For students who want to go to college out-of-state, Tennessee Tech is looking for you.

For parents who don’t want their students to go too far away, Tennessee Tech is looking for you.

For those who are looking for a college education without breaking the bank, Tennessee Tech is looking for you.

Starting next fall, Tennessee Tech is offering in-state tuition rates to students from North Alabama, a savings of more than $2,000 per semester.

University officials said the program is part of a broader effort to build on the university’s growing enrollment, which reached its highest level in more than a decade this semester. The decision was approved by Tech’s Board of Trustees at its meeting last week.

“The Huntsville area – with its vibrant defense, information technology and advanced manufacturing industries – is a natural fit for Tennessee Tech’s STEM-infused academics and commitment to hands-on learning,” said Director of Admissions Jacob Cutshall. “We have a strong alumni base in the area, and many of them now have students of their own who are looking at their college options and wanting to follow in their parents’ footsteps.

“Plus, at less than a three-hour drive away, we’re the perfect distance for students wanting to explore somewhere new while staying just close enough to their hometown.”

The in-state tuition rates will apply to students in Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

With more than 200 Tech alumni who have worked for NASA, university officials cited the Marshall Space Flight Center as a reason to expand Tech’s footprint into the region. Among the alums are former astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.

The decision comes amid a flurry of new developments for Tech. The university recently completed a nearly $60 million renovation of its football stadium this fall, and its NCAA Division I teams have joined the prestigious Southern Conference.

The university was recently named to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best National Universities” list for the 12th straight year and named the No. 1 public university in Tennessee by Money.com.

Tech has also launched in-demand academic programs, including nuclear engineering in 2024 and artificial intelligence this year.

Next fall, Tech will debut a bachelor of architecture degree. Altogether, the university offers more than 265 programs of study.

Tech also offers guaranteed scholarships ranging in value from $3,000 to $10,000 per year to students who meet minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements through its Presidential Scholars program.