Navigating Student Account Services at Austin Peay State University

For students attending Austin Peay State University (APSU), understanding student account services is crucial for managing tuition, fees, financial aid, and other financial aspects of university life. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help students navigate these services effectively.

Accessing Your Student Account

OneStop Portal

The primary hub for accessing student account information is the OneStop portal. Students can log into OneStop to view bill information, check their account balance, confirm class attendance, and manage financial aid.

Class Confirmation

Class confirmation is a mandatory process to prevent classes from being dropped. Students must confirm their classes each term by logging on to OneStop, regardless of whether they are using financial aid or paying out of pocket. Even if a student’s account shows a "0" balance or a credit balance, confirmation is still required. If students do not confirm by the specified date, classes will be dropped, and while they can re-register, seats are not guaranteed.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Payment Options

APSU offers various payment options, including online payments through OneStop, payments via mail, and installment plans during the fall and spring semesters. Checks should be made payable to Austin Peay State University (APSU), and the student's A-Number should be listed on any check, money order, or correspondence.

Fee Deferments

Students using VA benefits are encouraged to request a VA Fee Deferment on OneStop from the Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs tab. To qualify, students must submit their VA Certification request before requesting the deferment. Additionally, students who may qualify for a fee deferment can apply through OneStop.

Late Fees and Tuition Liability

Students who decide not to attend APSU must officially drop or withdraw from their classes. Failure to do so may result in tuition liability and a late fee. Dropping classes ensures that students do not incur tuition liability and may be entitled to a refund based on the fee adjustment schedule.

Refund Schedule

Students who withdraw from classes may be eligible for a refund based on the university's refund schedule. This schedule outlines the percentage of tuition and fees that will be refunded based on the date of withdrawal. The refund schedule can be found on the Student Account Services website.

Fee Discount Program

APSU offers a fee discount program for retired state employees and retired school teachers. To receive the discount, eligible individuals must submit the required forms by the last day of late registration each term. A new form is required each term, and the discount program is not retroactive. Check the academic calendar for specific dates.

Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov. The FAFSA must be submitted every year aid is needed, and it becomes available on Oct. 1.

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, talent, or other criteria.
Grants: Grants are typically awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.
Student Loans: Student loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. APSU participates in the Federal Direct Loan program.
Federal Work-Study: Federal Work-Study is a program that provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid. SAP is evaluated at the end of the spring term each academic year and includes factors such as GPA, completion rate, and maximum time frame for completing a degree. Students can lose eligibility to receive aid based on poor grades or attendance.

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Verification

Some students are selected for verification of data submitted on the FAFSA. These students must submit additional documentation to the financial aid office to verify the accuracy of their FAFSA information.

Financial Aid Timeline

November 18, 2024: FAFSA available at www.studentaid.gov. Use 2023 income information on your FAFSA.
December 2024: Academic scholarship notifications sent to new students.
February 2025: Financial aid requirement and award notifications sent to new and continuing students. Notifications will continue to be sent on a regular basis.
April 2025: Summer Financial Aid begins to be awarded. The census date for financial aid is referred to as Pell Recalculation Date (PRD).

Fee Deferment for Financial Aid Recipients

Students awaiting financial aid disbursement may qualify for a fee deferment. A fee deferment allows students to postpone payment of tuition and fees until their financial aid is disbursed.

Book Vouchers

Students who are granted a book voucher for a semester have a limited time to utilize the voucher before it expires. Book vouchers can be used at the APSU bookstore to purchase textbooks and other course materials.

Student Loans

Responsible Borrowing

Students should plan to borrow only what is necessary to cover their educational expenses. It is important to understand the terms and conditions of student loans, including interest rates, repayment options, and deferment or forbearance options. A valuable resource for tracking a loan balance is www.studentaid.gov.

Parent Plus Loans

Parent Plus Loans are loans that parents can take out to help pay for their child's education. Parent Plus Loans that are to be released to the parent ONLY will process AFTER the student’s direct deposit refund process.

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Work-Study Program

Eligibility and Application

The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. Students can apply for Work-Study positions by logging into Handshake.

Employment Process

University departments post available Work-Study positions, and students can apply and interview for hire. Student employees are considered temporary, part-time employees and must have a work start date before beginning employment. Earnings are paid by direct deposit.

Additional Resources

Govs ID Card

The Govs Card is the official ID card of the University and serves as a student's identification for campus access. Funds can be placed on the ID card using a declining balance system called Govs Bucks.

APSU Bookstore

The APSU bookstore is the primary source for textbooks, offering options to rent or buy new, used, or digital books. The bookstore also sells backpacks, electronics, spirit items, apparel, and much more. Contact the bookstore at (931) 221-7655 for price match terms.

Campus Computer Labs and Printing

Computer labs and printers are available for student use on campus. Students can also rent a mailbox for $15 per semester.

Adult, Nontraditional & Transfer Student Center

The Adult, Nontraditional & Transfer Student Center, located in the Wilbur N. Daniel Building, provides programs and services for students throughout the year.

APSU Parent & Family Association

The APSU Parent & Family Association provides support and resources for parents and families of APSU students. They can be contacted at (931) 221-7341.

OneStop Services

OneStop offers a variety of services to students, including assistance with registration, financial aid, and student accounts. Students can contact OneStop at (931) 221-7121 or online at www.apsu.edu/registrar.

FERPA (Family Education Rights Privacy Act)

FERPA (Family Education Rights Privacy Act) protects any student at APSU and student financial records. APSU will not release student account information otherwise protected by the FERPA to designated persons only, unless the student fills out the online form on OneStop to Add/Update Authorized Users.

Tennessee Promise Scholarship

The Tennessee Promise scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that provides tuition assistance to eligible Tennessee students attending community colleges or four-year institutions. While it does not pay last dollar when utilized at a four-year institution, it can supplement other grant programs. To maintain eligibility, students must meet the requirements outlined in the TSAC Tennessee Promise checklist.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Students should regularly check the academic calendar and the Student Account Services website (www.apsu.edu/sas) for important dates and deadlines related to tuition payments, fee deferments, financial aid, and other student account matters.

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