leading to a certificate or associate degree
*Currently incarcerated individuals (if eligible) may work with Re-Entry Navigators to prepare for attendance upon release.
To receive and maintain this grant, an adult learner must:
- Enroll in at least six (6) credit hours in the fall and spring semesters through degree completion [Summer term is the only optional term, and is covered if eligibility is maintained]
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Complete the renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year
- Continue to participate in the Reconnect Success Plan and update the plan each academic year
- Complete degree/certification within five (5) calendar years
What is the Reconnect Success Plan?
In order to be eligible to receive the Reconnect grant, applicants must participate in a Reconnect Success Plan. When you apply for the grant, you will be asked a series of questions that will help us match you with resources and information available through local Reconnect Navigators and through your college of choice. Your Reconnect Success Plan will be generated once you complete the Reconnect grant application. Make sure you print it or save it to your computer so that you can access it any time you need it. Think of it as your support “map” – it will come in handy on your journey to a degree!
Recipients will receive the grant until they either (1) earn an associate degree, (2) complete the total number of semester hours necessary to complete the degree, or (3) fail to maintain either continuous enrollment or a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Tennessee Community Colleges
Tennessee Reconnect at Four-Year Institutions:
In order to use the Tennessee Reconnect grant at a four-year college or university, students must enroll in an associate degree program at that school – not a bachelor’s degree program. A list of associate degree programs at each eligible four-year institution across the state is below for your reference. Students enrolling in a health sciences program will only begin receiving funds once admitted into the actual program of study.
At a four-year institution, the Tennessee Reconnect grant will not be last-dollar, meaning it will not cover all tuition and fees. The amount of funding you will receive will be based on the average amount of tuition and fees at a community college, which is estimated to be $4,200. As a last-dollar scholarship, Tennessee Reconnect will provide whatever amount remains after your Pell, HOPE, and TSAA funds are applied. For example, if you were to receive $1,000 in Pell funds, but no other federal or state financial aid, Tennessee Reconnect would provide $3,200 to cover the remaining amount that you could apply toward tuition and fees at a four-year school.
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES WITH ELIGIBLE TWO-YEAR PROGRAMS*
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES WITH ELIGIBLE TWO-YEAR PROGRAMS*
*These institutions offer two-year programs which may be eligible for the Tennessee Reconnect Grant. Students must be admitted to the associate degree program before they can participate in Tennessee Reconnect. Four-year programs at these institutions are not eligible.
**Please confirm program eligibility with the college before enrolling.
To receive the Reconnect Grant, and to receive any other financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This ensures that you will receive all the federal and state aid you will qualify for. Contact your local community college or Reconnect Navigator if you need assistance with the FAFSA. The Reconnect Grant is a last dollar grant, so it funds the remaining tuition after gift aid is applied to your account. For purposes of the Reconnect Grant, gift aid is defined as the Federal Pell Grant, the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), and lottery-funded programs.*
*Students who receive the Reconnect Grant are financially responsible for books and supplies.