Motlow State in Sparta welcomes students for 2026-2027 school year

The halls of Motlow State Community College’s Sparta location will soon be busy again as students; faculty and staff prepare to begin a new academic year. With the 2026-2027 school year starting on August 24, Motlow is welcoming students from across White County and the surrounding region for another year of education, career preparation and community involvement.

Among those preparing to return to the classroom are 205 White County residents who are registered for classes at Motlow. Their studies represent a wide range of interests and career goals, including Cultural Geography, American Sign Language, Statistics, Psychology, Education, Theatre, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Speech, History, Sociology, Spanish, English and Biology.

The variety of subjects reflects Motlow’s role as a local gateway to higher education. Students can begin their college education close to home, complete general education requirements, prepare for a career or work toward a degree that can transfer to a four-year university.

Motlow offers students numerous paths toward their educational and career goals. The college offers 27 Associate Degrees, six teaching degrees and four Associate of Applied Science degrees, along with certificates in Paramedic, EMT, Customer Service, Supply Chain Management and Operations Management. Motlow offers classes in traditional in-person, zoom and online formats, giving students additional flexibility as they balance school with work and family responsibilities.

Motlow’s Sparta location, at 603 Roosevelt Drive, has become an important part of White County’s educational landscape. The Sparta site opened in 2007 through a partnership involving the City of Sparta, White County, the White County Board of Education and Motlow State. Today, the location provides local students with access to college courses and programs without requiring a daily commute to another community.

Motlow State Student Government Association Senators Carlita Trevino (Health Science, Nursing major) and Clayton Hattaway (Hospitality, Culinary Arts major) are among the students excited to see the 2026-2027 year get underway. Through the Student Government Association, students have an opportunity to become involved in campus life, represent their fellow students and help strengthen the connection between students, faculty and the community. For students beginning college, organizations such as SGA can provide an opportunity to develop leadership skills while building friendships and becoming more connected to campus.

Affordability remains one of Motlow's major benefits for local families. For the 2026-2027 academic year, in-state tuition is listed at $197 per credit hour for up to 12 hours, before mandatory fees. A 12-credit-hour schedule is listed at $2,532 in tuition and mandatory fees.

Eligible students may also benefit from Tennessee Promise, HOPE and Lottery Scholarships and Tennessee Reconnect, programs that can provide tuition-free opportunities after other financial aid is applied. Tennessee Promise is designed for eligible Tennessee high school graduates, while Tennessee Reconnect provides an opportunity for qualifying adults without a college degree to attend tuition-free. Motlow's financial-aid resources include federal aid, state programs and scholarships. The college's 2026 registration information notes that most students qualify for some form of federal or state financial aid.

Motlow's commitment to students extends beyond the classroom. Students have access to free tutoring, including peer tutoring, the Math Lab, Writing Center assistance, science study-skills workshops and NetTutor. The college also provides counseling, disability and access services, testing services and assistance for students experiencing food insecurity.

For White County, the 205 residents registered for the upcoming school year represent more than a number. They are future teachers, healthcare professionals, business owners, social workers, public servants, scientists, educators and community leaders. For many of those students, the journey begins right here in White County.