Understanding Austin Peay State University Tuition Rates and Financial Aid

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the costs involved is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition rates, fees, and financial aid options at Austin Peay State University (APSU), a public institution located in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

The initial cost of attending APSU is determined by tuition and fees, often referred to as the "sticker price." For the most recent academic year, tuition is $9,384 for in-state students and $15,144 for out-of-state students.

Comparison to National Averages

Compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Austin Peay State University is more affordable for Tennessee residents. Similarly, for out-of-state students, the tuition is less than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815.

What Do Fees Cover?

Fees contribute to essential campus services such as library resources, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Total Cost of Attendance

While tuition and fees are important, the total cost of attendance encompasses all expenses related to attending APSU. The total cost includes the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.

Understanding Net Price

The net price represents the actual amount a student pays after deducting grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance. This figure is personalized, reflecting individual circumstances and the university's financial aid policies.

Net Price Calculator

Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Net Price calculator available on the APSU website for a precise estimate of their individual net price.

Average Net Price

The average net price, which is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive, is $16,140 per year.

Net Price by Household Income

The net price can vary significantly based on household income.

Financial Aid: Making College Affordable

Austin Peay State University offers various financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to assist students in managing educational costs. Most awards are based on financial need, while some are based on merit or achievement.

Read also: Understanding UT Austin GPA

Types of Financial Aid Available

Grants: Need-based grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), do not require repayment.
Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, athletic talent, or other criteria. Both need-based and merit-based scholarships are available.
Loans: Student loans, including federal Direct Loans and private loans, provide funding that must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study: The work-study program allows students to earn money through part-time jobs on campus or in the community.

Need-Based Aid

Need-based financial aid takes a student’s financial status into account. In fall 2023, 82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid.

Average Need-Based Aid Awarded

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Austin Peay State University was $4,210.
The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $4,211.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Austin Peay State University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $3,297.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state grants, student loans, and work-study. Tennessee residents should also apply for the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship through the FAFSA.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Financial Aid Application Due: Not available.
Priority Application Due: Not available. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration.
Notification Date: Not available. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: Not available. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt is a significant consideration for many college students. It is crucial to understand the potential debt burden and plan accordingly.

Median Debt at Graduation

At Austin Peay State University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $20,547. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $218.

Private Loan Debt

Additionally, 5% of graduating students at Austin Peay State University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $20,803 in private loan debt at graduation.

Average Total Indebtedness

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class is $16,638. 53% of Graduating students have borrowed (any loan type, 2024).

Scholarships and Grants in Detail

Scholarships and grants are crucial sources of funding that do not require repayment, reducing the overall cost of education.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships

These scholarships are non-need-based and awarded to Tennessee high school graduates who meet specific academic criteria, including ACT/SAT scores and GPA requirements.

Tennessee Hope Scholarship

This scholarship requires 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.

Tennessee Merit Scholarship

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).

Tennessee Aspire Award

Award of $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.

Nontraditional Student Scholarship

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.

Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant

This grant is available to students enrolled in specific technical programs.

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.

Access Award

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.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant: Available on the basis of need to undergraduate students who have earned neither a baccalaureate nor professional degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of financial need and availability of funds and does not have to be repaid.
TEACH Grant: Provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

State Grants

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.

Student Loans in Detail

Loans provide essential funding but require careful consideration due to repayment obligations.

Federal Perkins Loan

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.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan

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.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

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.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

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.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate students may borrow up to the cost of their education less any other financial aid awarded.

Work-Study Programs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Additional Expenses and Fees

Beyond tuition and standard fees, students may encounter additional expenses.

Special Fees

Expenses for attending APSU include: in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition (non-residents), program service fees, and other special fees. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid and students have confirmed their schedules online or in person and received a confirmation number.

Part-Time Enrollment

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 $303 for each credit hour of coursework plus program service fees.

Out-of-State Tuition Fee

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 $2,880 per semester in addition to all other regular fees.

Program Service Fee

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.

Technology Access Fee

All students enrolled in 11 or more credit hours are charged $118.00 or $11.80 per credit hour for 10 or fewer credits.

Housing Options and Costs

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/.

Tuition Reduction for Specific Groups

APSU offers tuition reduction benefits for certain categories of students.

Students with Disabilities

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.

Dependents of Veterans

A dependent child whose parent was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received, or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict, or the spouse of such active duty service member, 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.

Dependents of Teachers and State Employees

Dependents (under the age of 24 on the first day of classes) of certified public school teachers of Tennessee or state employees are eligible for a 25 percent discount on undergraduate in-state tuition only. Dependents 26 years of age or under and spouses of full-time UT employees are eligible for a 50 percent discount on tuition.

State Employees

Full-time employees of the State of Tennessee may enroll in one undergraduate or graduate course at no cost other than special course fees. APSU employees (full-time), Board of Trustees, and UT employees may enroll for three courses per term on a space available basis. There is no cost to the employee except for special course fees (web, business, nursing, etc).

Payment and Fee Adjustments

Understanding payment deadlines and fee adjustment policies is essential.

Payment Deadlines

Students are expected to pay all tuition and expenses for the semester or term before the semester or term begins. The University accepts payment by cash, check or credit card at Student Account Services and Cashiers Office.

Fee Adjustments

Fee adjustments of tuition and fees are pro-rated according to the time the student was enrolled in the University. The fee adjustment for withdrawals or drops during regular terms (fall and spring) is 75% from the fifth day 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.

Appeals Process

Any individual may appeal the assessment, application, calculation, collection, or interpretation of any University fee, charge, deposit, or refund. Appeals for fee adjustments are to be submitted online to the Office of the Registrar.

Financial Aid Resources

Students seeking additional information or assistance with financial aid can contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs.

Contact Information

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.

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