Tuition and Fees

Since 2010, the Complete College Tennessee Act has required the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to make tuition and fee recommendations for public higher education institutions. The FOCUS Act expanded THEC’s authority on tuition and fee levels, requiring that the Commission issue binding tuition and fee ranges each year. These ranges apply only to resident, undergraduate students on the tuition rate and total tuition and mandatory fees.

During the 2025 legislative session, SB1368/HB1227 amended ? 49-7-202(n), THEC’s tuition and fee authority, to allow the Commission to approve separate maximum increases for one or more public institutions of higher education if the Commission determines that it is necessary based on the circumstances or needs of the respective institution.

Working within the parameters set by THEC,  the Tennessee Board of Regents  has the responsibility of establishing fee and tuition rates for students at TBR institutions.