At its June 16 meeting, the Tennessee Board of Regents voted to freeze tuition for all Tennessee community colleges. Tuition costs will not increase even with rising inflation to make it easier for students to choose to continue their education.
During its monthly meeting on June 16, the Tennessee Board of Regents voted to freeze tuition at all Tennessee community colleges at their current rates.
Among these schools is Walters State Community College. Dr. Tony Mikasa, president of Walters State, spoke to The Rogersville Review about the decision “Our students and their families are facing many financial challenges this year. By keeping tuition at its current rate in this period of inflation, our students will be able to make decisions for the coming year knowing that tuition rates will not increase.”
In addition to the tuition freeze, there are many programs and scholarships that make it possible for students to be able to attend Walters State Community College tuition free. The Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, and the Tennessee Hope Scholarship are among such programs. Many students who attend Walters State graduate with no student debt.
The Tennessee Promise is available to High School seniors and allows for two years tuition free at an in-state community or technical college. There is a Student Checklist that illustrates what interested students must do to be eligible for the Tennessee Promise, which largely includes community service and filling out a FAFSA form.
Tennessee Reconnect has grants available for veterans, students returning to higher education, and first time students. The Tennessee Reconnect grant pays the remainder of tuition that a student would have to pay after financial aid and other scholarship programs. Interested students must be going for either an Associate degree, technical degree, or a technical diploma at a Tennessee community or technical college.
The Tennessee Hope Scholarship is funded by the Tennessee state lottery and is awarded to incoming freshmen who attend eligible Tennessee institutions. Eligibility for students is determined based on criteria such as having graduation from a Tennessee high school, grade point average, and ACT scores, among other factors.
Walters State Community College has over 150 programs ranging from four-year university prep courses to career programs, and career programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce after completion. Areas of study include Health Programs, Social Sciences, Humanities, and more.
There are four campuses that comprise Walters State Community College in Tazewell, Greeneville, Sevierville, and Morristown. There are also online classes available and dual enrollment options for high school students looking to get a jump on their career.
The Fall semester for Walters State begins on August 22. Students who are interested in attending can find more information here, or by contacting senatorscentral@ws.edu, or calling 423-585-2685.