MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) just announced the launch of TN Direct Admissions, a new program to help simplify students’ search for colleges they could attend.

According to a press release by THEC, the new program will automatically accept eligible high school seniors into in-state public and private universities including the state’s community and technical colleges (TCAT).

THEC stated the following in a press release:

“Research shows that the college application and financial aid process often feels too complex, causing many students to give up before competing their applications. One in four students start an application, but never finish.”

“To address these challenges, Tennessee’s Direct Admissions Pilot is the first in the nation to directly connect automatic college admissions with state-supported and merit-based financial aid.”

This fall, 53 universities and higher education institutions in Tennessee will be participating in the new program.

And in November, approximately 41,000 high school seniors graduating in 2026 chosen from a group of randomly selected high schools in Tennessee will receive a TN Direct Admissions letter listing in-state and TCAT colleges they have been automatically accepted into.

To be eligible, students only need to complete the Tennessee Promise application that is due by November 1.

For more information about this program, click here.