Tech Officials Said Extra Applications During September Creates Opportunity, Not Issue

Tennessee Tech has once again joined in a state program waiving college application fees this month, despite concerns about the quality of some of the applications.

Officials expressed those concerns during the last Board of Trustees meeting. Vice President for Enrollment and Communication Karen Lykins said some of the applications Tech will receive this month will come from those that may not have as serious an interest in attending the university as others. However, Lykins said that creates an opportunity.

“There is time for us to communicate,” Lykins said. “If you apply in September we have several months for you to learn more about Tennessee Tech, interact with our counselors, and come visit our campus. It’s just an opportunity. Getting your application in let’s us know who you are. Whether you have a lot of interest or a little interest, we will communicate with you the same and make the same resources available to you. In the end, we want you to come to Tennessee Tech.”

Lykins said Tech saw an increase in nearly 2,000 applications last September and that was about the average statewide. Lykins said you would expect that with no cost associated with an application fee. Lykins said the program is designed to make sure everyone has access.

“It’s really a big push across the state to make sure that application fees are not a barrier to the students,” Lykins said. “If they want to apply to one, two, three…anybody that’s made that choice, and a lot of Tennessee universities have. It’s just good for the students and that’s what its about.”

Lykins said the program was a success and she expects Tech will waive application fees in September of 2024. The waived fee is only available to undergraduate students. Those interested can apply to Tennessee Tech for free until September 30.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission suggested the program.