Tennessee's free community college program is exceeding expectations. Demand remains high and the state's completion rates for federal aid applications are up, which is putting colleges on notice about a likely influx of students.
"We couldn't be happier where we are," said Mike Krause, executive director of the Tennessee Promise program.
Of the initial 58,000 applicants, more than 43,000 attended their first meeting with mentors -- an important milestone for student participation. Those 15,000 that have since left the program are consistent with the program's projections.
"That number is our population. We still think tons of students in that group are going to a four-year school next fall or to the military. There's just a myriad of options they might pursue," Krause said.
He added that even if those students don't stay with Tennessee Promise, they've filled out Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms and are at least thinking of their education after high school.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/03/17/high-tenn-promise-participation-numbers-boost-fafsa-completion-rates-state