Scholarships at Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University is committed to making a quality education accessible and affordable. APSU offers a range of scholarships — including academic scholarships that are automatically awarded based on your GPA — as well as competitive departmental awards, state lottery programs, and grant funding for adult learners returning to school.
The 2027–2028 APSU Scholarship Application is now open. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2027. This application is for competitive general and departmental scholarships. Guaranteed
academic scholarships are awarded automatically and don't need it. To be considered,
you must be admitted to Austin Peay State University.Competitive Scholarship Application Now Open
Scholarship Programs
Academic Scholarships
APSU offers guaranteed academic scholarships that are automatically awarded to eligible freshman and transfer students at the time of admission — no separate application required. Your GPA qualifies you.
Incoming freshmen with a 3.0 GPA or higher automatically receive the Governor's Excellence Scholarship ($1,000/year). Higher GPAs qualify for larger awards up to $6,000 per year.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 award for first-time freshman or transfer students who have a family member that attended or currently attends Austin Peay State University. Indicate your eligible family member on your Admissions application.
Learn more about the Alumni Legacy Scholarship
General and Departmental Scholarships
APSU offers a wide variety of general and departmental scholarships through an online application available to all students. Scholarships are available for a broad range of academic backgrounds, interests, and circumstances — every student is encouraged to apply.
Search and Apply for APSU Scholarships
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Programs
Tennessee students who received a HOPE Lottery Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Aspire Award, or NonTraditional HOPE Scholarship can use their award at APSU. Visit the Tennessee Lottery Programs section to learn about initial eligibility, GPA requirements, and how to keep your award.
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Programs
Tennessee Promise
Tennessee Promise is a scholarship and mentoring program that provides last-dollar scholarship funding for eligible students pursuing an Associate's degree. At APSU, Tennessee Promise covers the equivalent of average community college tuition and fees not already covered by other gift aid.
Tennessee Reconnect Grant
The Tennessee Reconnect Grant supports adult learners who started college but never finished, helping them return and complete a degree or certificate. Like Tennessee Promise, TN Reconnect covers the equivalent of average community college tuition and fees at APSU — not a full last-dollar scholarship at a four-year institution.
Reporting Outside Scholarships
If you receive a scholarship from a source outside APSU — such as a community organization, employer, or private foundation — you are required to report it to the Financial Aid Office. Outside scholarships may affect your overall financial aid package. Use the Additional Financial Aid Resources form in your OneStop portal to report these awards.
Protect Yourself from Scholarship Scams
Legitimate scholarships never require you to pay a fee to apply or to receive an award. Be cautious of services that promise to find scholarships for you in exchange for payment. Review guidance from the Federal Trade Commission on scholarship and financial aid scams if you have any concerns.