CHATTANOOGA, TN -- An average of 350,000 Tennesseans complete a student aid application before the FAFSA deadline each year. Make sure you are one of them. 

You’re only a few minutes away from attending Chattanooga State tuition-free. That’s right: Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could pave the path for you to attend college without paying for tuition. 

Completing a FAFSA is the only way to qualify for up to two years of tuition-free higher education through Tennessee Reconnect and Tennessee Promise, two last-dollar scholarships that have helped over 100,000 traditional and adult students attend college without incurring student debt because of tuition costs. 

Tennessee Promise: FAFSA for 2025-2026 is Due April 15 

FAFSA in Tennessee connects students with tuition-free college programs like Tennessee Promise and Reconnect, as well as federal and state grants. Completing the application is also required before applying for ChattState’s institutional scholarships. 

"We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible," said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. "Filling out the FAFSA unlocks financial opportunities that make higher education attainable, empowering Tennesseans to achieve their goals while strengthening our workforce and communities." 

The FAFSA can be accessed online. Students should gather their financial documents, such as tax returns and W-2 forms, prior to completing the application process. The earlier the FAFSA is submitted, the better the chances of securing maximum financial aid, including state and federal grants. 

When completing the FAFSA form, students can choose to send their financial information to up to 20 colleges through the online application. Make sure to include ChattState with the code 003998. 

How to Apply for FAFSA in Tennessee 

• To complete the FAFSA, you and any contributors to your family income—including parents and spouses—should create online accounts at StudentAid.gov. Creating these accounts in advance is recommended to save time before completing the FAFSA. 
• Required information includes names, dates of birth, email addresses, and Social Security numbers for all parties filling out the FAFSA. Tax information should transfer automatically from the IRS with family consent; however, it is recommended that you have your tax returns, child support records, and current balances for cash, savings, and checking accounts ready. Families should also know the net worth of their investments and businesses. 
• If you’re starting classes in the fall of 2025, you will fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA form, although aid calculations will be based on tax filings from 2023. 
• Families are cautioned to only submit the FAFSA through the official government website (StudentAid.gov) and never pay to submit the free form. 

How will I know what aid I'll get? 

• You can share your information with up to 20 colleges and trade schools. Early submission is encouraged, as some schools have priority deadlines for grants and scholarships. The deadline to remain eligible for the Tennessee Promise scholarship is April 15, 2025. 
• ChattState students can send their FAFSA information to the college using code 003998 in the form. 
• After completing the FAFSA, you should expect communication from the schools you've applied to. Families are warned against accepting unexpected offers of financial aid, as they could be scams. The U.S. Department of Education advises verifying the legitimacy of offers by checking with the school's financial aid office when in doubt.