Step 2: Review Your Award Status

After you have successfully submitted your FAFSA (Step 1), it takes time for your application to be processed by the Department of Education and sent to Austin Peay. Once we receive your information, we will review it to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Your official award notification will be sent to your AP email address. You can check the real-time status of your application, any outstanding requirements, and your award offer in your AP OneStop portal.

How to Check Your Financial Aid Status

1. Log in to your AP OneStop portal.

2. Select the "Web Self Service" tab.

3. Click on the "Financial Aid" link.

4. Select "Financial Aid Status" from the menu.

5. Choose the correct "Aid Year" (e.g., 2025-2026 Academic Year).

6. Review your status and any "Student Requirements" listed.

Check for: Verification Requirements

This is the most common reason your aid may be delayed.

• What is Verification? The U.S. Department of Education selects a percentage of FAFSA applications for a process called "Verification." This means our office is required to collect additional documentation to confirm the accuracy of the information you provided on your FAFSA (such as tax information, household size, etc.).

• How do I know if I'm selected?

  1. You will receive an email to your AP email account.

  2. You will see a "Student Requirements" list in your AP OneStop financial aid portal.

• What do I do? Immediately submit all requested documents. You can find these requirements and any necessary forms in your AP OneStop portal.

CRITICAL: Your financial aid award cannot be finalized or paid until the Verification process is 100% complete. Check your status and submit documents early.

Understanding Your Award Offer

Once your file is complete (and verification is finished, if applicable), you will receive an award offer. This offer may be a combination of different aid types. It is essential to understand what you are being offered before you accept it.

Types of Financial Aid

• Grants & Scholarships (Gift Aid):

  • This is "free money" that you do not have to repay.

  • Examples: Federal Pell Grant, Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, APSU institutional scholarships.

• Federal Work-Study (Earned Aid):

  • This provides a part-time job on campus, allowing you to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.

  • It is paid to you in a paycheck, not applied directly to your bill. You must accept this award and then find a work-study job.

• Federal Student Loans (Borrowed Aid):

  • This is "borrowed money" that you must repay with interest.

  • Direct Subsidized Loan: Based on financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on this loan while you are enrolled at least half-time.

  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Not based on financial need. Interest begins to accrue (build up) on this loan from the moment it is paid out, even while you are in school. You are responsible for all interest.

Financial Literacy Tip: You are not required to accept the full loan amount offered. You should only borrow what you absolutely need to cover your tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

Next Step: Accept Your Aid

Once you have reviewed your status, completed all verification requirements, and understood your award offer, you are ready for the final step.

Step 3: Accept Your Aid & Complete Requirements