What Colleges Are Part of the Tennessee Board of Regents System?

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system includes three main groups of institutions: 13 community colleges, 22 colleges of applied technology (TCATs), and TN eCampus, which delivers online and hybrid programs through partner institutions. If you are deciding where to apply, the key distinction is what you want to study and how you want to attend: community colleges for two-year academic programs and transfer pathways, TCATs for hands-on technical training, and TN eCampus for fully online or hybrid options.

The three types of institutions in the TBR system

Community colleges

The TBR system includes 13 community colleges, which the site describes as comprising all two-year public institutions in Tennessee. Each community college has a specific service area, so where you live can affect which one serves you.

These colleges are generally the right starting point if you want:

• An associate degree or the first two years of a bachelor's degree before transferring
• A two-year academic program in a specific service area
• A lower-cost path into a four-year institution

Colleges of applied technology (TCATs)

The system includes 22 colleges of applied technology. TBR describes them as the state's premier providers of technical training, helping workers gain the technical skills and professional training needed for advancement in today's job market.

Choose a TCAT if your goal is:

• Hands-on, career-focused technical training
• Entering or advancing in a skilled trade or technical field
• A shorter, workforce-oriented program rather than an academic transfer path

TN eCampus

TN eCampus is the system's online arm. Working with partner institutions, it offers over 400 courses and more than 500 certificate and degree options through fully online and hybrid online/classroom combinations.

TN eCampus fits you if you need:

• Fully online study
• A hybrid mix of online and classroom learning
• A wider catalog of courses and credentials than a single campus may offer

Quick comparison

How to decide which one to apply to

1. Define your goal. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school, look at community colleges. If you want job-ready technical skills, look at a TCAT. If you need flexibility, look at TN eCampus.
2. Check your service area. Community colleges each have a specific service area, so confirm which campus serves your location before applying.
3. Compare program availability. TN eCampus alone lists over 400 courses and 500-plus certificate and degree options, so it may cover a program your local campus does not.
4. Review funding options. TBR's site references TN Promise, TN Reconnect, Hope, Wilder-Naifeh Grants, and PELL, Military, and FEDERAL aid. TN Promise is described as a "last dollar" scholarship and mentoring program covering tuition and mandatory fees, and TN Reconnect is a "last dollar" scholarship aimed at adults returning to college. Check current eligibility and terms directly, since these programs have specific conditions.

Common sticking points

• Assuming all TBR schools are the same. Community colleges and TCATs serve different purposes, so the right choice depends on whether you want an academic or technical path.
• Ignoring the service area rule. A community college may not be open to you simply because it is nearby; service areas matter.
• Overlooking TN eCampus. If your local campus lacks your program, the online option may still have it.

For the current list of colleges and the latest program details, use the TBR website's "All Colleges," "Community Colleges," and "Technical Colleges" sections.