TN’s college-going rate for Class of 2023 sees highest increase since 2015

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The class of 2023 had the highest number of high school graduates who enrolled in college immediately after graduating, according to a new report by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) .

The statewide college-going rate is 56.7%, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than the class of 2022. THEC added that this increase is the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship in 2015.

In East Tennessee, Anderson County saw the highest college-going with 64.2% of the class of 2023 enrolling in college, while Morgan County had the lowest rate at 38.3% for both East Tennessee and across the state. The highest overall rate was seen in Williamson County with 82.1% of 2023 high school graduates enrolling in college.

In the fall of 2022, THEC launched ‘Momentum Year’ to increase the college-going rate, adult enrollment in higher education through Tennessee Reconnect, and improve coordination and alignment in education and workforce training. This report comes after the state saw a decline in college enrollment and a record-breaking number of students applying for the Tennessee Promise program in 2022.

“It is gratifying to see those efforts pay off in helping even more Tennessee students and adult learners pursue their dreams and careers with college degrees and workforce credentials beyond high school,” Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director said.

Some highlights of the increase included the impact that dual enrollment has on students, as THEC found that students who participated in dual enrollment were found to have higher college-going rates than their peers. In addition, the report found that college-going for the class of 2023 was up across the board, with white females, Hispanic/Latino males, and females in the “Other” race/ethnicity group seeing growth above the statewide rate.

“However, we know there is still so much more work to do to help ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity for college access and success, which is why we are doubling down on FAFSA completion with the class of 2024 this summer to help more students maximize free financial aid,” said Gentile.

THEC shared three recommendations to continue increasing college-going rates. The commission said it plans to support students who have historically faced higher barriers to college entry with financial aid and direct support services. It also remains committed to navigating the challenges of the new FAFSA after the rollout caused many difficulties. Finally, as the recent dual enrollment grant helped increase the rate, the commission said it should continue to create equal access to students across the state.

In January 2023, Knox County leaders shared their goal to have 70% of high school seniors enroll in a university, community college, or Tennessee College of Applied Technology by 2024 . Across the state, the Drive to 55 initiative aims to have 55% of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree or certificate by 2025.

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