Austin Peay State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If you’re looking at Austin Peay State University, you’ll want to know what the real costs look like and how scholarships can bring that number down. APSU has clear GPA-based automatic awards, leadership scholarships like PELP, and extra options for military-affiliated families given its Fort Campbell connection. Start here to see how Tennessee aid stacks up with APSU’s own scholarships and the broader CRP hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Austin Peay State University

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$7,238	$10,694
Housing & Meals	$13,406	$13,406
Books, Travel, Personal	$5,090	$5,090
Total (Before Aid)	$25,734	$29,190

Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $14,679 per year (after scholarships and grants, not including loans), based on the latest federal data (2022–2023).

Regional Discounts: • Academic Common Market (SREB) lets students from certain Southern states pay in-state tuition if their chosen major isn’t offered back home. • APSU also gives out-of-state military families in-state rates with Fort Campbell orders. • Nonresident freshmen automatically get the $5,760 Out-of-State Scholarship, which cancels the extra fee and brings tuition down to the in-state level.

Example: A Kentucky student majoring in Mechatronics (not offered at Kentucky publics) could use ACM to save about $5,700/year versus the listed out-of-state tuition.

Cost FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition at APSU?
Tennessee residents, military-affiliated families, and out-of-state students approved through ACM or the Out-of-State Scholarship.

How much can regional programs save?
Around $5,700 per year—the amount of the nonresident fee waived through ACM or the automatic out-of-state scholarship.

Do I have to apply for these discounts?
The Out-of-State Scholarship is automatic with admission. ACM requires an application through your home state’s SREB office, and military waivers need documentation.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
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
Dean’s	$3,500/yr	3.85–3.99 GPA	No	Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time	Students with very high GPAs; usually top 10% of class
Academic Achievement	$2,000/yr	3.70–3.84 GPA	No	Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time	Solid students with mostly A’s and a few B’s
Governor’s Merit	$1,500/yr	3.50–3.69 GPA	No	Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time	Students with mostly A/B averages; mid-to-upper GPA band
Governor’s Excellence	$1,000/yr	3.00–3.49 GPA	No	Yes – 2.75 GPA, full-time	Solid B-average students; helps offset a portion of tuition
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
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; effectively brings cost down to in-state level

Note: GPA bands are set by APSU. Renewal generally requires maintaining a 2.75 GPA and full-time enrollment (Kimbrough requires 3.0). Awards may stack with others, but the Out-of-State Scholarship functions as a fee offset.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need a separate application?
No. As long as you apply for admission by the posted deadlines, APSU automatically reviews your GPA for eligibility.

Does APSU superscore the ACT/SAT for scholarships?
APSU considers your highest composite ACT or SAT score, but does not list superscoring in its scholarship criteria. GPA tiers are the main driver for automatic awards.

Can these awards stack with other scholarships?
Yes. Most GPA-based awards stack with leadership or competitive scholarships. The Governor’s Out-of-State Scholarship specifically offsets the nonresident fee but can still pair with merit awards.

What GPA do I need to keep my scholarship?
Most awards require a 2.75 cumulative GPA and full-time status. The Kimbrough requires a 3.0 GPA. PELP and Honors scholarships have higher renewal GPAs.

🏆 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?
Presidents Emerging Leaders Program (PELP)	$3,000/yr (up to 8 semesters)	Cohort-based leadership program with a firm deadline and ongoing engagement requirements	Approx. 3.6+ HS GPA & ~23+ ACT	Yes — PELP application; deadline Dec 31 for fall entry	Yes — typically 3.5 GPA + program participation	Students who’ve led clubs/teams, documented service, and can commit to the leadership curriculum
Howell C. Smith Scholarship	Varies (limited number)	Limited slots awarded to top academic admits	Likely 3.8+ GPA and 26+ ACT*	No separate app listed (selection-based)	Yes — typically 2.75 GPA + full-time	Strongest academic applicants with rigorous coursework and leadership/service background

*Eligibility ranges for the Howell C. Smith Scholarship are estimates based on past APSU award patterns and peer program benchmarks. APSU does not publish exact GPA/test cutoffs.

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

How competitive are these awards?
PELP has a fixed deadline and looks for clear leadership/service. Howell C. Smith has limited slots and goes to the very top admits academically.

Do these stack with automatic GPA awards?
Generally yes. Competitive awards can stack with APSU’s GPA-based scholarships. The nonresident Out-of-State Scholarship functions as a fee offset and can pair with other merit.

Are interviews or essays required?
PELP requires a separate application and may include short-answer prompts or interviews. Howell C. Smith does not list an extra application, but selection is highly competitive.

Any special test score rules?
Competitive selections focus on overall academic record and leadership. When scores are considered, APSU uses your highest composite. GPA, rigor, and activities tend to carry the most weight.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the main merit charts, APSU has niche programs that can cover major costs if you qualify. These are worth a closer look if you’re military-affiliated, planning to study abroad, or interested in ROTC pathways.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC (Govs Guard Battalion)	Covers up to full tuition & fees OR room & board; plus monthly stipend	ROTC cadets meeting Army fitness, academic, and service standards	Yes — via ROTC national/campus board	Yes — with continued ROTC participation	Cadets who contract with the Army ROTC program and meet yearly requirements
Tennessee STRONG Act	Covers tuition & mandatory fees (after other federal/state aid)	Tennessee Army or Air National Guard members in good standing	Yes — state application each term	Yes — until credit cap is met	Guard members who apply on time and remain active in their unit
Military Spouse & Family Waivers	Waives the $5,760/yr out-of-state fee; MyCAA adds up to $4,000 for eligible spouses	Spouses and dependents of active-duty stationed at Fort Campbell	Yes — documentation required	Program-specific	Families with valid military orders or MyCAA eligibility
Study Abroad Scholarships	$1,000–$2,000 typical internal awards	Full-time students, often GPA ≥3.25; tied to specific study abroad programs	Yes — via APSU Study Abroad office	No — one-time award	Students who apply with strong academic records and a clear study plan
Purpose First Scholars (First-Generation Program)	$250 textbook stipend + full-year mentorship and academic support	First-generation freshmen admitted to APSU	Yes — program application	No — one-year learning community	First-gen students selected into the program who commit to mentorship and workshops

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA requirements listed are based on published APSU criteria or state/federal program rules. Where ranges are shown, values may vary by program or year; recheck APSU’s financial aid and program offices for the most current details.

Music Scholarships: Audition-based awards for music majors and band participants. Named funds like the Aaron Schmidt Scholarship, Thomas Cowan Endowed Scholarship, and Crist Memorial Scholarship (3.0 GPA + need) provide varying amounts.
Departmental Awards: Many departments, including Sociology, Community Development, and Psychology, offer their own scholarships and research/travel stipends for majors.
Hoppe Leadership Endowment: Need-based scholarship for Tennessee residents pursuing part-time graduate study in leadership and management fields (not available to undergraduates).

Hidden Gem FAQs

Can ROTC pay for my full degree?
Yes — ROTC scholarships can cover tuition & fees or provide a housing/meal plan allowance instead. You’ll also get a monthly stipend while contracted.

Do Guard members automatically get the STRONG Act benefit?
No — you must apply each term and stay in good standing with your unit. It reimburses tuition/fees after Federal TA is applied.

Can military family waivers stack with other scholarships?
Yes. The waiver removes the out-of-state fee, and you can still use merit or competitive scholarships to cut down base tuition and housing costs.

How competitive are study abroad awards?
They’re modest but accessible. Students with strong GPAs and a clear plan for their program abroad usually receive them.

⭐ 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.

Standout Program:

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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical APSU Honors Student Looks Like:
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.

Perks that Matter:

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?
Ed Irwin Endowed Honors Scholarship	Not specified (endowed fund)	Incoming freshmen admitted to the Honors Program	No — selection within Honors	Not published	Top incoming Honors students chosen by the program
Honors Scholars Essay Contest	$1,000 one-time (split $500 fall / $500 spring)	Incoming Honors freshmen; must complete annual essay contest	Yes — essay submission required	No — one-time award	Honors freshmen who write the strongest essay on the yearly prompt
Honors Ambassadors	$1,000 (Lead Ambassadors)	Current Honors students who serve as mentors and program representatives	Yes — Honors Ambassador application	Typically one year (renewal possible by reappointment)	Active Honors students selected for leadership and service to the program

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit an application to the Honors Program in addition to their APSU admission.

Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors classes are designed to count toward core or major requirements, so most students graduate on time if they plan well with their advisor.

What’s the application timing?
The Honors application is rolling but space is limited. Applying soon after admission is encouraged.

Does Honors come with extra money?
While APSU’s Honors Program offers access to special scholarships and travel funding, the main value comes from mentorship, small classes, and enhanced academic opportunities.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Choosing Austin Peay State University can be a smart move for families looking for a balance of affordability, military-connected benefits, and strong career programs like Nursing and Engineering Technology. Between clear GPA-based scholarships, leadership awards like PELP, and hidden gems such as ROTC or Purpose First Scholars, there are multiple ways to bring the net price down and open doors to unique opportunities. With planning, most students can stack aid and graduate with less debt — a huge win for first-gen and budget-conscious families alike.

✅ Last updated: September 10, 2025