Undergraduate Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Registration Fees for 2016-2017 Fiscal Year

Note: Tuition & course fees listed are for academic year 2015-2016. THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS WILL ANNOUNCE ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-2017 RATES IN JULY. You may want to plan for an increase of 3% to 9%.

All fees are subject to change per Tennessee Board of Regents policy.

Expenses for attending APSU include: in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition (non-residents), program service fees, and other special fees. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid and students have confirmed their schedules online or in person and received a confirmation number. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, checks, cash, and money orders drawn on U. S. banks and payable in U. S. dollars.  These payments can be made in person at the cashiers’ windows in the Office of the Bursar, Browning 148. Electronic checks and credit cards are accepted on the Web through AP OneStop.

The University reserves and intends to exercise the right to withhold copies of transcripts and other student education records and/or to withdraw students who have unpaid or past due balances.

Students are required to pay in-state tuition and, when applicable, out-of-state tuition, for enrollment in all courses even if no credit is earned. All tuition charges or other charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term. Tuition fee adjustments are pro-rated and published in the official University Calendar.

In-State Tuition

Students enrolled for less than 12 semester hours are considered part-time students for fee schedule purposes and are charged an in-state tuition of $252 for each credit hour of coursework plus program service fees. The total in-state tuition for full-time students (who are registered for 12 credit hours) is $3,750.50. Additional hours above 12 hours are $50 per hour.  These rates are for 2015-2016 academic year.  All fees are subject to change per Tennessee Board of Regents policy.

Out-of-State Tuition

Students who are not residents of Tennessee and who register for 12 credit hours are required to pay an out-of-state tuition fee of $7,416 per semester in addition to all other regular fees. Hours above 12 are billed at $123 per hour.  These rates are for 2015-2016 academic year.  All fees are subject to change per Tennessee Board of Regents policy.

Nonresident students registered for fewer than 12 credit hours are required to pay an out-of-state tuition fee of $618 per credit hour in addition to all other regular fees. Residency classification for fee purposes is made at the time of admission to the University and is in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents regulation (see Appendixes ). Part-time students employed in Tennessee or students living in these Kentucky counties are exempt from out-of-state tuition: Christian, Logan, Todd, Trigg, Allen, Calloway, and Simpson.  Undergraduate students who live within a 250 mile radius and have an ACT score of 22 (SAT of 1020) or higher receive the 250-R Program discounted tuition rate of $195/credit hour for full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours per semester).

Summer

Tuition and fees for courses taken during summer will be calculated on a straight per credit hour charge with no maximum for a full-time student.

Non-Refundable Fees

In addition to tuition, students must pay various fees that are used to provide services needed for academic obligations and are not refundable in case of withdrawal. These fees include post office box fee, science consumable fee, PASS fee, nursing clincal skills fee, and late registration fee.

Program Service Fee (Clarksville Campus, Off Campus, and Distance Learning)

All students except those enrolled at the APSU Center at Fort Campbell are required to pay a program service fee of $72.65 per credit hour up to a maximum of $726.50 (10 credit hours).

Technology Access Fee (Ft. Campbell Campus)

All students enrolled in 11 or more credit hours are charged $112.50 or $11.25 per credit hour for 10 or fewer credits. This fee supports a wide array of computer services and technological resources.

Students taking classes through the Regents Online Degree program pay

Other Required Fees (Clarksville Campus Only)

Required Fees

Clarksville Campus, Off-Campus, APSU Center @ Fort Campbell, and Distance Learning

Housing Fees

For students who wish to live on campus, Austin Peay State University has four enclosed style halls, one of which is reserved for new freshmen with at least a 3.0 or and ACT score of 21; three outside corridor-style halls; one suite-style facility; and two apartment-style facilities. Complete information regarding APSU housing may be found at www.apsu.edu/housing/. Freshmen who do not live at home with family members are required to live in University housing and to purchase a meal plan.  These rates are for 2015-2016 academic year.  All fees are subject to change per Tennessee Board of Regents policy.

Special Fees 

Tuition and Fee Discounts

1. Adults 65 years of age or older during the semester, domiciled in Tennessee, may register in courses for credit on a space available basis and pay maximum tuition of $70 and all applicable fees or a Tennessee resident who is 60 years of age or older may audit a course if space is available at no cost (according to Tennessee law) by filing a birth certificate with the Office of the Registrar.
2. A Tennessee resident who is permanently and totally disabled may register in courses for credit on a space available basis and pay maximum tuition of $70 and all applicable fees or may audit a course if space is available at no cost (according to Tennessee law) by filing an Application for Tuition Reduction Due to Disability and submit proof you are considered 100% disabled through Social Security or other appropriate state or federal agency. To request tuition reduction for disability, you must submit this documentation for each term of enrollment. Request must be submitted prior to the last day of late registration to the Office of Disability Services.
3. A dependent child whose parent was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received, or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict, or the spouse of such active duty servicemember, may be eligible for a waiver of tuition and required registration or matriculation fees, and may be admitted without cost to any of the institutions of higher education owned, operated, and maintained by the state of Tennessee, if certain age limits, time periods for eligibility, and residency requirements are met. Contact the APSU Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at (931) 221-7907 or visit http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs for more information and verification procedures.
4. Dependents (under the age of 24 on the first day of classes) of certified public school teachers of Tennessee or state employees are eligible for a 25 percent discount on undergraduate in-state tuition only. An approval form is available at the following website:   http://www.tn.gov/thec/Divisions/LRA/FeeWaiverandDiscount/NewFormForFeeDiscount.pdf, must be completed each term and submitted to the Office of the Bursar before the last day of late registration.
5. Dependents 26 years of age or under and the spouse of a full-time TBR employee are eligible for a 50 percent discount on undergraduate in-state tuition and program service fee (excluding special course fees.) An approval form available at the following link, http://www.apsu.edu/files/bursar/dep_fee_waiver.pdf, must be completed each term and submitted to Human Resources for approval.  This form must be submitted to the Office of the Bursar before the last day of late registration for credit.  A new form must be submitted each semester.
6. Dependents 26 years of age or under and spouses of full-time UT employees are eligible for a 50 percent discount on tuition. An approval form can be obtained from your institution’s website or human resources office.  This form must be completed each term and submitted to the Office of the Bursar before the last day of late registration.
7. Full-time employees of the State of Tennessee may enroll in one undergraduate or graduate course at no cost other than special course fees. An approval form available at the following link:  http://www.apsu.edu/files/bursar/feewaiver_state_emp.pdf, must be submitted each term to the Office of the Bursar before the last day of late registration. These scholarships are subject to availability of funds.
8. APSU employees (full-time), TBR, and UT employees may enroll for three courses per term on a space available basis.  There is no cost to the employee except for special course fees (web, business, nursing, etc). One course must be submitted on the Form PC 191 and two on the TBR Reimbursement form.  To access these forms, you must go through AP OneStop (Choose Employee/Benefits and Deductions).  The form is routed to your supervisor and human resources for approval and forwarded to the Office of the Bursar before the last day of late registration.  These scholarships are subject to availability of funds.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Students are expected to pay all tuition and expenses for the semester or term before the semester or term begins. An installment plan is available Fall and Spring semesters through the Office of the Bursar and online.

The University accepts payment by cash, check or credit card at the Office of the Bursar. Payment by electronic check or credit card are accepted online (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover).

Fee Adjustments

Fee adjustments of tuition and fees are pro-rated according to the time the student was enrolled in the University. The dates that percentages apply are published in the Academic Calendar (http://www.apsu.edu/registrar/acadcal).

1. 100 percent fee adjustment is issued for the following situations:
   1. Courses canceled by the University
   2. Withdrawals between pre-registration period and prior to the first day of classes.
   3. Mandatory withdrawal because the student is declared academically ineligible to enroll or student not eligible to enroll in course being dropped; requires documentation from Dean of Enrollment Management and Academic Support Services.
2. The fee adjustment for withdrawals or drops during regular terms (fall and spring) is 75% from the first day of classes through the 14th day of classes and then reduced to 25% for a period of time which extends 25% of the term. No fee adjustment after 25% of term has expired.
3. For summer sessions and other short terms, the 75% fee adjustment period and the 25% fee adjustment period will extend a length of time which is the same proportion of the term as the 75% and 25% periods are of the regular terms.
4. No fee adjustment when the number of credit hours for courses dropped and courses added on the same day is equal. This is considered a swap.
5. When courses are included in a regular term’s registration process, but the course does not begin until later in the term, the 75%/25% fee adjustment periods will be based on the particular course’s beginning and ending dates. This does not apply to classes which meet only once per week during regular terms. Those courses will follow the same refund dates as the other courses for the term.
6. The fee adjustment is calculated as the difference between (1) the cost of originally enrolled hours and (2) the per credit hour cost of the courses at final enrollment after adjustments have been applied for the courses dropped. Adjustments are calculated at the full per credit hour rate less the fee adjustment credit at the applicable fee adjustment percentage with total costs not to exceed full-time tuition. Not all drops/withdrawals will result in a fee adjustment.
7. Title IV financial aid fee adjustments for students withdrawing during their first term will be calculated on a pro-rata basis and applied to outstanding balances in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended.
8. Percentage rules apply to out-of-state tuition and refundable fees.

Fee Adjustment Appeals

The University fee adjustment policy is based entirely upon the official date of the withdrawal or change of course which would result in a fee adjustment. Fee adjustments beyond the specified dates or percentages indicated in the “Academic Calendar,” will be made only for reasons published by the University, and only when convincing documentation supports the appeal. If the appeal is granted, the fee adjustment will not exceed 75 percent.

Any individual may appeal the assessment, application, calculation, collection, or interpretation of any University fee, charge, deposit, or refund. Information regarding acceptable reasons for which an appeal may be granted, procedures, and the forms to be completed for these appeals can be found online at www.apsu.edu/appeals/.

Appeals for fee adjustments are to be submitted online to the Office of Enrollment Management and Academic Support Services. Supporting documentation in reference to your claim must be submitted within 5 business days to the Office of Enrollment Management and Academic Support. Your explanation should demonstrate why an exception to the published policy is justified. Requests that simply disagree with the policy will not be considered.

The Enrollment Management and Academic Support Office will determine if proper University procedures have been followed; all documentation is reviewed by the Associate Provost. A written decision will be sent to the student’s official APSU e-mail account within 2-3 weeks of submission.

Decisions of the Enrollment Management and Academic Support Office may be appealed in writing to the Fee Adjustment Appeals Committee which meets twice each Fall and Spring semester. The committee chairperson will provide a decision in writing via e-mail to the appellant’s official APSU e-mail account.

Appeals of adverse decisions made by this committee must be in writing to the Assistant Vice President for Finance. A written decision of matters appealed to that office will be sent to the student’s official APSU e-mail account.

Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs

Austin Peay State University believes a post-secondary education should be accessible to assist students in obtaining the resources needed to pay for their education by:

1. Evaluating the family’s financial ability to pay for educational costs;
2. Distributing limited resources in an equitable manner; and
3. Creating a balanced package of eligible financial aid.

Financial aid programs include scholarships, grants, on-campus employment and loans to help students with educational costs. Most awards are based on financial need, merit or achievement. The normal amount of time a student can receive financial aid is up to six years. Continuation of awards require class attendance and satisfactory academic progress as identified in the Financial Aid Office’s Policies and Procedures.

For more information or questions regarding financial aid, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Ellington 216, P.O. Box 4546, telephone 931-221-7907, toll free at 877-508-0057 or visit www.apsu.edu/financialaid/.

How to Apply for Student Financial Aid

The financial aid process is available at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to begin this process at www.fafsa.gov. Students should apply for financial aid as early as possible each year they plan to attend. When submitting the FAFSA, students are applying for Federal Grants, State Grants, Student Loans, Parent Plus Loans and Hope Lottery Scholarship. Only Tennessee residents are eligible for State Grants and the Hope Lottery Scholarship. Awards based on need are determined by a financial need analysis standardized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant
A Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and is available on the basis of need. It is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelors or professional degree and pro-rated based on the number of academic hours enrolled on the first day of class as follows:

1. Clarksville campus, the Ft. Campbell Center and any other APSU educational sites: less than half-time, 1-5 hours; half-time, 6-8 hours; three-quarters time, 9-11 hours and full-time 12 or more hours.
2. Changes in student enrollment through the 14th day of classes may result in a revision and may require repayment.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of financial need, availability of funds, number of hours enrolled and does not have to be repaid.

TEACH Grant Program
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $3,708.00 per year to students who plan to teach high need subject areas in a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. This amount is contingent upon Federal Legislation. For details, please visit our website at http://www.apsu.edu/financialaid/teach-grant-information.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
Available only to undergraduate residents of Tennessee who are enrolled a minimum of half-time and demonstrate financial need for a maximum of eight semesters. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.gov must be submitted as soon as possible of each year. This grant is administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), Suite 1950, Parkway Towers, 404 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37219-5907; toll-free number 800-342-1663. TSAA is not awarded for summer sessions.

Student Loan Awards

Federal Perkins Loans
This loan is made with government and APSU funds, and available to both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, fund availability and pro-rated according to the number of hours enrolled. The interest is fixed at 5% and repayment to Austin Peay State University must begin 9 months after graduation or when the recipient drops below half-time status.

Federal Direct Loan-Subsidized
Available only to undergraduate students and based on financial need. Interest is paid by the Federal government while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during the six-month grace period. Completion of FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov is required and loans must be accepted on AP One Stop.

Federal Direct Loan—Unsubsidized
Not limited by student’s financial need and interest accrues from the time the money is disbursed.  Interest may be paid as it comes due or postponed and allowed to accrue during enrollment of at least half-time status. The accumulated interest is added to the original loan amount when repayment begins.  Completion of the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov is required and loans must be accepted on AP One Stop.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Available to parents of full and half-time dependent undergraduate students. Eligible parents may borrow up to the student’s full cost of attendance less any other financial aid the student receives.  A credit check is required to determine eligibility and repayment starts within 60 days after the 2nd disbursement or may be deferred after the loan is fully disbursed. To apply, the student and parent must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. In addition to the FAFSA, the parent must complete the pre-approval credit process at www.studentloans.gov and submit the Plus application to the Office of Student Financial Aid & VA.

Multiple Loan Disbursements
Loan proceeds are issued in at least two disbursements for Federal Direct subsidized, unsubsidized and Parent PLUS Loans.

Annual Loan Limits
Information on annual loan limits is found at http://www.apsu.edu/financialaid/general-loan-information.

Merit-Based Awards

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships (non-need based) will be awarded to Tennessee high school graduates who have been a resident for one year, earned a composite score of 21 on the ACT (980 SAT) OR 3.0 unweighted overall high school GPA and college core GPA out of a possible 4.0. Homeschool applicants must be enrolled as a homeschool student in a TN homeschool program for a minimum of one year immediately preceding graduation and have a 21 composite score or above for the ACT test or a 980 (math plus critical reading scores only) or above, on a national test date for the SAT test for HOME Scholarship consideration. GED applicants must have earned an average Revised GED score of 170 and an ACT composite score of 21 (980 SAT). High school equivalency test (HiSet) applicants must have earned an average HiSet score of 15 and an ACT composite score of 21 (980 SAT). Eligibility requirements for both full-time and part-time students may be found at www.tn.gov/collegepays.  All award amounts are estimated and final awards are determined by the lottery revenue collected, eligibility and renewal criteria. All criteria and amounts are subject to change. Check www.tn.gov/collegepays for the most current requirements.

Application Process Eligible students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov no later than September 1 for Fall Semester and February 1 for Spring and Summer Semesters. Students should apply as soon as possible each year they plan to attend.

Tennessee Hope Scholarship
$3,500 per year renewable

General Assembly Merit Supplemental Scholarship 
 $1,000 renewable supplemental scholarship for those who meet the qualifications for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship and have in addition earned a 3.75 weighted and college core GPA and at least a composite score of 29 on the ACT (1280 SAT). Applicants can only receive one supplemental scholarship.

ASPIRE Award
$1,500 renewable supplemental scholarship for those who meet the qualifications for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship and whose parents earn an adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less. Applicants can receive only one supplemental scholarship.

Non-Traditional
Eligible students must be a minimum of 25 years of age and have an adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less and be an entering freshman or have not been enrolled in a post-secondary institution for at least two years. Award is $3,500. For details, visit www.tn.gov/collegepays/.

Helping Heroes Grant
Eligible students must be a veteran who received an honorable discharge and has been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, The Afghanistan Campaign Medal or after 9/11/01 received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. For details, visit www.tn.gov/collegepays/.

Tennessee Hope Access Grant
$2,500 non-renewable scholarship for students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship. Applicants must have a 2.75 unweighted overall and college core GPA with all required college core courses and a composite score of 18 on the ACT (860 SAT) whose parents earn an adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less. Students receiving this grant may qualify for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship in their second year.

For renewal criteria visit www.tn.gov/collegepays or www.apsu.edu/financialaid/

Part-time Awards and Renewal Criteria: Applicants enrolling part-time must meet the same criteria as full-time enrollees. Awards for those enrolled in six, seven, or eight hours will receive half of the award of full-time enrolled students, while those enrolled in nine, ten or eleven hours will receive three-quarters of the award. Renewal criteria will be the same as full-time enrolled students. For further information visit www.tn.gov/collegepays.

Institutional Scholarship Awards

Austin Peay State University, State and Donor Scholarships
The University awards numerous competitive scholarships based on academic merit, special talents, accomplishments and financial need. The requirements and application may be found at www.apsu.edu/scholarships. Only one application is needed. Academic scholarships awarded to first-time students are part of the admissions process. Questions regarding academic scholarships for first-time students should be addressed to the Office of Admissions.

Outside Scholarships
Many organizations donate scholarship funds for students. These include, but are not limited to, Rotary, Civitan, Community Foundation Groups, Churches, and High Schools. Students are encouraged to check with organizations that may have funding to assist with educational expenses.

For assistance:

(New Students) Office of Admissions

931-221-7661 or toll free 800-844-2778

(Current Students) Office of Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs

 931-221-7907 or toll free 877-588-0057

Office of University Advancement (regarding donor scholarships)

931-221-7199

Student Employment
Students employed on campus may work up to 20 hours per week and a maximum of two positions. Students needing employment are encouraged to seek jobs on campus either through the Federal Work Study program or General Campus.

Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
The University receives federal funding to employ students on campus while they pursue their education. Funds are limited, need based and awarded by FAFSA date. Eligibility requires a minimum of half-time enrollment and maintain a minimum 1.8 GPA. Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week depending on the amount of their award.  Students may not work during scheduled classes or exam times. If an awarded FWS, the award is the amount of money a student may earn during the academic year and determines the number of hours that may be worked.  FWS recipients must make an appointment with the Office of Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs for job placement and may not start work until approval has been received via AP Mail from the Human Resources office.

General Campus Work
Some University departments have funds to employ students. Positions are advertised online at http://www.apsu.edu/hrhomepage/index.htm. Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week depending on the department’s budget, be enrolled a minimum of half-time and maintain a minimum 1.8 GPA. Students may not work during scheduled classes or exam times. Questions should be referred to the office of Human Resources at 931-221-7177.

Disbursement Procedure
For Clarksville campus students, one-half of an academic year award (excluding Federal Work Study) is direct deposited into the student’s bank account within three days of the beginning of the semester/term. Students who decline direct deposit will receive a balance check approximately two weeks after classes begin. For students enrolled at the Fort Campbell Center, awards will be disbursed to coincide with the four fall and spring terms. Summer assistance is explained in the Summer Financial Aid application.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
In order to continue receiving financial aid, students are required to maintain class attendance and satisfactory progress. Satisfactory Academic Progress means the student is not on academic probation or suspension and meets the guidelines at www.edu/financialaid/SAT-PROG.htm. The maximum time frame for completion of a bachelor’s degree will be six academic years unless the student has been enrolled part-time.

Students who lose their eligibility for financial aid may appeal in writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs. The appeal form must be completed and extenuating circumstances must be documented for the committee to review. The appeal form can be found at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/.

Class Attendance and Official Withdrawals
Students receiving Federal Title IV Financial Aid must attend class on a regular basis. If a student ceases to attend class, they should officially withdraw from the University. Students who do not officially withdraw will receive “FA” or “FN” grades in their courses and a determination will be made regarding possible repayment of funds. Students may withdraw by completing the appropriate form located at the Office of the Registrar. See policy on returns and fee adjustments of financial aid in Fee Adjustments.

Other Financial Services

Veterans Affairs Education Benefits

All degree programs offered by Austin Peay State University, as listed in this Bulletin, are deemed approved for VA education benefit training. The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) must certify each VA benefit recipient’s training to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) before any payments will be made. VA education benefits are paid only for courses that are needed to fulfill graduation requirements for the recipient’s program of study. APSU OVA has two locations: Room 135, Ellington Building for Clarksville Campus; and SSG Glenn H. English, Jr., Army Education Center, Bldg. 202, Room 137 for APSU Center @ Fort Campbell. The OVA maintains all necessary forms for active-duty service persons, reservists, Guardsmen, dependents, and veterans to apply for VA education benefits. Any questions relating to VA training at APSU should be directed to the OVA. However, the OVA does not make decisions on eligibility for VA education benefits, or on the amount and length of entitlement for which a student is eligible under those benefits. To receive a formal decision, the student must file a claim with the VA, who makes initial determination on eligibility and payment amount. All claims should be filed through the appropriate APSU OVA so that copies are maintained in the student’s APSU file. The programs under which the student may be eligible for VA education benefits are listed below. To determine specific eligibility requirements, you should direct your questions to the OVA or the VA at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).  (GI Bill® is a registered trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and VA is the sole owner of the trademark.)

1. Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Educational Assistance (MGIB-AD) - Chapter 30
2. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment - Chapter 31
3. Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) - Chapter 32
4. Post-9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33
5. Transfer of Entitlement Option - Post 9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33 TOE
6. Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship - FRY
7. Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) - Chapter 35
8. Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance (MGIB-SR) - Chapter 1606
9. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) - Chapter 1607
10. National Call to Service Program
11. Tuition Assistance Top Up (TA Top-up)

***NOTE:  For first time students utilizing VA education benefits at APSU, you must contact one of the APSU’s Office of Veterans Affairs to complete your VA education benefit packet.

Avoiding VA Education Overpayment

As a VA education benefits recipient, you should understand what you can do to prevent an overpayment:

1. Report Changes in Enrollment: Promptly report any changes in your enrollment to APSU OVA and the VA. If you notify APSU, and not VA, it may take longer to correct your payments. Please take note: VA payment for a month of school attendance is normally made during the following month; that is, you are paid on a reimbursable basis. If you receive a payment during a month following a change in enrollment status, make sure you are entitled to that payment before negotiating it. If the amount has not changed from your previous payment and you have reduced the rate of your training, the chances are good that you are not entitled to this payment.
2. Understand the Consequences of Changes:
   1. You should understand the University’s grading system. If you receive a “nonpunitive” grade of “W” or “I,” reduce or terminate your enrollment, VA will be notified. Upon receipt of the notice, VA will reduce or terminate your benefits. The payment of VA education benefits will not be made for any course that is not computed in the graduation requirements of the program.
   2. If you change your enrollment after the regular drop/add period, the OVA will ask for a statement explaining the events surrounding the change. The law states that no payments will be made for a course from which you drop, or for which you receive a “nonpunitive” grade of “W” or “I,” unless there are “mitigating circumstances” surrounding the change. VA defines “mitigating circumstances” as unanticipated and unavoidable events which interfere with a student’s pursuit of a course. If you fail to provide a statement of supporting evidence or the reasons you give are not accepted as “mitigating circumstances,” VA will reduce or terminate your benefits from the start of the term. Examples of unacceptable “mitigating circumstances” include withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, dislike of instructor and too many courses attempted. The OVA can advise you on acceptable “mitigating circumstances.”
   3. You must report changes in dependency to VA including your own, if you are receiving an additional allowance for family members.
3. If an Education Overpayment Is Created: VA is required to take prompt and aggressive action to recover the overpayment. The VA Debt Management Center will notify you of the overpayment. The following actions may be taken if an overpayment is not promptly liquidated:
   1. Adding interest and collection fees to your debt;
   2. Withholding future benefits to apply to your debt;
   3. Referring your debt to a private collection agency;
   4. Offsetting the debt from your federal tax refund;
   5. Offsetting the debt from your salary if you are a federal employee;
   6. Filing a lawsuit in federal court to collect the debt; and/or
   7. Withholding approval of a DVA home loan guarantee pending payment of the debt.
4. If you owe VA: Payments for VA overpayments are not made to APSU. Contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 or dmc.ops@va.gov (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., CST) for payment options.

Deferment of Tuition and Fees

Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees for Certain Eligible Students Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Other Governmentally Funded Educational Assistance Benefits Service members, Veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once DVA education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

*NOTE: Students who have a VA education benefits overpayment are not eligible for a deferment.

Admission to the University Is Required for Receiving DVA Benefits

Students must be fully admitted and seeking a degree at APSU in order to qualify for DVA education benefits. Non-degree seeking students do not qualify for VA education benefits. Admission application is made through the APSU Office of Admissions in the Ellington Student Services Building and online at www.apsu.edu/Admissions.  Fort Campbell applicants may apply through APSU Center @ Fort Campbell Enrollment Services Office. Visiting students must be in good standing and have a parent institution approval letter.  Active duty service members, Guardsmen and Army reservists will apply for Admissions through GoArmyEd.

Applying for VA Education Benefits/Initial Tuition Requirements

Application for VA education benefits is made through the appropriate APSU OVA. For veterans, Guardsmen and reservists, a copy of the DD-214 discharge certificate is required with both the application for admission and the application for VA education benefits. Reservists and Guardsmen must also submit a copy of the DD Form 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) to the appropriate APSU OVA. Application for VA education benefits does not constitute an application for admission to the University. Students must be prepared to pay tuition and fees at the time of registration. It may take 8 to12 weeks following an initial application for VA education benefits before payment can be expected.

For further information, contact the APSU OVA or visit our website at http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs.

Changing VA Education Benefits

You must submit the appropriate VA forms and a written letter of intent that you are electing to change your VA education benefit.  This paperwork must be submitted to our office prior to the submission of your enrollment certification request.  If you submit your paperwork afterwards, then the change of VA education benefit will not take effect until the next term.  The only exception is if your previous benefit is exhausted.

Tuition Assistance, ROTC and VA Education Benefits

Students utilizing Tuition Assistance (TA) will not be able to utilize the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606) or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Chapter 1607) VA education benefits for the same courses.  Due to changes by the Department of Defense, the VA will not allow schools to submit enrollment certifications for the same courses in which TA is paying.  In order to process an enrollment certification, the APSU Veterans Affairs must verify that TA is not paying for the same courses.  You will need to submit a copy of the TA breakdown from the Department of Defense portal to our office.  The TA breakdown will show which courses have been covered by TA and which courses have not.

The Department of Defense will not authorize TA for any course for which you receive financial assistance in whole or in part from any other DoD service-funded programs (ROTC, education-related incentive or bonus, and advanced civil schooling) which might constitute a duplication of benefits. The Department of Defense also has the authority to suspend eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606) in which you receive financial assistance under ROTC.

Critical Areas of Concern for Continuing VA Enrollment Certification for Benefits

1. Matriculation: VA considers a student to have matriculated when he/she has been fully admitted to the University as pursuing an approved degree. This means that all documents necessary to be admitted as a regular, degree-seeking student must be received by the Office of Admissions before matriculation is complete. Students who have not been officially admitted into a degree program are not eligible for VA education benefits. The requirements for full admission must be completed prior to enrollment (see General Requirements for Admissions). Certification for VA education benefits will not be submitted beyond one term of enrollment for non-matriculated students. The following documents are required for matriculation:
   1. Application for admission;
   2. High-school transcript with date of graduation, passing GED, or External Diploma Program;
   3. All higher education transcripts from other schools (includes Community College of the Air Force) and non-traditional college credits; and
   4. All applicable test scores (refer to Admissions Requirements).
   5. All military personnel (active duty, reservists, Guardsmen and veterans) must submit documents for military credit.
2. Proper Degree Pursuit: In order to be certified to receive VA education benefits, students are required to be degree-seeking and enrolled in an approved degree program of study as listed in this Bulletin. Benefit payments will only be made for those courses required in the program of study which count for graduation credit. Students must enroll in and attend the degree-granting institution in order to receive VA education benefits. If a change of program is desired, the DVA must be notified by submitting the appropriate notification forms through the OVA.
3. Audited, Repeated or Excessive Courses: VA education benefit payment will not be made for courses which have been previously passed, whether at APSU or accepted as transfer credit. Courses taken under the Fresh Start and CARE Policy programs fall into this category, as they are taken to increase GPA. Conversely, the student may repeat a course for which a failing (punitive) grade has been assigned once without penalty. However, electives will not be considered for certification purposes, unless the prior credit evaluation is on file with the appropriate APSU OVA and clearly states the number of electives required. Excessive courses are those courses that will not be used in computing hour requirements for graduation. Excessive courses will not be certified to DVA for payment.
4. Repeat Failed or Unacceptable Courses: APSU honors a “forgiveness” policy that allows students to report a failed or unacceptable grade for a course. If the student receives a passing grade, the original grade is “forgiven” (excluded) and becomes a non-punitive grade (no longer counts in the GPA). Once this course has been “forgiven”, the school is required to report this to VA which may result in an overpayment. For more details, visit http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/repeat-course-policy.
5. Certification Request Form:  The enrollment certification request is to be used by active duty service persons, veterans, reservists, Guardsmen and dependents to request that their enrollment be certified to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs for education benefits.  This process must be completed every term of enrollment (i.e., Fall I term, Fall semester, Summer sessions).  For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/enrollment-certification-process.
6. Military Credit: Students are eligible to receive non-traditional credit for military experiences. Students who have completed Basic Training are generally awarded PHED 1310  (2 credit hours) and HHP 1250  (3 credit hours). Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy with the Office of the Registrar for more details.
7. Accelerated, Independent or Hybrid Courses: Accelerated, independent and hybrid courses may affect your VA monthly benefit. VA considers accelerated courses as non-standard terms and training time will be based on the actual dates of enrollment.  VA considers independent and hybrid courses as distance learning which may impact the Post 9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance .

Prior Credit Evaluation

An enrollment certification submitted for a VA education benefit recipient initially enrolling at APSU, or initiating a program of study different from that previously pursued, must reflect the amount of credit allowed for previous education, training or experience, including military training and experience. This is called “prior credit,” and is that credit which, when applied to the program of study, shortens the program accordingly. The process by which this prior credit is determined is as follows: When a student initially enrolls, all documents required for matriculation must be received by the Office of Admissions. Following receipt, these documents are evaluated by the Office of the Registrar for transfer credit—that is, the credit from other institutions of higher education, military, etc. which are accepted by APSU as college level transfer credit. Students receive a copy of this evaluation after or upon completion of the transfer credit evaluation in AP OneStop (https://onestop.apsu.edu).  This completed transfer credit evaluation must be applied to the individual program of study to shorten that program, and the result is prior credit. This prior credit must be reported to VA on the enrollment certification prior to the end of the second term of enrollment of receiving VA education benefits. Once prior credit is evaluated, it is not required again unless the program of study changes; then prior credit must be reevaluated in application to the new program. Second degree students will need to submit their prior credit evaluation by the end of the first term of enrollment. For graduate students, a copy of the approved graduate program of study must be submitted prior to completion of 12 credit hours or within the second term of enrollment, whichever transpires first.

Change of Program

The OVA must be informed if a student wishes to change his/her program of study (major/concentration), and the proper request form submitted to the VA. Upon making a program change, all previous coursework at APSU or other institutions must be applied to the new program as prior credit. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students may not change their degree programs without prior written approval from the VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.

*NOTE: You will be required to submit a new prior credit evaluation at the end of the first term of changing your program of study. 

Satisfactory Progress

The OVA must report the student’s unsatisfactory progress (academic probation and suspension) and terminate VA education benefits, at such time he or she no longer meets APSU’s standards of progress. All grades, no matter when earned, are part of the permanent transcript and are factored into your academic progress. Students placed on academic probation must bring their GPA above the probationary level during the following term for which probation was awarded, or VA education benefits may be terminated. If benefits are terminated for unsatisfactory academic progress (academic suspension), a written request on VA Form 22-8873 must be submitted by the student to VA for benefits to be reinstated.

Dual Enrollment Between Clarksville Campus and Fort Campbell

Enrolling at both Clarksville Campus and Fort Campbell creates a special reporting requirement, because the VA classifies Clarksville Campus and Fort Campbell as two separate educational institutions. Pursuit of a Clarksville Campus degree makes the Clarksville Campus the primary degree-granting institution (parent school), and pursuit of a Fort Campbell degree makes Fort Campbell the primary degree-granting institution (parent school). Students must be admitted to and pursuing a degree at their primary institution. Students are allowed to temporarily enroll at the secondary institution in classes that apply to the primary degree program. Enrolling at the secondary institution makes a student either transient or concurrently enrolled. Transient means a student is temporarily attending only the secondary institution; concurrently enrolled means that the student is attending both the primary and secondary institutions simultaneously. The OVA at both campuses have the necessary paperwork, whereby courses at the secondary institution must be validated before they can be certified to VA education benefit. Students who are receiving VA education benefits should consult their primary institution OVA before enrolling as a transient or concurrently enrolled student. (http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/guest-student-supplemental-and-concurrent-enrollments).

Attending Another Institution While Receiving VA Benefits at Austin Peay State University

Students who plan to attend another institution (in a transient status) while attending and receiving VA payment at APSU MUST see the appropriate OVA prior to registering/enrolling at the other institution, or VA education benefits for the enrollment at the other institution will be significantly delayed or disallowed. A copy of the approved coursework approval form must be submitted with the transient enrollment request. The student must be in good standing. (http://www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/guest-student-supplemental-and-concurrent-enrollments).

Attendance Policy

Students must inform APSU OVA of any change in enrollment status (drops, adds, withdrawals, etc.) in order to prevent or reduce overpayment of VA education benefits. When the OVA is notified that a student’s attendance is unsatisfactory, the benefits for that class will be terminated from the last recorded date of attendance as provided by the faculty member. If no recorded last date of attendance is provided, benefits will be terminated effective the first day of the term.

A grade of FN (student has never attended class) results in the termination of benefits from the first day of the term; a grade of FA (student has stopped attending class) results in termination from the last recorded date of attendance.  FN and FA are punitive grades and will be reported to VA immediately.

VA will not pay education benefits to an individual for a course from which the individual withdraws or receives a non-punitive grade (I or W) which is not used in computing the requirements for graduation.

Correspondence

APSU Live Mail is the official and primary correspondence method. Once admitted at APSU, you will be assigned an APSU Live Mail account. The OVA will utilize the APSU Live Mail for VA announcements, reminders and notifications.

Students may use AP OneStop (https://onestop.apsu.edu) to view all their APSU VA information. This website will inform the VA student of his/her approved certified courses as well as possible missing requirements.