Tennessee College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Tennessee courts have no statutory authority to order divorced parents to pay for college expenses. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-5-101, child support terminates when the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Tennessee is among the majority of states (approximately 34) that do not permit court-ordered post-majority educational support. However, parents can voluntarily agree to college contribution terms in their divorce settlement.

Since Tennessee courts cannot order college contribution, factors only apply to voluntary agreements negotiated between parents. Common considerations in Tennessee divorce settlements include each parent's income and ability to pay, the child's academic performance and chosen institution, whether to cap costs at in-state public university rates (approximately $13,000-$15,000 annually), and the availability of scholarships, grants, or the Tennessee Promise program providing two years of free community college.

There is no statutory cap because Tennessee law does not authorize court-ordered college support. For voluntary agreements, parents commonly negotiate caps based on Tennessee public university costs, typically $13,000-$15,000 per year for tuition, fees, room, and board at institutions like the University of Tennessee. Private school costs, out-of-state tuition, and graduate education are usually excluded unless specifically addressed in the settlement agreement.

Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the parent who provides more financial support must complete the application—not necessarily the custodial parent as in previous years. Child support received must be reported as an asset, while child support paid credits toward determining which parent provides greater support. If the contributing parent has remarried, the stepparent's income and assets must also be reported regardless of prenuptial agreements.

Tennessee 529 plans permit only single ownership, meaning one parent controls the account regardless of who contributed funds. The account owner can legally change beneficiaries or take non-qualified withdrawals unless the divorce decree specifically prohibits these actions. Divorce agreements should address account ownership, contribution requirements, restrictions on withdrawals or beneficiary changes, and naming the other parent as successor owner.

Yes, while Tennessee courts cannot order college contribution, parents can voluntarily include college expense provisions in their divorce settlement or Permanent Parenting Plan. Once incorporated into a court-approved agreement, these terms become legally enforceable contracts. Tennessee courts will enforce the specific terms the parties agreed upon, including contribution percentages, payment timing, school type restrictions, and academic performance requirements.

No, Tennessee has no statutory requirement for any college contribution, whether for public or private institutions. Voluntary divorce agreements commonly limit contribution to in-state public university costs, with parents responsible for any excess if the child attends a private or out-of-state school. Some agreements may explicitly address private school scenarios, but without such provisions, neither parent can be compelled to pay private school costs.

Since Tennessee has no statutory college support, there is no legally mandated end age—child support terminates at 18 or high school graduation under T.C.A. § 36-5-101. For voluntary agreements, parents typically set age limits between 22 and 24, often with conditions like continuous full-time enrollment and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. The Tennessee Promise program covers students for three years following high school graduation.