Earn a Vol State Degree Tuition-Free - Get Started Now!
Tennessee Reconnect is a state program, beginning in the fall semester of 2018, which allows eligible adult students to earn a college degree tuition-free. The primary requirement is that you not already have a college degree. Vol State is one of the participating community colleges offering TN Reconnect. Interested adults can complete the whole process now to get ready for fall classes.
Why TN Reconnect?
This is your opportunity to achieve a college degree at a minimal cost to you (you will need to pay for books, other fees, and supplies). That degree can provide more promotion opportunities at work or help you find a new job. You can even establish a whole new career.
The median college educated worker earns 84 percent more than the median worker with only a high school education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016).
Why Vol State?
We know that it’s not enough to just attend college- you need to do well in college. It may have been years since you attended high school or achieved your high school equivalency. We’re experts at getting adult students up to speed in math and English. We also have several academic support programs free for all students. And perhaps the most important point: you can feel comfortable being an adult student on the Vol State campuses.
To be eligible for TN Reconnect you must:
-Not already have an associate or bachelor’s degree
-Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year preceding the date of application for FAFSA
-Fill out a TN Reconnect application, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Vol State application
-Be deemed an independent student. An independent student is defined as one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Please see our web page for a complete list.
-Enroll in a degree or certificate program at least part time (6 semester hours).
-Participate in a college success program.
In order to maintain the TN Reconnect grant, the student must enroll in classes leading to an associate’s degree or certificate, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and maintain continuous enrollment.
The state application for TN Reconnect, the Vol State application, and links for FAFSA are all available now.
For all of the requirements for eligibility, and to get started, visit our web page: www.volstate.edu/reconnect
For help in exploring our academic offerings, and answering questions about the process, we have set some dates for one-on-one assistance in the evenings. Those events will take place on the Gallatin campus every Tuesday from April 24 through May 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Ramer Building Great Hall.
But we’re also open and ready to help in-person, via email or phone, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all of our campuses: Gallatin, Springfield, Cookeville and Livingston.
