Austin Peay State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Tennessee state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% SAT: 828–1107
- Average HS GPA: ~3.26
Source: APSU Admissions and CDS data (2024–2025). Middle 50% ranges reflect enrolled freshmen scores.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
APSU at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
At APSU, merit awards are clear, tiered, and renewable. The Presidential, Dean’s, and Academic Achievement scholarships stack well with Tennessee’s state programs, while the Governor’s Out-of-State award helps nonresidents cut costs by thousands. Applying early and maintaining strong grades can make APSU one of the most affordable mid-sized universities in the state.
Use this guide to see exactly what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing Tennessee publics—or planning to layer in donor and state aid—start with our Tennessee Scholarships & Grants page, then return here to map APSU’s opportunities line-by-line.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — APSU is test-optional through Fall 2026. SAT/ACT scores are considered if submitted and can boost merit eligibility.
What is the middle 50% SAT? 828–1107 (latest CDS and BigFuture data).
What’s the average GPA? 3.26 for entering freshmen (unweighted).
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Yes — APSU offers the Governor’s Out-of-State Award ($5,760) to offset nonresident tuition. Nonresidents with strong GPAs may also qualify for additional merit aid.
APSU Scholarships — Merit Tiers & Out-of-State Awards (apsu.edu/scholarships/)
APSU Admissions — Test-Optional Policy (apsu.edu/admissions/requirements/)
APSU Common Data Set 2024–2025 — GPA & SAT ranges (apsu.edu/iea/common-data-set.php)
APSU Honors Program — Departmental Awards (apsu.edu/honors-program/)
College Scorecard — Average Net Price (collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219602-Austin-Peay-State-University)
💰 Cost of Attendance at Austin Peay State University
| Category | In-State (Annual) | Out-of-State (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees* | $7,238 | $10,694 |
| Housing & Meals (Standard On-Campus) | $13,406 | $13,406 |
| Total (Direct Costs Before Aid) | $20,644 | $24,100 |
*Figures reflect 2025–2026 full-time undergraduate enrollment (30 credit hours). Books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—typically $4,000–$5,000 per year—are not included because they are indirect costs paid to off-campus vendors rather than directly to APSU.
• Academic Common Market (SREB) — students from participating Southern states can pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state.
• Military Families: APSU grants in-state rates to military-affiliated students and dependents stationed at or near Fort Campbell.
• Governor’s Out-of-State Scholarship: an automatic $5,760 award for nonresident freshmen that offsets the out-of-state tuition differential.
Example: A Kentucky student majoring in Mechatronics could save about $5,700/year using ACM or the Governor’s Out-of-State Scholarship.
Cost FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition at APSU?
Tennessee residents, military-affiliated families, and out-of-state students approved through the Academic Common Market or receiving the Governor’s Out-of-State Scholarship.
How much can regional programs save?
About $5,700 per year—the difference between APSU’s in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.
Do I have to apply for these discounts?
The Out-of-State Scholarship is automatic upon admission. ACM requires certification through your state’s SREB office, and military waivers require proof of active-duty orders or dependent status.
APSU Student Account Services — 2025–2026 Tuition & Fees (apsu.edu/student-account-services/tuition-and-fees.php)
APSU Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance (apsu.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance.php)
APSU Housing & Dining — 2025–26 Rates (apsu.edu/housing/)
Academic Common Market — SREB State Listings (sreb.org/academic-common-market)
APSU Out-of-State Scholarships — Governor’s Award (apsu.edu/scholarships/out-of-state.php)
College Scorecard — Austin Peay State University (collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219602-Austin-Peay-State-University)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential | $6,000/yr | 4.0 high school GPA | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time | Top students with perfect GPAs; strong rigor helps but not required | Feb 1 |
| Dean’s | $3,500/yr | 3.85–3.99 GPA | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time | Very high GPA; usually top 10% of class | Feb 1 |
| Academic Achievement | $2,000/yr | 3.70–3.84 GPA | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time | Mostly A’s, some B’s; solid academic record | Feb 1 |
| Governor’s Merit | $1,500/yr | 3.50–3.69 GPA | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time | A/B averages; mid-to-upper GPA band | Feb 1 |
| Governor’s Excellence | $1,000/yr | 3.00–3.49 GPA | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time | B-average students; helps offset tuition | Feb 1 |
| Kimbrough (limited) | $1,000/yr | In-state; 3.0 GPA + 25 ACT | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA, full-time | Competitive among qualified TN students; space-limited | Feb 1 |
| Governor’s Out-of-State | $5,760/yr | Nonresident; offsets out-of-state fee | No | Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time, 8 semesters | Most nonresident freshmen; brings cost to in-state level | Feb 1 (priority); rolling if funds remain |
Note: Priority consideration for all automatic merit ends February 1. Some awards (especially nonresident) may remain open on a rolling basis, but funds are limited. GPA tiers are set by APSU and renewal requires a 2.75 GPA/full-time status (3.0 for Kimbrough).
APSU Scholarships deadlines – https://www.apsu.edu/scholarships/
Application deadlines – https://www.apsu.edu/admissions/applicant/apply.php
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These university-level scholarships have limited spots and require extra steps beyond admission. They’re best for students who can show leadership, impact, and follow-through on applications and deadlines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidents Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) | $3,000/yr (up to 8 semesters) | Cohort-based leadership program with a firm deadline and ongoing engagement requirements | Typically 3.6+ HS GPA & 23+ ACT | Yes — PELP app required | Yes — 3.5 GPA & program participation | Students who show leadership, service, and follow through on all app steps | Dec 31 |
| Howell C. Smith Scholarship | Varies (limited number) | Limited slots, awarded to top academic freshmen | ~3.8+ GPA, 26+ ACT, no extra app listed* | No (selection-based) | Yes — 2.75 GPA, full-time | Top academic admits with strong leadership, often notified after scholarship file review | Feb 1 |
*Eligibility ranges for the Howell C. Smith Scholarship are estimates based on prior patterns—3.8+ GPA and 26+ ACT are typical but not official minimums. Selection is holistic and based on top UWG admits.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How competitive are these awards?
PELP: Leadership/service focus, fixed deadline, by application. Howell C. Smith: limited amount, goes to the highest academic profile freshmen each cycle.
Do these stack with automatic GPA awards?
Yes. These competitive awards stack with regular GPA-based merit. Out-of-State Scholarship is considered a fee offset and can stack as well.
Are interviews or essays required?
PELP: Yes, requires application and possibly an interview or responses. Howell C. Smith: Typically selection-based after file review; no direct app.
Any special test score rules?
Both PELP and competitive awards primarily look at GPA, rigor, and leadership. When scores matter, highest composite is used. Extracurricular engagement strengthens an application.
PELP & competitive scholarships – https://www.apsu.edu/scholarships/
Apply to PELP – https://www.apsu.edu/pelp/
Scholarship deadlines – https://www.apsu.edu/admissions/applicant/apply.php
🎖️ Honors College
Austin Peay’s Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students who want a more personalized academic experience. Admission is by self-application, and the program creates a smaller, supportive community where students tackle challenging coursework and get access to extra mentoring and funding opportunities.
High school GPA of 3.5 or higher, ACT score of 23+ (or equivalent SAT), strong writing and coursework rigor, and demonstrated leadership or service.
- Priority registration and academic advising
- Smaller Honors-only seminars with faculty mentors
- Opportunities for funded study abroad and research support
- Dedicated Honors advising and community engagement
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Irwin Endowed Honors Scholarship | Amount varies (endowed fund) | Incoming freshmen admitted to Honors | No—selection within Honors | Not published | Top incoming Honors students chosen by program | Feb 1 |
| Honors Scholars Essay Contest | $1,000 one-time ($500 fall/$500 spring) |
Honors freshmen; annual essay contest | Yes—essay submission | No—one-time | Honors freshmen who write the year’s best essay | May 2 |
| Honors Ambassadors | $1,000 (Lead Ambassadors); $500 (Ambassadors) | Current Honors students, service as program reps/mentors | Yes—spring application | One year (renewal possible) | Honors students selected for peer leadership | Dec 31 |
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply to the Honors Program following APSU admission. Applications are accepted year-round, but program and scholarship space is limited.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors classes align with degree/core requirements for on-time completion.
What’s the application timing?
Honors applications are rolling; to access scholarships or essay contests, submit as early as possible. Scholarship priority is Feb 1; essay contest May 2; Ambassadors Dec 31.
Does Honors come with extra money?
Honors offers unique awards, mentorship, and community. Most scholarships are competitive, essay/leadership-based, and may vary in amount year to year.
Honors Program Scholarships – https://www.apsu.edu/honors/scholarships.php
Honors Ambassadors – https://www.apsu.edu/honors/ambassadorprogram.php
Application and deadlines – https://www.apsu.edu/honors/application.php
⭐ College Specialty
Parents often ask, “What is Austin Peay really known for?” While it may not be a massive research flagship, APSU has carved out strong reputations in health fields, military-connected education, and applied sciences. Its close ties to Fort Campbell make it one of Tennessee’s most military-friendly campuses, and programs like Nursing and Engineering Technology give students direct pipelines into high-demand careers.
Nursing (BSN) — Austin Peay’s School of Nursing reports NCLEX pass rates consistently above 95% (including 98% in 2024), putting it among the strongest in Tennessee for preparing registered nurses.
- Military-Affiliated Education: Recognized statewide as a leader in serving veterans and dependents; APSU was the first Tennessee campus to earn the VETS “Bravo” designation (2025).
- Engineering Technology & Mechatronics: ABET-accredited concentrations in Electrical, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Engineering Technology; programs align with Tennessee’s advanced manufacturing sector.
- Fine Arts & Music: Strong regional reputation through the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (one of Tennessee’s state-designated Centers of Excellence).
- Education: APSU is a top producer of licensed teachers in Tennessee, with strong placement in regional school districts.