Reduction in Force (RIF) Tuition Assistance Benefit
Tennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
Up to two years of tuition and mandatory fees at Tennessee public colleges and TCATs for state employees laid off in a Reduction in Force, if their former agency funds it.
- How much
- Set by the former agency, up to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, for up to two years after separation
- Who qualifies
- Former Tennessee state employee separated due to a Reduction in Force
- Funding must be available from the former agency; Tennessee public institutions only.
- For adults going back to school, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; usable for terms beginning within two years of the separation date.
- How to apply
- Submit THEC's RIF Tuition Assistance application (Formstack) and have your former state agency complete the Statement of Agency Funding
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (collegefortn.org) and page 2
The details
Postsecondary tuition assistance for Tennessee state employees separated due to a Reduction in Force. Usable at Tennessee public community colleges, universities and TCATs (not private or proprietary schools) for any semester that begins within two years of separation. The annual benefit is set by the former agency and can't exceed tuition and mandatory fees (online course fees may be included; books and other fees are not). Any course type is eligible; a degree program isn't required. Contingent on the former agency having funds; the agency must complete a Statement of Agency Funding. Non-residents may qualify if funding is available.
More money from Tennessee
- Tennessee HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior) at four-year colleges; up to $1,600 per full-time semester at two-year colleges; summer included (annual maximum up to $8,550)
- Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summers
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program$6,000 per academic year ($3,000 state + $3,000 institutional match)
- Middle College Scholarship$2,000 per semester ($4,000 per year)
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)Up to $4,000 per year at private four-year/two-year colleges; up to $2,000 per year at public colleges, private career schools and TCATs
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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