At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- At a Tennessee community college, eligible Reconnect funding pays the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other applicable state/federal gift aid. Eligible associate programs at four-year colleges have a different, limited grant rather than full tuition coverage.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
- Income / financial rules
- File the FAFSA: other gift aid is applied before the community-college Reconnect grant. The collected guidance does not establish a single household-income cutoff.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
- Who to check first
- Be a Tennessee resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Qualify as FAFSA-independent OR be at least 23 by January 1 of the academic year of initial enrollment; the independent-student route can include younger adults.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
- Application timing
- Confirm the current application, FAFSA and college deadlines with the college or Reconnect Navigator. Renew annually and maintain the listed fall/spring enrollment; no single sourced calendar deadline is recorded.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Use the official Reconnect portal to start the grant application. The grant has an application in addition to the FAFSA.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
- 2Complete the FAFSA and submit prior transcripts to your chosen college. Ask its aid office or a Reconnect Navigator to confirm the program, current term deadlines and your remaining costs.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
- 3Complete the generated Reconnect Success Plan and keep a copy. Renew the FAFSA and Success Plan each academic year; the listed completion limit is five calendar years.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Tennessee Higher Education Commission ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
At a Tennessee community college, eligible Reconnect funding pays the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other applicable state/federal gift aid. Eligible associate programs at four-year colleges have a different, limited grant rather than full tuition coverage.
Is there an income limit?
File the FAFSA: other gift aid is applied before the community-college Reconnect grant. The collected guidance does not establish a single household-income cutoff.
When should I apply?
Confirm the current application, FAFSA and college deadlines with the college or Reconnect Navigator. Renew annually and maintain the listed fall/spring enrollment; no single sourced calendar deadline is recorded.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.