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Tuition Reduction

In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated, Section §49-7-113, Tennessee residents who have a permanent total disability may qualify for reduced tuition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Student Disability Services (SDS) reviews all disability-related tuition reduction applications and coordinates with the Bursar’s Office to apply the tuition adjustment once all appropriate paperwork has been submitted and approved. The Registrar’s Office reviews applications for age-related tuition reduction.

Auditing courses:

(a) (1)  Disabled persons with a permanent total disability that totally incapacitates the person from working at an occupation that brings the person an income, and persons who have retired from state service with thirty (30) or more years of service, regardless of age, or persons who will become sixty (60) years of age or older during the academic quarter or semester, whichever is applicable, in which such persons begin classes and, who are domiciled in Tennessee, may audit courses at any state-supported college or university without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees, student activity fees or registration fees; however, this privilege may be limited or denied by the college or university on an individual classroom basis according to space availability.

For credit courses

(b) individuals with a permanent total disability and persons who will become sixty-five (65) of age or older during the academic quarter or semester, whichever is applicable, in which such person begin classes, and who are domiciled in this state, may be enrolled in courses for credit at state-supported colleges and universities without payment of tuition charges, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees. An application fee of $50 (subject to change) is required and a record-keeping fee of $7 per credit hour is required at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a maximum not exceeding $70 a semester.

The student must apply for admission to the University, register for courses, meet the requirements of the class for specified grades, and have a permanent academic record maintained in the same manner as other students enrolled for credit. Readmission is required if the student has not attended the University of Tennessee in the last 12 months.

The student is responsible for paying UT administrative fees (e.g., admission fees, parking, lab fees, late fees, graduation fees, etc.) and purchasing textbooks and other class materials, etc. The student must also pay fees associated with the use of services such as the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, RecSports, and other recreating facilities or to obtain reduced ticket prices to attend athletic events. Fees include the program and services fee, facility fee, technology fee, transportation fee, etc. Information regarding the UT admissions fees and/or process, please contact the UT Admissions Office at 865-974-2184.

Exceptions and Important Notes

  • This section shall not apply to medical, dental, or pharmacy schools.
  • A student who is receiving services under federal or state vocational rehabilitation program is not eligible for a waiver of tuition and fee benefits under this section.
  • Students receiving services under federal or state vocational rehabilitation programs are not eligible for tuition reduction

Permanent Total Disability Tuition Reduction Application Process

In order to process a request for tuition reduction, students must follow the process below:

  1. Complete Tuition Reduction Application.
  2. Verification of receipt of Social Security Disability benefits via one of the following:
    1. Letter from Social Security Office
    2. Copy of a current bank statement showing deposited funds from Social Security
    3. Physician’s certificate of permanent total disability. (Contact SDS for the form.)
    4. Official court documents certifying permanent total disability.

To ensure your Permanent Total Disability Tuition Reduction Application is processed before the fee payment deadline in subsequent semesters:

  1. Inform SDS each semester of your intent to attend classes.
  2. Provide SDS with current documentation before the beginning of each fall semester to verify receipt of Social Security Disability benefits.
  3. Submit request no later than 10 days after the start of a new semester (with an explanation for late submission)

Contact

For more information or questions, contact:

Elissa Edwards
Email: eedwar21@utk.edu
Phone: 865-974-6087
Sign Language Users: 865-622-6566