Roane State Community College

July 6, 2026

Loudon County students can now pursue an associate degree at the same time as their high school diploma thanks to a popular Roane State program expanding to the area this fall.

Roane State’s Middle College is launching its first-ever cohort in Loudon County. A dozen students – all from Lenoir City High School – have signed up so far, with some additional space remaining. The students will take four college-level courses at Roane State’s Loudon County Center this fall along with a chemistry lab taught at the high school. Additional courses are being planned for the spring.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to make this announcement,” Middle College Director Jonathan Schoolcraft said. “Lenoir City students, parents, and high school administrators have been equally enthusiastic about the new partnership. While we have offered dual enrollment here for years, establishing the full Middle College program locally means students no longer need to travel to Oak Ridge or Harriman, taking full advantage of the Roane State campus just minutes from their school.”

The Middle College program was established at Roane State more than a decade ago and has added multiple cohorts throughout the college’s service area during that time.

The program allows students to enroll in college courses that satisfy requirements for a high school diploma as well as an associate degree. Many participants even graduate college before walking the stage at their high school graduation. Nearly 1,000 students have enrolled since 2014 to explore educational opportunities, enter the workforce more quickly, or get a jump start on a four-year degree.

Middle College degrees awarded include a general transfer associate of science and two associate of applied science degrees – one with a career pathway in Mechatronics and another in Nuclear Technology. Additionally, Roane State data shows that almost 80% of Middle College graduates have earned or are actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The national average sits at just 16%.

“Middle College continues to be one of the most popular and successful endeavors in the history of Roane State,” said Dr. Diane Ward, the college’s vice president for student learning. “Seeing how the program benefits students has inspired us to think big for the future of Middle College. In addition to expanding locally this coming academic year, it will become the first dual enrollment program of its kind in the state, and possibly the nation, to go international with a cohort of students based in Italy.”

To be eligible for Middle College, students must be high school juniors who are college ready based on Pre-ACT or ACT scores. The State of Tennessee offers a $2,000 grant to help cover the cost of tuition.

There is still time to join the Fall 2026 Middle College cohort, but the deadline is fast approaching. Students must apply and submit all required information no later than August 14. Orientation for the new cohort will be held at the Loudon County Center on July 21. Fall classes are set to begin August 19.

Roane State’s Loudon County Center is located at 100 West Broadway, Suite 131, in downtown Lenoir City. The campus shares a building with the city’s public library and the county’s Veterans Affairs office.

Middle College is a Roane State Dual Studies program. Students interested in taking just a few courses can explore all dual enrollment options at roanestate.edu/dualstudies. Homeschool students may also be eligible. Information specific to Middle College is available at roanestate.edu/middlecollege.