NASHVILLE, TN – July 2, 2024 – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has reported a notable increase in the state’s college-going rate, with a 2.4 percentage point rise for the class of 2023 compared to the class of 2022. This results in a 56.7% college-going rate for the class of 2023, marking the largest year-over-year increase since the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship was introduced in 2015.
The college-going rate measures the percentage of Tennessee’s public high school graduates who enroll in postsecondary education immediately after finishing high school.
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Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director, expressed satisfaction with the progress. “In the fall of 2022, THEC collaborated with partners across the state to launch a ‘Momentum Year’ to boost the college-going rate for the class of 2023, increase adult enrollment through Tennessee Reconnect, and enhance coordination in education and workforce training,” said Gentile. “It is gratifying to see these efforts help more Tennessee students and adult learners achieve their educational and career goals.”
Despite the progress, Gentile noted that more work is needed to ensure college access and success for all Tennesseans. THEC is focusing on FAFSA completion for the class of 2024 to help more students access financial aid.
The report, Tennessee College Going and the Class of 2023, provides insights into college enrollment trends among Tennessee high school graduates. For the first time, it includes college-going rates based on socioeconomic data, revealing that economically disadvantaged students had a 39.3% college-going rate, compared to 65.3% for their non-economically disadvantaged peers.
Other key highlights from the report include:
– The overall college-going rate for the class of 2023 is 56.7%, a 2.4 percentage point increase from the previous year, the largest since 2015.
– College-going rates increased across all race/ethnicity and gender groups but were not evenly distributed. White females, Hispanic/Latino males, and females in the “Other” race/ethnicity group saw above-average growth.
– Students participating in the Dual Enrollment Grant maintained high college-going rates. The state’s investment in dual enrollment programs has increased participation, fostering college readiness among high school students.
The release of this report underscores THEC’s dedication to enhancing educational attainment in Tennessee. The data serves as a crucial tool for policymakers and educational institutions to identify areas for improvement and enhance strategic planning.
For more information about THEC and to access the full Class of 2023 college-going rate report, please visit www.tn.gov/thec/research/college-going-reports.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission, established in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly, develops, implements, and evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee, aiming to increase the number of Tennesseans with postsecondary credentials.
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