Opening Doors to Higher Education

For Tennessee high school students dreaming of college, the path to higher education has never been more accessible—or more affordable. Thanks to the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, eligible students can earn up to two years of tuition-free education toward an associate degree or certificate at participating institutions, including South College, one of the state’s most dynamic and career-focused colleges.

In a recent episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sat down with Ansley South, Director of Tennessee Promise Admissions at South College, to unpack how this life-changing scholarship works, what students need to know to qualify, and how it can serve as the first step toward a rewarding career—and a brighter future.

A Scholarship That Changes Lives

“The Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship,” Ansley explains. “That means it covers the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after all other federal and state aid has been applied.”

The program is open to Tennessee residents who apply during their senior year of high school and graduate from an eligible Tennessee institution. Once accepted, students are guided through a series of mandatory meetings and deadlines that carry them from high school graduation all the way through completion of an associate degree or certificate program.

“There’s a clear structure,” Ansley says. “Students are responsible for meeting those requirements, but the reward is incredible—two full years of college tuition covered.”

Requirements and Responsibilities

While there’s no minimum GPA requirement during the high school senior year, students must maintain academic progress once they enroll in college. The Tennessee Promise program is designed not just to open doors, but to encourage consistent, responsible progress toward completion.

Another key requirement is community service. Students must complete a minimum of eight hours of service each quarter to remain eligible.

“Community service is a huge part of this scholarship,” Ansley explains. “It helps students connect with their communities, gain real-world experience, and build character.”

Service hours can include volunteering at nonprofit organizations, churches, shelters, or community events. South College also encourages students to consider job shadowing as a valuable form of service. “We love to see students shadow professionals in their field of interest,” she says. “It helps them explore careers while giving back.”

Pathways and Possibilities

The Tennessee Promise applies to associate degree and certificate programs, but that doesn’t mean students have to stop there. In fact, Ansley and her team make it a point to show students how these programs can become stepping stones to a bachelor’s degree or beyond.

“If a student comes in saying, ‘I want to be a nurse,’ we look at the path that starts with an associate in nursing,” Ansley explains. “That degree not only gets them into the workforce faster but can also roll directly into a bachelor’s degree program right here at South College. They can continue seamlessly.”

Parents, she notes, are often thrilled when they realize how much can be achieved under the Tennessee Promise umbrella. “It’s eye-opening,” she says. “They realize their child can get the first two years of college covered, gain valuable experience, and still have a clear path toward a four-year degree.”

A Wide Range of Eligible Programs

South College offers a broad selection of programs that qualify for the Tennessee Promise, many of which prepare students for in-demand careers in healthcare, business, and technology.

Some of the most popular programs include:

“We offer a wide variety of programs,” Ansley says. “And students can choose to study on campus or online, depending on what works best for them.”

Among high school students, imaging sciences and nursing tend to be the most popular. “Radiography and ultrasound are huge draws,” she adds. “Students love the technology and the opportunity to work hands-on in healthcare. And of course, nursing is always a top choice.”

Common Questions—and Honest Answers

As the director of Tennessee Promise Admissions, Ansley spends much of her time visiting high schools and speaking with students and parents. “The most common question I get,” she says with a smile, “is ‘Do we have a football team?’ That’s always the first one.”

When the answer is no, she quickly follows up with what South College does offer—high-quality academics, small class sizes, career-focused instruction, and flexible scheduling.

She also fields questions about campus life, online options, and financial aid. “Once we explain how the Tennessee Promise works and what it covers, students get excited,” she says. “You can see it click—the realization that college really is possible.”

Eligibility and Residency

To qualify for the Tennessee Promise, students must be Tennessee residents for at least one year before the start of their senior year and live with a parent or guardian. The scholarship applies to students graduating from Tennessee high schools, homeschools, or those who earn a GED before the age of 19.

“Some families don’t realize the residency rule,” Ansley explains. “You can’t move here senior year and expect to qualify. You have to establish residency early.”

Guidance Every Step of the Way

For students who have questions or face challenges after enrolling—such as needing to take time off—Ansley’s advice is clear: communicate early.

“If a student is struggling or considering taking a quarter off, we connect them with their student success advisor and financial aid team,” she says. “We want them to explore every option before stepping away. The advisors can help students find solutions that keep them on track.”

South College’s commitment to support doesn’t end with enrollment. “From admissions through graduation, our goal is to walk alongside students,” Ansley says. “We’re invested in their success.”

A Director Who Leads with Heart

Ansley’s path to leading Tennessee Promise Admissions is rooted in her lifelong passion for helping students. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she began her career[KH1]  in recruiting before joining South College several years ago as a high school admissions officer.

“I fell in love with helping students find their path,” she says. “When I started, Tennessee Promise was still fairly new, and we were learning right alongside the students. It’s been incredible to see how much it’s grown.”

Over time, Ansley’s dedication and expertise led her to expand the high school outreach program across campuses—including launching new efforts in Nashville. “It’s the most rewarding job,” she says. “When you go to graduation and hear those names of students you helped—students who might not have gone to college otherwise—it’s emotional. You realize you’ve played a part in changing lives.”

Her Advice to Students and Parents

Ansley’s advice to Tennessee students and their families is simple but powerful: don’t miss this opportunity.

“This program didn’t exist when I was in school,” she says. “It’s an incredible chance to get two years of college tuition covered—without loans, without debt. Take advantage of it.”

She also encourages students to stay engaged and ask questions. “Don’t be afraid to reach out—to your admissions counselor, to Tennessee Achieves, to anyone who can help. Everyone involved in this program wants you to succeed.”

Your Future Starts Here

For Tennessee students ready to take the next step, South College stands ready to help them achieve their goals. With flexible programs, hands-on learning, and a deep commitment to student success, South College is more than just an eligible Tennessee Promise institution—it’s a launching pad for careers and dreams.

As Ansley puts it: “The Tennessee Promise isn’t just about free tuition—it’s about opportunity. It’s about giving students the chance to start something big.”