Student Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans Education Benefits

SFA & VEB Contact Information

Student Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans Education Benefits

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, Scholarships, & Veterans Education Benefits, 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.studentaid.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 aid, state grants, and scholarships. 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.
 

Course Choice Counts

The Department of Education places an important emphasis on federal financial aid rules that may impact the amount of aid students receive. This is referred to as Course Program of Study (CPoS). This may result in the reduction of a student’s scholarships, loans and grants.

Specifically, for federal aid to pay for courses in a student’s major, minor, or other degree requirements, it must be part of their program of study or be necessary to earn the total hours required for the degree.  Taking courses not a part of the program of study could result in receiving less federal financial aid and potentially having to pay for courses out-of-pocket.

A student’s cost of attendance (budget) is based on coursework that applies to their program of study. Although institutional aid may not be based upon a student being registered in required courses, these programs may still be affected if there is insufficient room in the student’s budget for a full award.
 

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 Fort 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 pell recalculation date (approximately 14th day of classes) may result in a revision.

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 $3,772.00 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 www.apsu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid-scholarships/grants/federal-grants.php .

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.studentaid.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 Direct Loan-Subsidized
Available only to undergraduate students and based on financial need. Interest is subsidized 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.studentaid.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.studentaid.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.studentaid.gov In addition to the FAFSA, the parent must complete the pre-approval credit process for student loans 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 www.apsu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid-scholarships/loans/index.php.
 

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. Home school applicants must be enrolled as a home school student in a TN home school 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.govwww.studentaid.gov as soon as possible each year they plan to attend.

Tennessee Hope Scholarship
$3,500 per year renewable for freshman and sophomores. $4,500 per year renewable for juniors and seniors. This amount may be reduced during a freshman’s first semester, due to a dual enrollment grant.

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. 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, Scholarships, & Veterans Education Benefits

 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. The FWS 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, Scholarships, & Veterans Education Benefits for job placement and may not start work until approval has been received via AP e-mail from the Human Resources office.

General Campus Work
Some University departments have funds to employ students. Positions are advertised online at https://www.apsu.edu/careers/jobs4govs/index.php.   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 disbursed to the student’s account to pay outstanding charges. Any remaining credit balance 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, grant and scholarship awards will be disbursed to coincide with the four fall and spring terms. Loan disbursements will be released once during the fall payment period and once during the spring payment period. Summer assistance is explained on the Summer Financial Aid web page.

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.apsu.edu/financialaid/sat_prog.php. 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, Scholarships, & Veterans Education Benefits. 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 (failure, stopped attending and reported within 14 days of the last date of attendance) or FN (failure, never attended and reported within the first 14 days of class) 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.
 

Veterans 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 Education Benefits (VEBO) 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 VEBO is located on the Clarksville Campus in Ellington Building, Room 202. The VEBO 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 VEBO. However, the VEBO 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 VEBO 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 VEBO or the VA at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).  (GI Bill® is a federally registered trademark of by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.)

1. Montgomery GI Bill^® - Active Duty (MGIB-AD) - Chapter 30
2. Veteran Readiness 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 Education Assistance (DEA) - Chapter 35
8. Montgomery GI Bill^® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) - Chapter 1606
9. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship (Post 9/11 GI Bill^® STEM)
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 Education Benefits to complete your VA education benefit packet.

Austin Peay State University adheres to Public Law 115-407 and does not have any active policies inconsistent with section 103 of the law. The university ensures efficient processing of benefits and successful transition for our veterans and family members in the following ways:

1. Upon submission of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or VR&E Authorization, the Office of Veterans Education Benefits processes a student’s certification and authorizes a fee deferment, if requested.
2. Students receiving VA education benefits or VA Veteran Readiness as well as financial aid are permitted use of a book voucher to purchase necessary books and supplies.
3. If financial aid processes to a student’s account prior to receipt of VA education benefits or VA Veteran Readiness from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the university credits the student’s account in the amount of the anticipated VA payment. The university then processes a refund of excess financial aid to the student.
4. In the event a student is eligible and certified for payment, but VA’s payment is significantly delayed, Student Account Services will remove a balance due hold to allow registration for subsequent semesters.
5. No penalty is imposed on a student whose disbursement of benefits is delayed.

Admission to the University Is Required for Receiving VA Benefits and VR&E

Students must be fully admitted and seeking a degree at APSU in order to qualify for VA education benefits and VR&E. Non-degree seeking students do not qualify for VA 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 their branch’s portal.

Applying for VA Education Benefits/Initial Tuition Requirements

Application for VA education benefits is made through the appropriate APSU VEBO. 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 VEBO. Application for VA education benefits, or VR&E does not constitute an application for admission to the University.

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 personnle (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 VA must be notified by submitting the appropriate notification forms through the VEBO.
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 VEBO 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 VA 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 over payment. For more details, visit www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/course-requirements/repeat-course-policy.php.
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 www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/online-resources/enrollment-certification-process.php.
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.

Federal Tuition Assistance, ROTC and VA Education Benefits

Students utilizing federal Tuition Assistance (TA) might be able to utilize the Montgomery GI Bill® or Post 9/11 GI Bill® for the same term. You must submit a copy of your TA breakdown from branch’s portal to APSU VEBO. The TA breakdown will show which courses have been covered by TA and which courses have not.

If ROTC pays for your tuition and fees such as LDAC, then the VA will not pay for the same courses. This could constitute a duplication of benefits which is not permitted by the Department of Defense and the VA.

Attendance Policy

Students must inform APSU VEBO of any change in enrollment status (drops, adds, withdrawals, etc.) in order to prevent or reduce over payment of VA education benefits. When the VEBO 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 and reported within the first 14 days of class) results in the termination of benefits from the first day of the term; a grade of FA (student has stopped attending class and reported within 14 days of the last date of attendance) 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 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.

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 benefits at APSU MUST see the appropriate VEBO prior to registering/enrolling at the other institution, or VA 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. (www.apsu.edu/veterans-affairs/applicant-checklists/guest-student-supplemental-and-concurrent-enrollments.php).

Change of Program

The VEBO 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 Veteran Readiness and Employment students may not change their degree programs without prior written approval from the VA VR&E 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. 

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.

Prior Credit Evaluation

Both the law and the regulations require schools to grant appropriate credit for prior training and experience. The current procedure provides for termination of VA education benefits if the school does not furnish an evaluation of prior credit within one (1) term (38 U.S.C. 3675(b)(2) and 3676(c)(4), and §21.4253(d)(3) and 4254(c)(4)).

• Prior credit is defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as “the amount of credit allowed for previous education, training, and experience; including military training and experience”. The portion of a student’s military experience, AP credit, transfer credit, and so forth; which, when applied to the student’s specific degree program, shortens that program.
• Ensure all previous education, training, and experience documents are received
• Evaluation of credit is processed by the Office of the Registrar
• Program of Study listed in your declared Bulletin, transcript evaluation, and initial Degree Works will serve as your Prior Credit Evaluation. Any previously passed courses that either the Care or Fresh Start has been applied will still count on the Prior Credit Evaluation and cannot be certified for VA funding.

*NOTE: For Aviation students, the prior credit evaluation with a copy of the approved program of study (curriculum) and FAA certificate statement must be submitted prior to the first term of enrollment.

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 VA 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 over payment are not eligible for a deferment.

Avoiding VA Education Overpayment

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

1. Report Changes in Enrollment: Promptly report any changes in your enrollment to APSU VEBO 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 “non-punitive” 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 VEBO 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 “non-punitive” 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 VEBO 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 over payment. The VA Regional Office or Debt Management Center will notify you of the overpayment. The following actions may be taken if an over payment 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 VA home loan guarantee pending payment of the debt.
4. If you owe VA: 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.
5. If the VA charges APSU for an overpayment of tuition and fees:
   1. The VA Regional Office will notify you of the over payment;
   2. May result in a billing with the University;
      1. APSU has multiple ways to make a payment
      2. Contact Student Account Services at 931-221-6285 or sas@apsu.edu (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Mon-Fri) for payment options.

*NOTE: Section 1019 of the Isakson-Roe Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315) made schools financially liable for tuition and fees payments directly paid to a school for Chapter 33, TOE, FRY, and Yellow Ribbon.  If the school has to repay tuition and fees to the VA, then you may owe the school money and have a balance on your account.

Satisfactory Progress

The VEBO must report the student’s unsatisfactory progress (academic 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.  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.

Verification of Enrollment for Montgomery GI Bill^® and Post 9/11 GI Bill^®

Montgomery GI Bill^®

You must verify your enrollment on the last day of each month for which benefits are to be paid.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will not issue payment until you verify.

You can verify through a touch-tone phone or VA’s WAVE application:

• Touch-tone Phone at 1-877-823-2378
• WAVE at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

Post 9/11 GI Bill^®

Public Law 116-315, Section 1010 requires verification of enrollment status to continue to receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA) and/or kickers. If you fail to verify your enrollment status for two consecutive months, the VA will withhold your MHA and/or kicker payments until VA receives your verification.

You can verify through text message, email, or phone:

• Text Message – you must opt-in for VA to send you a text message each month asking if you are still enrolled. If you do not receive the automated text message, you will have to contact VA at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to manually opt-in.
• Email – when you opt-out of VA’s text messaging, VA will automatically enroll you in VA’s email system.  If you do not receive the automated text message, you will have to contact VA at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to manually opt-in.
• Phone - call VA at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) on the last day of the month and ask a VA representative to verify your enrollment.

Correspondence

APSU student email account is the official and primary correspondence method. Once admitted at APSU, you will be assigned an APSU student email account. The VEBO will utilize the APSU student email 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.

Other Financial Services

Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation–Students with physical disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid, providing assistance with college-related costs through the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Tennessee residents should request information from their high school guidance counselor or write to the Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 1808 West End Building, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. Students residing in other states should contact similar agencies in their states. This program is different from VA Chapter 31-Veteran Readiness and Employment.