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Report

Federal Education Funding in Tennessee

April 17, 2025

Proposed changes to federal and state education systems — including funding — are on the horizon, resulting from a spring 2025 federal executive order that will put states at the center of education conversations. The executive order and actions that follow are expected to result in new structures, shifted responsibilities, and different funding paths coupled with a reduced role of the federal education department.

A foundational understanding of current federal education funding streams is outlined in this memo, Federal Education Funding in Tennessee. These revenue line items will be at the center of future conversations on funding changes aimed at continuing support that prioritizes student success. 

Key Takeaways:

Through this memo, readers will gain an understanding of:

  • Federal revenue funds that support public K-12 education in Tennessee in the 2023-24 school year
  • Federal revenue funds that support public higher education in Tennessee for the 2022-23 school year
  • Related federal revenue funds that complement both K-12 and higher education streams in Tennessee

This memo is the first resource in SCORE's Informing the Conversation series, which will offer data, research, models, and ideas to inform discussions. This series is designed to empower Tennessee stakeholders to keep an eye toward the urgent need to continue improving student outcomes in our state.