Free Application Month at Tennessee Tech Opens the Door to Graduate School
Whether you are a recent bachelor’s degree graduate preparing for your next step or
a working professional looking to advance your career, May is an ideal time to explore
graduate school at Tennessee Tech University. All month long, the College of Graduate
Studies is waiving the application fee for new domestic applicants, making it easier
for people at every stage of life to apply to graduate school and move forward.
From May 1-31, prospective students can save $35 by applying to Tech’s graduate programs at no cost, removing a common financial hurdle and helping students take that first step with confidence.
“We want students to know that a postgraduate education with Tennessee Tech is more accessible and attainable than they might think,” said Julie C. Baker, associate provost and dean of Tech’s College of Graduate Studies.” By waiving application fees for the month of May, we hope to encourage more students to take that important first step and explore how a graduate degree from Tennessee Tech can help them achieve their personal and professional goals.”
Graduate School Designed for Career Growth and Life Balance
Graduate education can be a powerful next move for both recent graduates and members of the workforce seeking to enhance their careers. An advanced degree can lead to expanded job opportunities, greater earning potential, and access to leadership and specialized roles across industries. Employers increasingly value the advanced skills developed through higher education, including strategic thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving.
At the same time, graduate school offers benefits that extend well beyond the workplace. Students build strong professional networks, learn alongside peers with shared interests and goals, and form lasting connections with faculty mentors. These relationships often continue long after graduation, providing support, collaboration, and opportunity throughout a graduate’s career.
By waiving the application fee for the month of May, Tennessee Tech University aims to ease some of the upfront financial burden, giving interested applicants the opportunity to pursue further education without added cost while they explore what’s next.
Flexible Pathways for Busy Schedules
Tennessee Technological University’s College of Graduate Studies offers more than 60 graduate degree programs and concentrations at the master’s and doctoral levels, with options available online and in-person. These flexible formats are designed to support students balancing work, family, and other commitments, while also meeting the needs of recent graduates ready to continue their academic momentum.
To help students move efficiently through their programs, Tennessee Tech offers accelerated pathways that save both time and money. The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program features seven-week courses, allowing students to complete more coursework within a single semester. Students may also financially benefit from recent changes by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission that allow eligible students to apply a fifth year of the HOPE Lottery Scholarship toward graduate education, helping further reduce out-of-pocket costs for Tennessee residents.
Expanding Graduate Opportunities
Tennessee Tech University continues to grow its graduate portfolio to align with student interests and workforce needs. New programs launching in Fall 2026 include master’s degrees in Child Life, Agriscience Technology, and Industrial and Systems Engineering, along with a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology. A Master of Social Work program is set to launch next year, creating additional pathways for students seeking to make a meaningful impact through advanced education. For further information about our programs, visit our Graduate Catalog.
“For anyone who has been considering graduate school, this is an ideal time to apply,” Dr. Baker added. “We invite prospective students to take advantage of this opportunity and connect with our faculty and staff to learn how they can further their education right here at Tennessee Tech.”
The application deadline for the Fall 2026 admission is Aug. 1. Learn more and apply during May Free Application Month.