Adult Learners

We understand the challenges our adults face trying to fit college into their already busy schedules, and we want you to know we are here to support you every step of the way. Between providing for your family, working a job, and paying bills, returning to college can often seem overwhelming. Our Adult Recruiter will assist you with the admissions process every step of the way. Once you become a student, our Adult Success Coach along with two peer-mentors are dedicated to assist you with whatever questions you may have. We want you to know that achieving your dreams of earning a college degree at Northeast State is possible. Listen to how one of our former students made that dream a reality.

TNReconnect was created to assist adults entering higher education, so that they may gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential. TNReconnect is part of the statewide "Drive to 55" initiative that seeks to increase the number of Tennesseans obtaining post-secondary degrees or credentials. If you qualify, TNReconnect can help pay your tuition and mandatory fees.

Paying for college is critical to students wishing to pursue their dream of a college education. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office administers both Federal (i.e. Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study) as well as State awards (TN Student Assistance Award, TN Education Lottery Scholarship, TN Promise and TN Reconnect). They also oversee institutional scholarships and provides a list of websites to search for third-party scholarships.

Need assistance completing the FAFSA? Northeast State's Financial Aid Help Center assists students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This is offered to prospective students who have applied for admission to Northeast State as well as current students who are returning for additional terms. The Center is located in C2406 on the Blountville Campus and is open Monday-Friday.

Apply for Federal Aid - FAFSA

Financial Aid

Northeast State offers QuikPAY, a convenient payment plan. It is not a loan; therefore, there is no debt, and no interest or finance charges are assessed.

Payment Plan

The purpose of Scholarship Programs is to create an promote scholarship opportunities for Northeast State students while offering a range of services to enhance the scholar's collegiate experience. The office works closely with the Northeast State Foundation , which includes the Northeast State Scholars Foundation . The Scholars Foundation supports the college through student-driven initiatives that promote private giving and service learning. Additional scholarships and third-party scholarships are available under Scholarship/Resource Links on the Scholarships website.

Scholarships

Your past experiences and academic performance may qualify you for additional college and community resources beyond federal and state financial aid programs. Adult scholarships may be available through the Scholarship Programs Office.

To be eligible for TN Reconnect, and applicant must:

Be a Tennessee resident for one year
Complete the FAFSA and meet their definition of an independent student
Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor's degree
Be admitted to and enroll in a Tennessee public community college at least part time (minimum 6 hours or two classes) in courses leading to a certificate or associate degree
Complete the TN Reconnect Application
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Not be in default on a student loan
Not have an outstanding balance of previously awarded financial aid to an institution
Not be incarcerated

Visit the TN Reconnect website for more information about the state initiative and how to remain TN Reconnect eligible.

TN Reconnect

The Learning Center/Tutoring

Are you having trouble in class?
Are you having difficulty learning the material?
Do you need help preparing for a placement test?

If so, the Learning Center is here to help and provide the support you need to be successful.

TRiO

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) helps students successfully persist from semester-to-semester, graduate and transfer to a 4-year college or enter a career. TRiO is funded to serve 180 students each year. Applying to TRiO does not guarantee acceptance. Eligibility to apply (must meet at least one of the following three requirements) -- First-Generation College Student based on neither parent/guardian having completed a 4-year Bachelor's Degree; Income Eligibility - meet federal income eligibility guidelines based on family size; Documented Disability based on student being registered with NeSCC Accessibility Services.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services at Northeast State offers a variety of accommodations and assistance to qualifying students who register with our office in an effort to increase inclusion across our campuses. Reasonable accommodations are reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Adult Success Coach

Advising Resource Center

The Advising Resource Center provides academic advising, career advising and transfer advising services to students, coordinates academic advising for the new student orientation program, and manages a variety of outreach programs to promote student success.

Student Needs Project

Northeast State realizes that outside factors can impact students and their coursework. Therefore, community resources that support the health, welfare, and needs of students are made available.

Community Resources

Northeast State realizes that outside factors can impact students and their coursework. Therefore, community resources that support the health, welfare, and needs of students are made available. Each organization has been reviewed by the Student Needs Project staff to ensure that students receive appropriate assistance.

Applying to Northeast State

What is the first step I need to take to get into college at Northeast State?

The very first step is to complete the FREE Application for Admission, whether you’ve already been to college or not.

I submitted an application online. Is that all I have to do?

No, you will also need to submit all of the supporting documents to complete your file for admission. Here is a list of required documents:

Official transcripts from any college/university you have attended (if applicable). Those can be mailed to us, dropped off in a sealed envelope, or faxed directly from the college.
Official high school transcript - submission methods are the same as the college transcript.
Clear copy of valid driver’s license - submit it using one of the other methods listed.
Placement test (if applicable) - Visit this link. Choose ACCUPLACER at the campus location you prefer, select the date and time, enter your name, etc. and submit it.

How do I get my transcripts from high school?

In many cases you can simply call the high school you attended and ask them to mail your transcript to us. Some schools may require you submit your request in writing.

I received a GED/HiSET. How do I request a transcript?

If you received it in Tennessee, click on the link provided.
If you received it in Virginia, click on the link provided.

How do I get my transcripts from another college?

Each college has a unique process, but many require a written request or the submission of an online form. You may want to start by calling the Registrar’s Office at each school, or visiting the part of the school website dedicated to registration and records.

Do I need a placement test?

You will be notified if a placement test is required.

How do I register for the placement test?

Is there a cost associated with taking the placement test?

Yes, there is a $10 fee to take the placement test.

What happens if I do not obtain the desired score on the placement test?

If you do not obtain the desired score on the placement test, you will be placed in learning support classes in that particular subject. The Learning Support Program is designed to provide students with the preparation needed for success in college level courses. Placement procedures are designed to ensure that students are enrolled in courses at the appropriate level.

I haven’t lived in Tennessee for a year. Will I have to pay out of state tuition?

If you have not lived in Tennessee for at least 12 months consecutively, you will be asked to submit a Proof of Residency form and supporting materials to show proof of your current Tennessee address. You may contact the Admissions Office for a list of appropriate supporting materials.

I am a Tennessee resident, but I made a mistake on my application stating that I have lived in Tennessee fewer than 12 months. What should I do?

You will still have to complete the Proof of Residency form and supporting materials showing proof of your current Tennessee address.

Paying for College

What are some ways that I can help pay for college?

The TN Reconnect Grant can help pay tuition and fee costs. To learn more about the TN Reconnect program, click here. Please note that the following items are not covered by TN Reconnect and will be your responsibility if no other sources of aid are available:

Online fees for TN eCampus courses
Specific course fees such as nursing fees, health professions course fees, music fees, and any other fees specific to a course
Books, access codes, or supplies
Fines such as parking fines and library fines
Calculator rentals
Printing costs

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also receive assistance from different types of grants, applying for scholarships through Northeast State and outside of Northeast State, by setting up a payment plan, by just paying out of pocket, or by obtaining private loans. You can use a combination of these methods to pay for college.

Is there an application for the TN Reconnect Grant?
Yes. Go to www.tnreconnect.gov and select the link to apply for the TN Reconnect grant located at the top of the page. There is no deadline but it’s in your best interest to complete it at your earliest convenience.

How do I apply for financial aid?

The first thing you need to do is request an FSA ID so that you can use it to complete the FAFSA. This guide will help you find more information about applying for financial aid.

What documents will I need to apply for financial aid?

You will need to use your tax return to complete the FAFSA application. You may also be asked to submit additional documents.

Can someone help me with financial aid?

Yes, we have a Financial Aid Help Center. Our representatives can help you complete your FAFSA.

Will I automatically receive financial aid by applying for it?

You will not automatically receive financial aid by simply applying for it. There are many contributing factors which determine your eligibility to receive financial aid.

How often do I have to apply for financial aid?

You will need to apply for financial aid each year that you will be enrolled in courses.

I was selected for verification. What does that mean?

The U.S. Department of Education selects students for the verification process. Once selected, a college or university financial aid office is required to verify selected items by collecting tax return transcripts and other specified documents to compare the information with items on the student’s FAFSA. You can learn a little more about verification here.

Can I use my financial aid money to pay for my books?

Yes, if you have a surplus after all of your tuition and fees have been paid.

What are my responsibilities related to financial aid?

Your responsibilities for financial aid include maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress and other important requirements necessary for financial aid. You can learn more about your rights and responsibilities here.

Selecting Classes and Getting Prepared for Classes

How do I schedule my classes?

You will be asked to attend an orientation designed specifically for adult learners. You will meet with an advisor and schedule your classes at that time amongst other things.

Can I only take classes at one campus?

No, you can take classes at any of our campus locations or online.

How do I choose a major?

If you do not know what major you want to pursue, you can meet with our Career and Workforce Development Center. You will be asked to complete an online assessment to discover your interests, then you can meet with a representative from the Career and Workforce Development Center to discuss the majors that fit your interests.

Am I required to get a student ID?

Yes. You will receive your student ID at orientation, so be prepared to have your photo taken on the day you attend orientation!

Do you have a computer lab where I can do my homework?

Yes, we have computers available at all of our campus locations for students to use.

Does the school have tutors available?

Yes, we have several tutoring options available. You may visit our Learning Center when tutors are available, you may use a TRIO tutor if you qualify for that program, or work with tutors for specific subject areas.