Adult Non-Traditional
Freshmen over 21 | Transfers | Students over 65 | How to Apply
No two students are alike, but we want to ensure every student has the benefit of
a quality education. Whether you’re embarking on your college education for the first
time or looking to bring that journey to a close, we can help you get there!
» If you haven’t attended a higher education institution after leaving high school or completing your GED, New Freshmen over 21 applies to you!
» Looking to complete your degree, or returning to Tennessee Tech? Check out the section on Transfers!
» If you’re over the age of 65, you may be able to attend for free or reduced tuition. Read our section on Students over 65 for more information and how to apply!
Did you know? Tennessee Tech offers 100% online degrees through TN eCampus, including two fully
online undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies. Our undergraduate Accounting degree also offers up to 21 hours of online course credit! For more information,
click the TN eCampus image below or visit the College of Interdisciplinary Studies' page.
New Freshmen over 21
If you’re over the age of 21 but have not attended college after graduating high school, you must meet the following requirements for admission to the university:
- 2.50 high school GPA and
- completion of US History and Algebra II or equivalent with a passing grade in high school and
- score at least a 28 on the ACCUPLACER exam. Schedule an exam at Tech or at most universities and community colleges across the country. Schedule an exam.
Freshman Without a High School Diploma
New freshmen over the age of 21 who do not have a high school diploma can replace the 2.50 high school GPA requirement with one of the following:
- 162 on GED (525+ from 2002 to 2013, 52+ pre-2002) or
- 13+ on the HiSET and
- score at least a 28 on the ACCUPLACER exam. Schedule an exam at Tech or at most universities and community colleges across the country. Schedule an exam.
Programs with Additional Requirements
Engineering, Math, Nursing, and Health-Related Pre-Professional Programs have additional requirements for admission. If you wish to pursue one of these programs but do not meet the admission requirements for that program, so long as you meet general admission requirements, you will be admitted into the Student Success Program (also known as General Curriculum or General Health Studies). Our Student Success Program allows students to take the same classes and prepares them for entry into the program of their choice.
- Engineering and Computer Science: 2.85 GPA, 17 ACT Composite and 17 ACT Math Sub-score or 2.85 GPA, 930 SAT Total, and 470 SAT Math
- Engineering Technology: 2.85 GPA and 17 ACT Composite or 2.85 and 930 SAT Total B; or 2.5 GPA and 21 ACT Composite or 2.5 GPA and 1080 SAT Total
- Math: 21 ACT Math sub-score
- Nursing: 3.00 GPA and 20 ACT Composite
- Health-Related Pre-Professional Programs: 3.00 GPA, 21 ACT Composite and 21 ACT Math sub-score
Transfer Students
Tennessee Tech offers on-campus, hybrid, and fully online courses of study, as well as 2+2 programs that allow students to earn a Tech degree while attending off-site at local community college campuses.
If you’re interested in transferring credit you’ve already completed at an accredited institution and finishing your degree with Tech, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- 2.00 GPA in your last full-time semester (or your last 12 hours for part-time students) and
- 2.00 overall GPA, including all previous coursework at all institutions (excepting developmental courses)
Programs with Additional Requirements
Engineering, Math, Nursing, and Health-Related Pre-Professional Programs have additional requirements for admission. If you wish to pursue one of these programs but do not meet the admission requirements for that program, so long as you meet general admission requirements, you will be admitted into the Student Success Program (also known as General Curriculum or General Health Studies). Our Student Success Program allows students to take the same classes and prepares them for entry into the program of their choice.
- Engineering, including Computer Science and Engineering Technology: 2.00 cumulative GPA, excluding remedial and development credit; and a grade of “C” or higher in a Pre-Calculus mathematics course that includes a study of the trigonometric identities
- Nursing: 3.00 GPA
- Health-Related Pre-Professional Programs: 3.00 GPA
- 2+2 Program: Students participating in the 2+2 Program must also meet admission requirements
for the department. For more information, select your program below:
- College of Education’s 2+2 Program
- College of Interdisciplinary Studies’ 2+2 Program
Are you a returning student? Check out our Readmission page for a detailed guide on returning to Tennessee Tech. If you have any questions, reach out to Admissions at admissions@tntech.edu or give us a call at (931) 372-3888!
Students over 65
If you’re a disabled or elderly student 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for discounted tuition and fees. For a full explanation, visit the Bursar’s page here.
- Auditing Courses
Permanently, totally disabled persons or persons 60 years of age or older who are domiciled in Tennessee, may audit courses without paying tuition, maintenance fees, or general access fees as long as classroom space is available. Participants must pay the application fee and any special activity fees associated with courses. Program participants may begin to register four weeks prior to classes beginning. Proof of permanent total disability or age will be required at the time of registration and enrollment confirmation.
- Taking Courses for Credit
Permanently, totally disabled persons and persons 65 years of age or older who are domiciled in Tennessee may enroll in courses for credit without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees or general access fees. However, a service fee of $70.00 per hour (undergraduate and graduate), to a maximum of $70.00 per semester is charged. Participants must pay the application fee, Special Academic Course Fees and any special activity fees associated with courses. Proof of total permanent disability or age will be required at the time of registration and enrollment confirmation. Proof-of-disability forms are available in the Business Office, Derryberry Hall, Room 100. Enrollment under this program is on a classroom space-available basis only. Program participants may begin to register four weeks prior to classes beginning.
If you are coming to Tech to audit a course, you will need to submit an application and pay the application fee. When asked to enter your student type, select Special Student Non-Degree Seeking.
If you wish to receive credit for the courses you take, you will apply as a Freshman, Transfer, Readmit, or Additional Bachelor’s student, whichever is applicable to your circumstance. If you’re unsure which applies to you, visit our Requirements page for a guide to student types and their individual requirements.
How to Apply
Ready to become a Golden Eagle? You’ll need to complete three steps in order to be considered for admission: submit an application, pay your application fee, and submit your documents (if applicable to your program).
Step 1: Submit an Application
Fill out our online application at tntech.edu/apply. If you need to make a change to your existing application, please submit an application update form.
Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee
Before an application can be reviewed for admission, you must submit your $25 non-refundable undergraduate application fee. Please note that if you have paid the undergraduate application fee in the past, you do not need to do so again. To pay your application fee, log back into the Self-Service Portal here.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
If additional documents are required for your program, all official documents can be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate AdmissionsTennessee Tech University
Campus Box 5006
Cookeville, TN 38505
Transcripts can also be delivered through an approved electronic transcript vendors. Emailed transcripts are not considered official and cannot be used for admission purposes. Electronic transcripts can be sent via:
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Parchment
- Naviance
- eScript Safe
- Scribs
- JST
FAFSA: 003523 — ACT: 4012 — SAT: 1804
Mailing Address:
Tennessee Tech University
Office of Admissions
Campus Box 5006
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
Physical Address:
Jere Whitson, rm 208
805 Quadrangle
Cookeville, TN 38505
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 AM to 4:30 PM Central