Admissions

Nashville State Community College provides opportunities for collegiate education to all qualified applicants without regard to their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Information concerning admission to the college may be obtained from:

Welcome Center and Career Services
Nashville State Community College
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone 615-353-3215
Email: Recruiting@nscc.edu
Web: www.nscc.edu

The Welcome Center and Career Services at the White Bridge Road campus is a one-stop shop for students. Staff can assist students with the application and admissions process, as well as campus tours, questions about Nashville States’s programs, how to select a major, New Student Orientation, and career development. 

Campus Visitation

Campus visits may be scheduled by calling the Welcome Center and Career Services Office at 615-353-3057 or by visiting the website at www.nscc.edu/admissions/schedule-a-tour.

Admissions Requirements

NSCC provides two major types of admission: Degree Admissions and Non-Degree Admission, with several subcategories. Each admissions category is designed for a particular purpose and for different populations. Applicants should review the various types and subcategories and select the admissions category that best suits their educational needs and qualifications.

In all cases, qualified students must:

1. Meet entry-level standards for the courses in which they enroll,
2. Be able to complete assignments, and
3. Be able to read and write at the required level.

Future students are urged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for application processing and the timely distribution of registration information.

Nashville State’s classes are considered to be web-enhanced. Faculty have an expectation that students will use a computer and the internet to complete assignments, engage in online discussions, and access various course materials through Desire2Learn (D2L) course shells. Computers are available for student use at each campus during campus open hours.

All admissions documents submitted by the applicant become the property of the college and cannot be forwarded or returned. All correspondence concerning your admissions file should be sent to the address above.

When all admissions requirements have been met, the degree-seeking applicants will receive letters indicating they have been accepted for admission or indicating further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission. Applicants will be advised when to appear for orientation, testing, and/or registration.

The Vice President of Student Affairs may, upon appeal, waive or modify conditions of admissions for individual applicants.

The following admissions requirements are divided into admissions classifications. Each classification begins with a description. Read each description carefully to determine your admissions requirements.

Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) and University Parallel Program

For applicants wishing to enroll in a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) or University Parallel Program leading to an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, or an Associate of Science in Teaching degree, and eventually, a Bachelor’s degree, the Tennessee Board of Regents requires the completion of specific high school courses.

Applicants who graduated from high school or home school during or after 1989 must meet the following course requirements in addition to those listed in the applicant’s selected program of study. Applicants who received a GED certificate during 1989 and thereafter as well as students who have an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in a foreign language and visual or performing arts. Listed below are the required courses and the required number of courses.

*Required by T.C.A. §49-7-110. Students deficient in the completion of United States History are required to complete six semester hours of United States History or three semester hours of United States History and three semester hours of Tennessee History.

Questions regarding this policy should be forwarded to the Admissions Office at 615-353-3215.

Removal of High School Unit Deficiencies

NSCC encourages students to remove unit deficiencies within the first 30 semester hours of their programs of study to avoid prerequisite problems. Courses used to remove high school unit deficiencies can be used to fulfill program requirements, and a grade of “C” or better must be earned in those courses.

High school deficiencies in English or Algebra I or Algebra II may be removed by scoring 19 or higher on the ACT sub-score or scoring at college level on placement tests other than the ACT. Completion of general education blocks also removes deficiencies in social studies, history, visual performing arts, science, geometry/advanced mathematics. Students entering Tennessee public institutions will be required to make up any deficiency, including foreign language, before receiving a baccalaureate degree. It is strongly recommended that students remove all deficiencies as part of their associate degree program. Courses used to satisfy the foreign language deficiency may be designated as electives or used to satisfy the Associate of Arts language requirement.

Degree Seeking

First-Time Student

A “First-Time Student” at NSCC is an applicant who has never attended any college before. 

Applicants seeking a degree must meet the following requirements:

1. Application:  Submit a completed Application for Admission. All information must be completed on the application. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application delays processing your application.
2. High School Credentials:  All applicants must graduate from a state-approved high school, home school, or receive a high school equivalency diploma (such as the GED or HiSET) and submit to the Welcome Center and Career Services an “official” high school transcript or an “official” copy of high school equivalency scores. An “official” transcript is one that is mailed directly to the Welcome Center and Career Services by the high school guidance counselor or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the guidance counselor. An official high school equivalency transcript is one mailed directly to the Welcome Center and Career Services by the testing agency or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the testing agency.  Electronic transcripts will also be accepted, as long as they are submitted through a secure electronic transcript provider. 

Admission will be granted to freshmen applicants who hold a recognized diploma that includes a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required in the core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma. Applicants who graduated prior to the adoption of the Tennessee Diploma Project curriculum by TBR are exempt from diploma requirements, with the exception of those in T.C.A. § 49-7-110.

The transcript of a non-public high school (including home-schools, private schools, and church-related schools) student should be an official copy from an accredited organization as defined by state law (T.C.A.§  49-50-801 and T.C.A. § 49-6-3050). Transcripts from independent home-schooled students must be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would have otherwise attended.

Applicants must graduate with a regular diploma or higher. Those applicants unable to provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable high school equivalency scores. The passing score for the GED is 450 with no sub-score lower than 410. The minimum acceptable score for the HiSET is 45 with no subcore lower than 8.

Tennessee public high school graduates’ transcripts must include a notation indicating the student passed any required state proficiency exams, beginning with the class of 1983.

3. Immunization:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox/Varicella, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online.  Official copies of the State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
4. Selective Service:  Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must show proof of Selective Service registration. Applicants must meet this requirement prior to registration. Selective Service registration forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services.
5. Citizenship:  Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.
6. Testing Requirements:  Nashville State will not use standardized scores for admission purposes, but may use them for advisement and placement purposes, in accordance with TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2:03:00:02.

1. Applicants may submit ACT or SAT scores that are no more than five years old to determine placement level.
2. Request your report (http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/sending-your-scores.html) from American College Testing, Inc.  NSCC’s ACT code is 3983
3. Testing for English as a Second Language will be required if the applicant does not have college-level placement scores and the native language is not English.
4. Applicants have the option to undergo placement testing through NSCC to determine college-level readiness.
5. Applicants that do not submit standardized scores or take the college placement exam will automatically be enrolled in Learning Support co-requisite courses.  Enrollment in those courses is mandatory due to the absence of test scores.

Transfer Student

A degree-seeking applicant who has attended another college or university will be considered a transfer student. For “Transfer” applicants the following will apply:

1. Application:  Submit a completed Application for Admissions. All appropriate spaces must be completed on the application. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application will result in a delay in processing your application.
2. Transfer Credentials:  Submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Welcome Center and Career Services from the sending institution. Electronic transcripts will also be accepted, as long as they are submitted through a secure electronic transcript provider. . For the convenience of the applicant, the college will accept “official” transcripts hand-carried by the applicant, when they are in an envelope sealed by the Records Office of the previous college attended. If the seal has been tampered with in any way, the “official” designation of the transcript will be voided and the applicant will be required to submit another “official” transcript. An initial evaluation of the transcript will be completed.  Credentials must include a complete record of credits earned and a college record of grades.  Transcripts with “in progress” grades will be deemed unofficial.

College prep course work taken at other TBR institutions will be posted to the applicant’s NSCC record and be considered in the number of attempted hours but are not counted as hours earned toward the program of study.

3. High School Credentials:  Students are required to submit an “official” high school transcript, “official” GED score report, or state-approved high school equivalency exam results.  See “First-time Student” Item 2 for more details.
4. Immunizations:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
5. Testing Requirements:  Applicants will have transcripts evaluated for proof of competency in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.  Applicants lacking acceptable college-level work in those areas may do one of the following:

   1. Submit ACT or SAT scores that are no more than five years old.

   2. Take the college placement exam to determine college-level readiness.

   3. Automatically be enrolled in Learning Support coursework. Enrollment in Learning Support would be mandatory due to the absence of test scores or successful completion of college level coursework.

   4. English as a Second language testing will be required of applicants that do not have satisfactory English Composition I credit and English is not the native language.

6. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.
7. Selective Service: Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must show proof of Selective Service registration. Applicants must meet this requirement prior to registration. Selective Service registration forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services.
8. Transfer applicants who do not meet the Admissions standards of NSCC or whose last term of enrollment resulted in academic suspension will be admitted on academic probation and may be required to undergo placement assessment. Enrollment in those courses indicated by the results of the assessment is mandatory.
9. Transfer applicants whose last term of attendance at NSCC resulted in academic suspension and who are currently serving a suspension at another institution must meet with the Associate Vice President of Student Services and Student Life to begin the academic review process (See Academic Action Appeals). If admission is recommended by the Academic Review Committee, the applicant may be required to undergo placement assessment as noted in item 6 or 7 above.

If the student has earned an associate degree or higher from a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Community Colleges shall not require an applicant to provide the institution with a copy of the applicant’s  high school transcript, or HiSET/GED certificate showing proof of a passing score, as a part of the institution’s admission process.

Readmitted Student

Any former NSCC student who has not been enrolled for over one year and who wishes to return to the college is considered a readmit student. Students seeking a readmission status must:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. College and High School Credentials:  Submit an official transcript from each college or university attended since leaving NSCC. If it has been more than five (5) years since attending NSCC, all transcripts must be resubmitted. (High School, GED, College, etc.)
3. Be eligible for readmission under the college’s admissions policy.
4. Testing Requirements:  Students may take the placement assessment if they do not meet one of the following conditions:
   1. Meet ACT requirement as outlined above under Degree Seeking Students.
   2. Have previously earned college credit for first-term math or English.
   3. If students do not meet the above criteria and do not wish to take the placement assessment, then students will be required to enroll in Learning Support co-requisite courses.  The test for English as a Second Language may be reassessed if an applicant’s native language is not English.
5. Immunizations:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
6. Citizenship:  Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.

International Student

An applicant who is a citizen or a Permanent Resident of a country other than the United States is classified as an International Student.

It is the responsibility of the International Student to be familiar with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations and assume responsibility for complying with these regulations.

Important Information for International Students

All International Students, regardless of status, are required by USCIS to complete the “Special Registration Alien’s Change of Address Card” within 10 days of such change. This form must be completed upon entering the United States and within 10 days of any change of address during the time of stay.

International Students may obtain the “Special Registration Alien’s Change of Address Card” from the Information Desk in the Student Services Center. Forms should be mailed to the Department of Justice address located on the form.

F-1 Student Status

NSCC is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students on F-1 student status in its Associate’s degree programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Applicants are subject to meeting admissions deadlines, which can be found in the International Student Letter (PDF). Applicants should have the following credentials on file in the Welcome Center and Career Services one month prior to the start of the semester in which they wish to enroll:

1. Application:  A completed application for admission.
2. High School and Transfer Credentials:  Official copies of academic records of attendance from secondary schools, colleges, or universities accompanied by a certified English translation of these documents.
3. Immunization and Health History: 
   1. Show proof of two doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination and two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination.
   2. A certificate from a licensed physician or other medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. This certificate must be submitted to the Welcome Center and Career Services within 30 days from the first day of classes to continue enrollment. If the student either has or potentially has tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment depends upon the decision of a licensed physician that the student’s enrollment is not a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment.

4. Testing requirements:  Official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students who are seeking an Associate’s degree. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based version, a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based version, or a 61 on the Internet-based version is required for admission. Course work completed at another United States college or university or graduation from a United States high school may be used in lieu of TOEFL. Additional institutional placement assessment such as the Michigan Plus Language Proficiency Test and/or the math portion of the placement test is required of all international students (See Degree-Seeking Non-Immigrant Status other than F-1 section that follows). Any academic skills deficiencies must be removed through enrollment in college prep courses. Our TOEFL code number is 1149. International students who are non-degree seeking ESL students are not required to submit TOEFL scores, unless, after completing ESL requirements, they decide to be degree-seeking and/or take college-level courses. Non-degree ESL students will take the English language placement test for placement in ESL courses.
5. Financial Requirements:  Satisfactory evidence of the financial capability to meet the expense involved while studying at NSCC. Applicants for F-1 status must also complete the appropriate form, provided by the college, showing financial capability. Completion of this form includes the student’s intent to attend the college on a full-time basis (12 or more credit hours per semester) and states that no employment will be required to meet expenses. International students will pay out-of-state fees and are not eligible for Title IV funding.
6. Insurance Requirements:  All foreign non-immigrant students with F-1 visas must enroll in the TBR Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Plan as a condition of admission and continued enrollment.

Degree-Seeking Non-Immigrant Status other than F-1

Students whose first language is NOT English are protected under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act and are guaranteed language assistance once a language deficiency is documented. These students must:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. Immigration Status:  Provide all documentation proving U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service status. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documentation.

Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.

3. Meet all regular admission requirements as a degree-seeking student except as described below:
   1. Take the test for English as a Second Language and accept placement in the appropriate coursework. Call the ESL testing specialist for details at 615-353-3380.
   2. Students may also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 500 is required on the paper version, or a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based version, or a 61 on the Internet-based version.
   3. Take the math portion of the placement test or be automatically enrolled in Learning Support co-requisite math.
   4. Submit official copies of academic records of attendance from secondary schools, and all colleges, or universities. Documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation of these documents. To receive college credit, college transcripts must also be accompanied by an official evaluation. See the Welcome Center and Career Services for acceptable translation and evaluation services.
4. Immunizations: Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.

Permanent Residents, Asylees, and Refugees

Applicants in this category must meet all applicable requirements for regular admissions to the college. Other requirements are as follows:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. Citizenship/Lawful Presence:  Submit Permanent Resident or I-94 card. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documentation.

Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.

3. Testing Requirements:  A permanent resident whose native language is NOT English must take the test for English as a Second Language and accept placement in the appropriate course work in lieu of regular placement assessment. Call the ESL testing specialist for details at 615-353-3380.

Applicants lacking college-level work in math will not be required to undergo assessment but will be required to enroll in Learning Support co-requisite courses if the placement test is not taken

4. High School and Transfer Credentials:   Submit official copies of academic records of attendance from secondary schools, and all colleges, or universities. Documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation of these documents. To receive college credit, college transcripts must also be accompanied by an official evaluation. See the Welcome Center and Career Services for acceptable translation and evaluation services.
5. Immunizations:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.

Non-Degree Seeking

Technical Certificates

Students enrolled in technical certificate programs are considered non-degree students. Many of these programs are eligible for Title IV assistance. Please contact the Welcome Center and Career Services for details.

For admissions into a technical certificate program, applicants must:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. High School Credentials:  Submit an official copy of high school transcript showing graduation with a regular or honors diploma or an “official” GED score report or state-approved high school equivalency exam results.  Requirements for acceptable high school transcripts/state-approved high school equivalency are detailed in high school credentials for degree-seeking students.
3. Immunizations:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
4. Citizenship:  Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.
5. Testing Requirements:  Placement assessment will be required if the certificate has college-level course work or learning support prerequisites.  Applicants may complete one of the following:
   1. Submit ACT or SAT scores that are no more than five years old.
   2. Take the college placement exam to determine college-level readiness.
   3. Submit an official copy of a college transcript(s) showing successful completion of college-level English and Math.
   4. Automatically be enrolled in Learning Support coursework. Enrollment in Learning Support would be mandatory due to the absence of test scores or successful completion of college-level coursework. 
   5. English as a Second language testing will be required of applicants that do not have satisfactory English Composition I credit and English is not the native language.

Special Student

A special student is one who is not enrolled in a degree program. Students in this classification desire to take one or more courses in order to gain employment skills, professional growth, or personal enrichment. In order to apply, special students should:

1. Application:  Submit a completed application for admission.
2. High School Credentials:  Student must be high school graduates, have the GED or other state-approved high school equivalency exam.  Documents showing graduation or state-approved high school equivalency must be submitted to the Welcome Center and Career Services. One exception to this requirement is students 18 years of age or older who have not earned a high school diploma, are not enrolled in high school, and are seeking admissions only to pursue study in GED preparatory courses.
3. Immunizations: Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
4. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.

There is no limit on the number of hours a special student can pursue. Although special students are not required to complete normal assessment procedures, they should realize that the content of college-level courses assumes mastery of fundamental knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required for the course. Special students may not enroll in a college-level English or mathematics course, or in a course that has an English or mathematics prerequisite until they have provided evidence of adequate preparation for these courses. This evidence may consist of college transcripts, placement test scores/ACT or SAT examination scores, as well as English as a Second Language test score results. If placement scores cannot be provided, students will be required to enroll in Learning Support co-requisite courses.

If a special student decides to pursue an Associate’s degree, the student must meet all admissions requirements as described for the degree-seeking student.

Transient Student

A regularly enrolled student of another institution who wants to take a limited number of credit hours during a term and who is not presently working towards a degree at NSCC may be admitted as a transient student. Those wishing to enroll as transient students must:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. College Credentials:  Submit official college transcript(s) or take the placement assessment if the student wishes to enroll in college-level English or math. Students may provide a Transient Student Approval Request form in lieu of official college/university transcripts. The form may be obtained online or from the Welcome Center.
3. Immunizations:  Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations are only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
4. Citizenship:  Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to very that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.

Audit Student

Students wishing to enroll on a non-credit basis may choose to audit courses at NSCC. To enroll as an audit student:

1. Application:  Submit an application for admission.
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.  Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.
3. Immunizations: Submit the health history form for Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccinations.  Proof of vaccinations is only required if an outbreak were to occur.  Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the health history form.
4. Enroll in classes on a space-available basis on the first day of late registration. No late registration fee is assessed, and enrollment in certain classes may be limited or denied based upon space availability.
5. You may NOT change status from credit to audit or audit to credit once officially enrolled.
6. The student is expected to attend class but does not receive a letter grade or credit for the course. “AU” will appear on the student’s record for completion of an audit course. Audit hours are counted in determining a student’s maximum course load.
7. The student may NOT audit college-prep courses.
8. A state employee may NOT use a fee waiver to audit courses.

Dual Enrollment Program

Dual Enrollment is the enrollment of a high school student in one or more specified college courses for which the student will be awarded both high school and college credit. High school students can take college courses at their high school (where available), on any NSCC campus, or online.

Dual enrollment students should be aware that college courses are designed for the traditional college-age student and adults. The course may expose the student to content, language, discussions, and approaches appropriate for adults.

To enroll in the Dual Enrollment program applicants must:

1. The student must be enrolled in a Tennessee public school as defined in T.C.A.§ 49-6-3001, a nonpublic school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-50-801, a home school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-6-3050, or a private school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-6-3001. 
2. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
3. Meet all prerequisites of the course or courses in which they wish to enroll.
4. Have written permission from their high school principal or counselor and parent or guardian.
5. Students who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Welcome Center for acceptable documents.
6. Students with an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher will be able to have prerequisites waived for courses that require them to be at the college level in the subject areas of reading, writing, and math.
7. Students with an unweighted cumulative HS GPA of 2.8-3.59, and also a B or higher in the subject area of the college-level course they are wanting to take, they can also have prerequisites waived, provided they have approval from their high school principal (or their designee, such as a high school counselor).

For more information on Dual Enrollment, contact the High School Initiatives and Dual Enrollment office at 615-353-3042 or 615-353-3269 or highschoolprograms@nscc.edu.

Joint Enrollment Program

Joint Enrollment is the enrollment of a high school student in one or more specified college courses for which the student will be awarded college credit. Students can take classes on any NSCC campus or online.

Joint enrollment students should be aware that college courses are designed for the traditional college-age student and adults. The course may expose the student to content, language, discussions, and approaches appropriate for adults.

To enroll in the Joint Enrollment Program applicants must:

1. The student must be enrolled in a Tennessee public school as defined in T.C.A.§ 49-6-3001, a nonpublic school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-50-801, a home school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-6-3050, or a private school as defined in T.C.A. § 49-6-3001. 
2. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
3. Meet all prerequisites of the course in which they wish to enroll.
4. Have written permission of parent or guardian.
5. Students who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Admissions Office for acceptable documents.
6. Students with an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher will be able to have prerequisites waived for courses that require them to be at the college level in the subject areas of reading, writing, and math.
7. Students with an unweighted cumulative HS GPA of 2.8-3.59, and also a B or higher in the subject area of the college-level course they are wanting to take, they can also have prerequisites waived, provided they have approval from their high school principal (or their designee, such as a high school counselor).

For more information on Joint Enrollment, contact the High School Initiatives and Dual Enrollment office at 615-353-3042 or 615-353-3269 or highschoolprograms@nscc.edu.

Academically Talented

A student in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 who has been classified as “academically gifted” may earn college credit while in high school. Students can take classes on any NSCC campus or online.

Academically talented students should be aware that college courses are designed for the traditional college-age student and adults. The course may expose the student to content, language, discussions, and approaches appropriate for adults.

To enroll as an “academically gifted” student applicants must:

1. Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades.
2. Have a minimum overall G.P.A. of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
4. Meet all prerequisites of the course in which they wish to enroll.
5. Have written approval of high school principal or counselor and parent or guardian.
6. Students who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. See the Admissions Office for acceptable documents.

For more information on Academically Talented, contact the High School Initiatives and Dual Enrollment office at 615-353-3042 or 615-353-3269 or highschoolprograms@nscc.edu.

Residency Classification

Upon admission to the college, the Welcome Center and Career Services classify each student as a resident or non-resident. Ordinarily, it is presumed that a person entering Tennessee from another state or country to attend college does so intending to remain only for the period of attaining his or her educational degree.

All decisions regarding residency classification are made for the purpose of paying fees and tuition and are based on the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:05:01:00. Copies of these policies are available in the Welcome Center and Career Services. The College may require proof of relevant facts regarding residency. The responsibility for residency classifications rests with the Assistant Director of Welcome Center and Career Services, and all documentation should be submitted with an In-State Residency Application to the Welcome Center and Career Services. Students who disagree with the final decision may submit an appeal in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. For more information or to receive a Residency Application, go online to www.nscc.edu/admissions/apply, stop by the Welcome Center and Career Services in Room S-215 in the Student Services Center, or call 615-353-3215.

Selective Service Requirements

1. Pursuant to federal law, every male who is between the ages of 18 and 26, and is a citizen of the United States or a resident of the United States must register with the Selective Service.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, the requirements to register shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a non-immigrant, under Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, for so long as he continues to maintain lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States.
3. Men who have previously served in the military must also meet this requirement.
4. If a student meeting the above age requirements has not registered for the Selective Service, that student must show proof of said registration by completing the Selective Service Registration Form. Forms may be obtained from the Welcome Center and Career Services or online at www.sss.gov.

Vaccination Policy

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private postsecondary institution in the state provide information concerning measles, mumps, rubella, varicella/chickenpox and hepatitis B infections to all students matriculating for the first time.  Tennessee law requires that such students complete and sign a health history (waiver) form provided by the institution that includes detailed information about these diseases.  The required information includes the risk factors and dangers of these diseases as well as information on the availability and effectiveness of vaccines for persons who are at-risk for these diseases.  The information concerning each disease is from the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association.  The law does not require that students receive vaccinations for enrollment. Furthermore, the institution is not required by law to provide vaccination and/or reimbursement for the vaccine. Vaccination records may be required for students if there were an outbreak of any of the mentioned diseases. 

Tennessee law requires that students enrolling in any of the following academic program areas are required to submit proof of compliance with the recommended immunization schedule:

1.  Programs that involve interaction with children, such as teacher education or early childhood education training.
2.  Programs in the school of nursing, laboratory technology, or any other allied health professions. For all other academic areas of study, students who provide proof of one of the following are considered to be compliant with the recommended immunization schedule.
3. Prior or current military services.
4. Graduation from a Tennessee high school after 2014. Students enrolling in all other academic program areas who fail to provide health information that establishes the applicant’s compliance with the recommended immunization schedule for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella for adults, issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shall be presumed to be unimmunized and subject to immunization, quarantine or isolation recommendations for the purpose of public health disease control.

A student may be exempt from immunization requirements if vaccination conflicts with the religious tenets and practices of the student or if a licensed physician determines that the risk of harm from the vaccine outweighs the potential benefit.