Knox Promise
Free College for Eligible Knox County Residents
We’re invested in you.
What is the Knox Promise?
COTC guarantees that tuition (instructional and general fees) will be entirely covered by institutional, federal and state aid as well as private scholarships.
The Knox Promise Program is made possible by Knox County Foundation through a unique collaboration between COTC, the Foundation and several generous private funding partners.
Who is eligible for the Knox Promise?
- Current residents who have lived in Knox County for at least one year.
- A student with an annual household income of $60,000 or less reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Other Knox Promise Requirements:
- Open to new, current or returning COTC students who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree.
- Open to students enrolled in an aid-eligible COTC degree or certificate program.
- Current and returning COTC students must meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and continue meeting the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress and maintain all other federal eligibility requirements each semester enrolled at COTC to maintain Knox Promise eligibility.
- Eligibility determined each year based on household income on the FAFSA and continued county residency.
- Enroll in as little as one credit hour in your program each semester.
- No lifetime dollar limit to Promise awards.
Where can eligible students use Knox Promise funds?
Enroll at any COTC campus or online.
How can students apply for the Knox Promise?
There is no separate application for the Knox Promise.
Students who have been admitted to COTC, completed the FAFSA and submitted any additional documentation requested for the financial aid process will automatically be considered.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Apply and be admitted to COTC.
- Complete the FAFSA (students are encouraged to file the FAFSA by the priority filing date) for intended first semester of enrollment, and annually thereafter.
- Receive your notification letter.
- Register for classes.
Learn more
COTC Knox campus: 740.392.2526
Email: cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu