FAFSA Opens for 2025-26 Academic Year

FAFSA applications for 2025-26 financial aid are now open for Tennessee students.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year 2025-26 is now open. This marks an important step for Tennessee students seeking financial assistance for college. The U.S. Department of Education has released the new FAFSA form, providing access to various scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid, including the Tennessee Promise program.

Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC, emphasized the importance of early application, stating that “filling out the FAFSA unlocks financial opportunities that make higher education attainable.” Students are encouraged to complete the application promptly to maximize their chances of receiving aid.

The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. It is advisable for students to have their financial documents, such as tax returns and W-2 forms, ready before beginning the application process. Early submission is beneficial for securing maximum financial aid.

Despite challenges last year due to a delayed federal rollout, Tennessee maintained its status as the leading state in FAFSA completion. THEC is optimistic about another successful year, especially following a record-breaking number of new Tennessee Promise applicants.

To assist students with the FAFSA process, THEC offers resources at CollegeforTN.org, including step-by-step instructions and videos. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission remains dedicated to supporting students and families through the financial aid process.

For further information and support, students and families are encouraged to visit CollegeForTN.org. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission, established in 1967, continues to develop and evaluate educational policies, coordinating the state’s higher education system to increase the number of Tennesseans with postsecondary credentials. The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, includes 13 community colleges and 24 colleges of applied technology, serving approximately 140,000 students.

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Tennessee’s Rural Healthcare Resiliency Grants

The Tennessee Department of Health has announced a $50 million Rural Healthcare Resiliency Program to enhance healthcare services in rural areas across 89 counties in the state, with financial backing from Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee legislature’s TennCare Shared Savings Program. The program aims to fund 15 to 25 projects that focus on integrated, high-quality healthcare services and innovative care delivery models, especially for underserved populations. Applications for the grants are due by January 24, 2025, with more information available on TDH’s Funding Opportunities Webpage at TDH’s Funding Opportunities Webpage.