What are Tennessee Transfer Pathway Colleges?

I've heard about the Tennessee Transfer Pathway and I'm curious about which colleges participate in this program. How can it help ensure a smooth transition from a community college to a four-year university?

The Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) program is designed to assist students in seamlessly transitioning from a community college to a four-year institution within the state of Tennessee. It guarantees that students who complete a designated Associate's degree program at a Tennessee community college will have their earned credits fully recognized and transferred to any public university, and some private universities, in Tennessee.

The seamless transition is made possible by having shared curricula among participating colleges, ensuring that every credit earned under a TTP program will go towards necessary requirements at the four-year institution. This eliminates the need for students to retake several courses, saving them both time and money.

Participating institutions span both public and private, two-year and four-year colleges throughout the state of Tennessee. This includes all 13 of Tennessee’s public community colleges and 27 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, as well as a number of state universities including Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, East Tennessee State University, and University of Tennessee campuses. Some private institutions, such as Christian Brothers University and Bethel University, also participate.

Aside from guaranteeing the acceptance of transferred credits, the TTP program also offers students the chance to start their academic journey in smaller class environments, often at a lower cost, before transitioning to a larger institution to complete their bachelor’s degree.

To get started, you would select a Tennessee Transfer Pathway based on your interests and intended bachelor's degree program. Then, enroll at a Tennessee community college and successfully complete the designated pathway courses. Upon completion, you can then apply for transfer to any Tennessee public university, and your pathway credits will be accepted.

This system supports an efficient and affordable way to earn a bachelor’s degree while attending smaller community colleges initially, making the educational transition less daunting and more cost-effective.