First-Time Applicants

Before You Begin

Apply for APSU admission first. Applying for VA benefits does not constitute admission to APSU. If you have not already been admitted, apply for admission to APSU before starting the VA benefits process.

Not sure which benefit you have? Visit VA Benefit Programs for a summary of each chapter, who it is for, and how payments work.

Application Steps

The following steps apply to all first-time applicants regardless of benefit chapter. Chapter-specific requirements — application forms and supporting documents — are listed in the section below.

1. Apply for your VA benefit

Apply online at VA.gov. Submit a copy of your application confirmation page to the APSU Veterans Education Benefits office, along with any required supporting documents for your chapter (see table below).

Alternatively, you may complete a paper application and submit it directly to our office.

Chapter 31 VR&E students: Do not submit a standard VA application. Contact your VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to begin the approval process. Once your education plan is approved, your counselor will send an authorization to APSU.

2. Submit your supporting documents to our office

Refer to the chart below for the specific documents required for your benefit chapter. Bring or mail copies to the APSU Veterans Education Benefits office.

3. Complete Online Orientation

Complete the APSU Veterans Education Benefits Online Orientation before or during your first term.

4. Register for classes

Register for classes through your APSU student account. Make sure your courses apply toward your approved degree program — taking classes outside your plan of study can affect your certification.

5. Complete the Certification Request Form (CRF)

Once registered, submit the Certification Request Form so our office can certify your enrollment to the VA. Do not wait until the semester starts.

Submit the Certification Request Form (CRF)

6. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility or VA Award Letter

When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or VA Award Letter from the VA, submit a copy to our office by the end of your first term. If you enroll before the COE arrives, our office can still certify your enrollment — you do not need to wait.

7. Request a VA fee deferment if needed

If your VA payment has not been received by APSU's billing deadline, you can request a fee deferment to avoid late charges while your benefit is processing.

Request a VA Fee Deferment

8. Prior Credit Evaluation

Our office will complete a Prior Credit Evaluation of your previous academic work by the end of your first term. You do not need to initiate this — we handle it. 

Exception: Aviation Science students operate on a different timeline; contact our office for details.

Application Forms and Supporting Documents by Chapter

Additional State Benefits

You may also qualify for state-funded education benefits independent of your VA benefit chapter.

Helping Heroes Grant is a Tennessee lottery-funded scholarship providing up to $1,000 per semester for eligible veterans and service members. It is administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) and is separate from VA education benefits. Visit TSAC's Helping Heroes Grant page for eligibility requirements and how to apply.

TCA §49-7-102 Veterans' Dependents' Post-Secondary Education Program provides eligible dependent children and spouses of certain veterans with a waiver of tuition, student activity fees, and required registration fees. This program is administered by the APSU Veterans Education Benefits office.

TCA §49-7-102 State Education Benefits