Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

All tuition and fees are subject to change. 

Expenses for attending APSU include instate tuition, out-of-state tuition (non-residents), student services fees, and other special fees. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid and students have confirmed (validated) their schedules online and received a confirmation number. Checks, cash, and money orders drawn on U. S. banks and payable in U. S. dollars and credit payments are accepted at the cashier’s window in the Business Office, Browning 148. Electronic checks and credit cards will be accepted on the Web.

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 fee 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 $201 for each credit hour of coursework. The total in-state tuition for full-time students (who are registered for 12 credit hours) is $2,412. Additional hours above 12 hours are $30 per hour.

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 $6,264 per semester in addition to all other regular fees. Hours above 12 are billed at $78 per hour.

Nonresident students registered for fewer than 12 credit hours are required to pay an out-of-state tuition fee of $522 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 Appendix C ). Part-time students employed in Tennessee and students living in these Kentucky counties are exempt from out-of-state tuition: Christian, Logan, Todd, Trigg, Allen, Calloway, and Simpson.

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 and late registration fee.

Program Services Fee (Main Campus, Off Campus, and Distance Learning)

All students except those enrolled at the APSU Center at Fort Campbell who are registered for 10 or more semester hours are required to pay a program services fee of $612.00. Part-time students are charged $61.20 per credit hour to a maximum of $612.00.

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 enrolled in Web class pay an online course fee of $25 per credit hour.

Students taking classes through the Regents Online Degree program pay

Other Required Fees (Main Campus Only)

Required Fees

Main 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.

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.
3. Children of deceased or missing in action Vietnam Conflict veterans who were residents of Tennessee may be eligible for a waiver of tuition and maintenance fees. (Contact the Veterans Affairs Office in Nashville, TN at 1-800-827-1000 for more information and verification procedures.)
4. 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 veteran, 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 Veterans Affairs Office in Nashville, TN at 1-800-827-1000 for more information and verification procedures.
5. Dependents (under the age of 24 on the first day of classes) of certified public school teachers of Tennessee state employees are eligible for a 25 percent discount on undergraduate in-state tuition, maintenance fees, and technology access fees. An approval form obtainable from the Admissions Website, http://www.apsu.edu/files/admissions/feediscount_dependents.pdf, must be completed each term and submitted to the Business Office before classes begin.
6. 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 fees and all mandatory student fees (excluding special course fees.) An approval form available from the Human Resources Website, http://www.apsu.edu/hrhomepage/forms/dep_fee_waiver.pdf, must be completed each term and submitted to the Business Office before classes begin.
7. 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 available from the Admissions Website, http://www.apsu.edu/files/admissions/feediscount_dependents.pdf, must be completed each term and submitted to the Business Office before classes begin.
8. 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 from the Admissions Website, http://www.apsu.edu/files/admissions/feewaiver_state_emp.pdf, must be submitted each term to the Business Office before classes begin. These scholarships are subject to availability of funds.
9. APSU employees (full-time), TBR, and UT employees may enroll for two courses per term on a space available basis at no cost other than special course fees. One course can be submitted on the Form PC 191 and two on the Clerical and Support Staff Maintenance Fee Payment Program Form or Faculty/Administrative/Professional Staff Tuition or Maintenance Fee Reimbursement Program Form showing approval of the immediate supervisor. Approval forms available from the Human Resources Website, http://www.apsu.edu/hrhomepage/forms.htm. These forms must be submitted to the Office of the Bursar at the time of registration of each term. 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 under certain circumstances.

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, and American Express).

Fee Adjustments

Fee adjustments of tuition and fees are prorated according to the time the student was enrolled in the University. The dates that percentages apply are published in the University Calendar.

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 and Administration. A written decision of matters appealed to that office will be sent to the student’s official APSU e-mail account. This concludes the fee adjustment appeals process.

Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs

Austin Peay State University believes that a post-secondary education should be accessible and; therefore, assists students in obtaining the resources needed to pay for their education:

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 self-help and gift financial aid.

An array of financial aid programs from scholarships, grants, employment, and loans are available to help students with educational costs. Most awards are based on financial need; a limited number are based on merit or achievement. (The normal amount of time for which a student can receive financial aid is six years). Continuation of the award requires that the recipient attend classes and achieve satisfactory academic progress as identified in the University’s Academic Policies and procedures.

Questions regarding student financial aid should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Ellington 216, P.O. Box 4546, telephone (931) 221-7907 or toll free at 1-877-508-0057. Interested applicants should visit www.apsu.edu/financialaid/ for complete information.

How to Apply for Student Financial Aid

Awards based on need are determined by a process called financial need analysis. The analysis is standardized by the U.S. Department of Education using a financial formula called Federal Methodology. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to begin this process. When submitting the FAFSA, students are applying for Federal Grants, State Grants, Student Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and the Hope Lottery Scholarship. Only Tennessee residents are eligible for State Grants and Hope Lottery Scholarship. Students should apply via the Web at www.fafsa.gov after January 1 of the year they intend to enroll in college. An application for admission to the University should be completed at the same time. Students should not wait to be accepted for admission before applying for financial aid. A step-by-step application process is available at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant
This grant is available on the basis of need to undergraduate students who have earned neither a baccalaureate nor professional degree. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid and are prorated based on the number of academic hours for which the student is enrolled on the first day of class as follows:

1. Main campus: 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. APSU Center at Fort Campbell: half-time, 3-5 hours; full-time, 6 or more hours.
3. Changes in student enrollment through the 14th day of classes may result in a revision of the grant awarded and may require repayment of funds.

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

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 $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Please visit our Website at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/ for details.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
Available only to undergraduate residents of Tennessee who are enrolled a minimum of half-time and who can demonstrate financial need for a maximum of eight semesters. TSAA is not awarded for summer sessions. Application must be made by February 15th of the year in which the student intends to enter college by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.gov.) 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 1-800-342-1663.

Student Loan Awards

Federal Perkins Loans
This loan is available to both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need and is based on funds availability and prorated according to the number of hours for which the student is enrolled. The interest is fixed at 5%; payments on the principal must begin 9 months after graduation or when the recipient drops below half-time status. The loan is made with government and APSU funds and must be repaid to Austin Peay State University.

Federal Direct Loan-Subsidized
Available to both undergraduate and graduate students, eligibility is based on financial need. Interest on loan is paid by the Federal government while the student is enrolled at least at a half-time status and during a six-month grace period. Completion of FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov is required for students wishing to apply. Students must accept loans on AP One Stop.

Federal Direct Loan—Unsubsidized
Not limited by student’s financial need; interest must be paid from the time the money is disbursed. Interest may be paid as it comes due (full-time students) or may be postponed and allowed to accumulate during enrollment at a half-time status. The accumulated interest is added to the original loan amount when repayment begins. Applicant must first complete the FAFSA via the Web at www.fafsa.gov. Students must accept loans on AP One Stop.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Available to parents of full and half-time dependent undergraduate students; a credit check is performed on the parents to determine the amount of eligibility; credit guidelines apply in determining eligibility. Eligible parents may borrow up to the student’s full cost of attendance less any other financial aid the student receives. Repayment starts within 60 days or payments 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) via the Web at www.fafsa.gov. In addition to the FAFSA, the parent must complete the credit pre-approval process.

GRAD PLUS Loans
Graduate students may borrow up to the cost of their education less any other financial aid awarded. Eligibility is based on income need and credit guidelines apply.

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

Annual Loan Limits
Information on annual loan limits is found at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/.

Merit-Based Awards

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships (non-need based) will be awarded to Tennessee high school graduates, including home-schooled students, who have been a resident for one year and who have 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. GED applicants must have earned an average GED score of 525 (test must have been taken after January 1, 2008 but before January 1, 2009), 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, as awards will depend on collection of lottery revenue. Eligibility and renewal criteria and award 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 immediately after January 1.

Tennessee Hope Scholarship
$4,000 per year renewable

General Assembly Merit Supplemental Scholarship
This scholarship is a $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
This award is a $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 $4,000. 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
This grant is a $2,625 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
Austin Peay State University awards numerous competitive scholarships based on academic merit, special talents or accomplishments and financial need. The requirements for both receiving and retaining the scholarship may be found by accessing www.apsu.edu/scholarships. One application permits students to apply for as many scholarships for which they perceive themselves eligible. 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 not directly affiliated with APSU donate funds for students. These include but are not limited to Rotary, Civitan, Community Foundation Groups, Church denominations, and high schools. Students are encouraged to check with organizations that they believe might have funding to assist with educational expenses. For assistance:

Office of Admissions (New Students)

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

Office of Student Financial Aid (Current Students)

(877) 508-0057 (toll free) or (931) 221-7907

Office of University Advancement (regarding donor scholarships)

(931) 221-7199

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

Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
The University receives federal funds to use to employ students with financial aid on campus while they pursue their education. Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year, depending on the amount of their award, and full-time during the summer. Summer earnings not applied to enrollment during the summer session will be used as a financial resource for the upcoming academic year. Eligibility requires a minimum of half-time enrollment and maintaining a minimum 1.5 GPA. Funds are limited.

General Campus Work
University departments may have limited funds to employ students to assist in academic or other tasks. The number of hours students are permitted to work varies upon departments. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time and maintain at least a 1.5 GPA. Positions are advertised online at http://www.apsu.edu/hrhomepage/index.htm or in the department. Questions should be referred to the office of Human Resources (931) 221-7177.

Disbursement Procedure
One-half of an academic year award (excluding Federal Work Study) is direct deposited in 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 two weeks after classes begin. The exception to this policy is for students who are enrolled at the Fort Campbell Center, whose awards will be disbursed in fourths to coincide with the four fall and spring terms. Summer assistance is managed differently and is explained in the Summer Financial Aid application.

If an offer of financial assistance includes employment under the provisions of the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program, the amount of money awarded is the amount of money a student may expect to earn during the award period, as determined from the number of hours to be worked. FWS recipients must report to the Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs for job placement and may not start work until the placement has been completed.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
All students receiving Title IV aid are required to maintain class attendance and satisfactory progress each year as outlined in the Academic Policies and Procedures in this Bulletin in order to continue receiving financial aid. 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 be reinstated when Satisfactory Academic Progress can again be documented. Proof of compliance must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs.

Appeal of an adverse financial aid decision should be made in writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs. Extenuating circumstances must be documented. A counselor will review the completed appeal application with documentation. The student has the right to have a rejected appeal reviewed by the Director, whose decision will be final. The appeal form can be obtained through the Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs or via the Web at www.apsu.edu/financialaid/.

Satisfactory Academic Progress means that the student is not on academic probation or suspension and meets the guidelines at www.edu/financialaid/SAT-PROG.htm.

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

Other Financial Services

Veterans Benefits
All degree programs offered by Austin Peay State University, as listed in this Bulletin, are approved for veterans’ training. The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) must certify each veteran’s training to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) before any payments can be made. DVA benefits are paid only for courses that are needed to fulfill graduation requirements for the program of the recipient’s major. APSU has two OVA’s: Room 135, Ellington Building for Main 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 DVA education benefits. Any questions relating to DVA training at APSU should be directed to the OVA. However, the OVA does not make decisions on eligibility for DVA 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 DVA, 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 DVA education benefits are listed below. To determine specific eligibility requirements, you should direct your questions to the OVA or the DVA at 1-888-GI BILL1 (1-888-442-4551).

1. Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (MGIBAD) - Chapter 30
2. Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Chapter 31
3. Post-Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) - Chapter 32
4. Post 9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33
5. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Chapter 35
6. Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (MGIBSR) - Chapter 1606
7. Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance for Supporting Contingency Operations and Certain Other Operations - Chapter 1607
8. Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) - Section 156
9. Education Assistance Test Program - Section 901
10. Educational Assistance Pilot Program (non-contributory VEAP) - Section 903

Avoiding DVA Education Overpayment
As a DVA 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 DVA. If you notify APSU, and not DVA, it may take longer to correct your payments. Please take note: DVA 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, DVA will be notified. Upon receipt of the notice, DVA will reduce or terminate your benefits. The payment of DVA 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 withdraw, or for which you receive a “nonpunitive” grade of “W” or “I,” unless there are “mitigating circumstances” surrounding the change. DVA 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,” DVA 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, including your own, if you are receiving an additional allowance for family members.
3. If an Education Overpayment Is Created: DVA is required to take prompt and aggressive action to recover 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 DVA: Payments for DVA over-payments are not made to APSU. Contact the DVA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., CST) for payment options.

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 DVA 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 DVA education benefits. Admission application is made through the APSU Office of Admissions in the Ellington Student Services Building. Fort Campbell applicants may apply through APSU Center @ Fort Campbell Enrollment Services Office.

Applying for DVA Education Benefits/Initial Tuition Requirements
Application for DVA education benefits is made through the appropriate APSU OVA. For veterans and reservists, a copy of the DD-214 discharge certificate is required with both the application for admission and the application for DVA education benefits. Reservists and Guardsmen must submit a copy of the DD Form 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) to the appropriate APSU OVA. Application for DVA 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 normally takes at least 12 weeks following an initial application for DVA education benefits before the first payment can be expected.

For further information, contact the APSU OVA or visit our Website at http://www.apsu.edu/vaoffice/.

NOTE: Accelerated courses may affect your VA monthly entitlement.

Critical Areas of Concern for Continuing DVA Certification for Benefits

1. Matriculation: DVA considers a student to have matriculated when he/she has been 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 DVA education benefits. IT IS APSU POLICY THAT STUDENTS MUST MATRICULATE BY THE END OF THE FIRST TERM OF ENROLLMENT. The requirements for full admission must be completed prior to enrollment for the second term of enrollment (see General Requirements for Admissions ). Certification for DVA education benefits will not be submitted beyond one term of enrollment for non-matriculated students. The
   1. following documents are required for matriculation:
   2. Application for admission;
   3. High-school transcript with date of graduation, passing GED, or External Diploma Program;
   4. All higher education transcripts from other schools (includes Community College of the Air Force) and nontraditional college credits; and
   5. All applicable test scores (refer to Admissions Requirements).
   6. 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 DVA 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 DVA 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: DVA 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, there is no limit on the number of times a student may repeat a course for which a failing (punitive) grade has been assigned. Electives are considered to be courses which are required for graduation as long as they do not exceed the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation. Electives for which a failing (punitive) grade has been assigned may be repeated until a passing grade is received, as long as each grade is punitive when it is originally assigned. However, electives will not be considered for certification purposes, unless the prior credit evaluation is on file with the appropriate APSU OVA. Excessive courses are those courses that a student completes, but the courses will not be used in computing hour requirements for graduation. Excessive courses will not be certified for DVA payment.
4. 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).

***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.

•  Step-by-Step Guide for the APSU main campus facility (StepGuide_CertRequest_Main.pdf)

•  Step-by-Step Guide for the APSU Ft. Campbell Center (StepGuide_CertRequest_FTC.pdf)

Prior Credit Evaluation
An enrollment certification submitted for a DVA 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 within ONE term of enrollment. 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. 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 DVA on the enrollment certification prior to the end of the second term of enrollment of receiving DVA 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. 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, and the proper request form submitted to the DVA. 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 students may not change their degree programs without prior approval from the DVA vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Satisfactory Progress
The OVA must report the student’s unsatisfactory progress and terminate DVA 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 academic progress. Students placed on academic probation must bring their GPA above the probationary level during the term following the term for which probation was awarded, or DVA education benefits will be terminated. If benefits are terminated for unsatisfactory academic progress, a written request on VA Form 22-8873 must be submitted by the student for benefits to be reinstated.

Dual Enrollment Between Main Campus and Fort Campbell
Enrolling at both Main Campus and Fort Campbell creates a special reporting requirement, because the DVA classifies Main Campus and Fort Campbell as two separate educational institutions. Pursuit of a Main Campus degree makes the Main Campus the primary degree granting institution, and pursuit of a Fort Campbell degree makes Fort Campbell the primary degree-granting institution. 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 primary and secondary institutions simultaneously. The OVAs at both campuses have the Transient Enrollment Form, whereby courses at the secondary institution must be validated before they can be certified to DVA for payment. Students who are receiving DVA education benefits should consult their primary institution OVA before enrolling as a transient or concurrently enrolled student.

Attending Another Institution While Receiving DVA Benefits at Austin Peay
Students who plan to attend another institution (in a transient status) while attending and receiving DVA payment at APSU MUST see the appropriate OVA prior to registering/enrolling at the other institution, or DVA education benefits for the enrollment at the other institution will be significantly delayed or disallowed.

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 DVA 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.

Students may use AP Self Service for Students (https://onestop.apsu.edu) to view all their APSU VA information; this website will inform the VA student of his/her approved certified courses.