Navigating Scholarships at Austin Peay State University: A Comprehensive Guide

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. The university offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans. These programs are designed to help students cover their educational costs, with most awards based on financial need, merit, or achievement. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship opportunities available at APSU, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Understanding the Scholarship Landscape at APSU

APSU provides various avenues for students to finance their education. Financial aid programs encompass scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans, all aimed at alleviating the burden of educational expenses. A significant portion of these awards hinges on factors such as financial need, academic merit, or outstanding achievements.

Key Contacts and Resources

For detailed information or inquiries regarding financial aid, students can contact the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships, located in Ellington 216, P.O. Students are encouraged to explore the financial aid process available online and utilize the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to initiate their application.

Application Timeline

The application window for APSU scholarships is open annually from October 1 to February 1. During this period, students can access and complete the scholarship application. When the application is not open, students can use the “Explore Scholarships” button to search scholarship opportunities.

The Scholarship Application Process

The scholarship application at APSU is tailored to each student, utilizing the most current data the university has on file. The questions presented are based on this information. It is crucial to update any changes to personal information, such as degree program, before starting the application. By completing the application, students are automatically matched to every scholarship within the system for which they are potentially eligible. Each scholarship is reviewed by a committee, beginning after the submission deadline.

Accessing the Application

Admitted students and scholarship committee members can log in using the designated button, which redirects to the APSU login page.

NCSA and Athletic Recruiting

For students interested in athletics, particularly the Austin Peay State University Baseball program, NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) offers valuable resources. NCSA provides student-athletes with the information and tools they need to enhance their chances of being recruited. This includes details on key baseball personnel, such as Head Coach Roland Fanning, and ways to start the recruiting process.

Types of Financial Aid Available

APSU offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options to assist students in funding their education. These include:

Scholarships: These are awarded based on academic merit, special talents, accomplishments, and/or financial need.
Grants: These are typically need-based and do not have to be repaid.
On-Campus Employment: Students can work part-time on campus to earn money for educational expenses.
Loans: These provide funds that must be repaid with interest.

Federal Aid

A Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and is available on the basis of need.

State Grants and Scholarships

Only Tennessee residents are eligible for State Grants and the Hope Lottery Scholarship.

Read also: Understanding UT Austin GPA

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 to students who plan to teach high need subject areas in a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships are non-need based and 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.

Specific Scholarship Opportunities

APSU offers a multitude of endowed scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and purpose. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors who are committed to supporting students in their academic pursuits. Here are some examples of specific scholarship opportunities available at APSU:

Endowed Scholarships

Austin Peay State University endowed scholarships give students the edge they need in pursuing their dreams.

General Requirements and Eligibility

Residency: Many scholarships, especially state-funded ones like the Hope Lottery Scholarship, require Tennessee residency for at least one year prior to application.
GPA and Test Scores: Academic scholarships often consider GPA (both overall and college core) and standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT. Specific cutoffs vary depending on the scholarship.
Financial Need: Several scholarships prioritize students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
Enrollment Status: Most scholarships require students to be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program.
Major: Some scholarships are specific to certain academic majors, such as Agriculture, Music, or Education.

Examples of Specific Scholarships

20/10 Mentorship Scholarship: Available to at-risk youth through the Montgomery County Juvenile Court System.
Al Williams Memorial Scholarship: Established in honor of retired APSU Education professor, Dr. Al Williams.
Alan Scott Faircloth Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in honor of fallen Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Alan Scott Faircloth.
Alex P. Wootton, Jr. Scholarship: Established in recognition of dedication to the community and significant involvement in public service.
APSU Agriculture Scholarship: Designed for Agriculture majors at APSU.
Barbara Beach Art Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the five children of Barbara Beach to honor her life and accomplishments.
Benjamin P. Stone Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Benjamin P. Stone.
Bill Dupes Football Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 1990 by friends and former athletes of Coach Bill Dupes.
Bonnie M. Winters Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Bonnie M.
Byrom/Wood Music Scholarship: The Byrom/Wood Music Scholarship was established in 2007 by APSU Alumni Ben Troxler.
C.E. Hunt Jr. Art Scholarship: The C.E. Hunt Jr. Art Scholarship supports students pursuing studies in art.
Cameron Ford Watts Memorial Scholarship: Established by the family of Cameron Ford Watts, who passed away in 1993, this endowed scholarship provides an award to a student registered with the Office of Disability Services.
Catherine A. Smith Scholarship: Catherine A. Smith Scholarship supports students pursuing higher education.
CECA Advisory Board Art Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by the CECA Advisory Board.
Charles C. Foust Scholarship: This scholarship was established in 2005 by Mary Lorraine Wilson.
Charles H. Nichols Scholarship: This scholarship is provided by Mrs. Nichols in memory of her late husband Charles R.
Charlie Fox, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Charlie Fox, Sr. Memorial Scholarship supports students to achieve their academic goals.
Chloe C. Wright Art Scholarship: Chloe C. Wright Art Scholarship supports students with a passion for art.
Christopher C. Wyatt and Jonathan W. Stewart Scholarship: Christopher C. Wyatt and Jonathan W. Stewart Scholarship aims to support students in their academic endeavors.
Courtney A. Turner Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship: This Endowment gift is awarded to a Cheerleader/Pom Squad member in recognition of academic and character standards which reflect the life of Courtney Turner.
Crist Memorial Scholarship: The Crist Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014.
Dave Aaron Endowment Fund: The Dave Aaron Endowment Fund was established for men's basketball and football.
David Loos Baseball Scholarship: This is an athletic scholarship established for baseball.
Daisy Meriwether VanDenburgh Scholarship: The scholarship was established by Ms. Daisy Meriwether VanDenburgh in memory of her great aunt Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer and in admiration of the established Dorothy Dix Archival Collection housed in the F. G. Woodward Library.
Dr. Albert B. Siewers Scholarship: Dr. Albert B. Siewers Scholarship recognizes academic excellence.
Dr. Bruce Myers Computer Science Endowment: Dr. Bruce Myers joined Austin Peay State University in 1970 as a mathematics professor.
Dr. Dave Snyder Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Snyder (1962-2004).
Dr. George Rawlinson Scholarship: Dr. George Rawlinson Scholarship recognizes academic achievement.
Dr. Harold S. Pryor Scholarship: Dr. Harold S. Pryor Scholarship aims to support students in their educational pursuits.
Dr. Haskell C. Phillips Scholarship: This award is administered by the APSU Alumni Association with funds provided by the Phillips family and friends in recognition of Dr. and Ms. Haskell C. Phillips.
Dr. J. Joe Maynard, Sr. Scholarship: Dr. Joe Maynard, Sr. Scholarship supports students in achieving their academic goals.
Dr. Leon Bibb Athletic Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1998 by family and friends of the late Dr. Leon Bibb, this scholarship will benefit a graduate student of the APSU Athletic Department.
Dr. Richard W. Young, Jr. Athletic Training Scholarship: Interest earned from this endowment fund will be used to pay students who are employed in the athletic training room as student workers.
Dr. Susan J. Weaver Scholarship: Dr. Susan J. Weaver Scholarship recognizes commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Thomas R. Hamel Scholarship: Dr. Hamel was a professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at APSU for 31 years.
Dr. Wesley O. Fortner, Jr. Scholarship: This scholarship was officially established in 2004 by former students of Dr. Wesley O. Fortner, Jr.
Dr. William E. Beaumont Memorial and Dr. Gerald Karr Scholarship: This award for academic excellence is administered by the APSU Alumni Association and is provided by friends of the Beaumont family and Dr. Gerald Karr.
Edward M. Kennedy, Jr. Scholarship: Edward M. Kennedy, Jr. Scholarship aims to support students in their academic endeavors.
Emory Kimbrough, Jr. Scholarship: This scholarship fund was created in 1987 by Dr. Emory Kimbrough, Jr.
Evan M. Shephard Memorial Scholarship: Evan M. Shephard Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Evan M. Shephard.
Florim USA Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Ing. Giovanni Lucchese, founder of Florim.
Floyd and Sara Ford Scholarship: This scholarship was established in honor of Floyd and Sara Ford.
Frances Tellefsen Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of Frances Tellefsen who supported and encouraged Lois Tellefsen Jones while obtaining her two degrees at Austin Peay State University.
Frank and Gladys E. Williams Scholarship: Frank and Gladys E. Williams Scholarship supports students in their academic pursuits.
Friends of Brotherton Scholarship: This scholarship is provided by friends of Mr. Brotherton.
George J. Reed Sr. Scholarship: George J. Reed Sr. Scholarship aims to support students in achieving their academic goals.
George O. Stahr Scholarship: This endowed scholarship was established by the estate of the late George O. Stahr.
George "Pat" Head Basketball Scholarship: Established in honor of Dr. George "Pat" Head, this scholarship supports aspiring basketball players.
Heidi Leming Scholarship for Student Leaders: This scholarship was created in honor of Heidi Leming, former director of Student Life and Leadership.
Helena Haskell Marsh Art Scholarship: This scholarship is in memory of Helena Haskell Marsh, the mother of art faculty member Cynthia Marsh.
Helmut and Friedel Meise Memorial Scholarship: The Helmut and Friedel Meise Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 by Mr. Helmut and Friedel Meise.
Hendon-Stokes Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the late Dr. Elizabeth Hendon Stokes, the late Walter L. Hendon, Jr., and the late Dr. William G. Stokes, in memory of their parents, Walter L. and Gertrude Hendon and Glenn and Lurlene Stokes.
Honorable Wayne C. Moore Criminal Justice Scholarship: Honorable Wayne C. Moore Criminal Justice Scholarship supports students pursuing studies in criminal justice.
Hoppe Pace Family Endowment for Education Scholarship: The Hoppe Pace Family Endowment for Education Scholarship was established by the Pace family in honor of Dr. Howell C. Smith Jr. and Sr.
Howell C. Smith Jr. and Sr. Scholarship: Howell C. Smith Jr. and Sr. Scholarship recognizes academic excellence.

Additional Scholarship Resources

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.

External Scholarships

Many organizations donate scholarship funds for students. These include, but are not limited to, Rotary, Civitan, Community Foundation Groups, Churches, and High Schools.

Maintaining Eligibility

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. 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.

Financial Aid for Veterans

APSU is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in their pursuit of higher education. The university has two VEBO (Veterans Education Benefits Office) locations: Room 202, Ellington Building for Clarksville Campus; and SSG Glenn H. English, Jr., Army Education Center, Bldg. The VEBO assists active-duty service persons, reservists, Guardsmen, dependents, and veterans in applying for VA education benefits.

Key Considerations for Veterans

Eligibility Determination: The VA makes the initial determination on eligibility and payment amount.
Required Documents: Veterans, Guardsmen, and reservists need to provide a copy of the DD-214 discharge certificate with both the application for admission and the application for VA education benefits.
Matriculation: Students must be fully admitted to the University as pursuing an approved degree to be eligible for VA education benefits.

Additional Financial Aid Programs

Besides scholarships, APSU offers other financial aid programs, including:

Federal Work-Study: This program provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need.
Direct Loans: These are low-interest loans available to students and parents to help cover the cost of education.
Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation: Students with physical disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid, providing assistance with college-related costs through the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Service.

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