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College is a big investment. This page shows you:

• How much college may cost
• Types of financial aid and scholarships
• How to get in-state tuition rates
• When and how to pay your bill

Estimate Your Costs

Tuition and fees are set each year by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Costs are charged per credit hour and depend on your residency.

• Direct costs (billed by ������ƵAPP): tuition and fees
• Indirect costs (not billed by ������ƵAPP): books, supplies, course materials, living expenses, personal expenses, and transportation

Financial aid may help cover both. Remember, costs are estimates—your exact amount depends on your classes and situation.

View current tuition & fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Start with the FAFSA

Every student should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you do not take out loans, you still need to complete the FAFSA for grants and Tennessee programs.

• Grants = free money you do not repay
• Filing early = more opportunities

Tennessee Aid Programs

• TN Promise – for recent high school grads
• TN Reconnect – for adults returning to college
• HOPE Scholarship – lottery-funded, for eligible graduates
• TSAA – need-based, awarded first-come, first-served based on FAFSA date

Scholarships

• ������ƵAPP Foundation Scholarships
• Institutional Scholarships
• Local options (employers, churches, community groups)

Where to View Financial Aid in the Portal

You can view your financial aid awards, missing documents, and status updates in your → Student tab → Financial Aid section.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

Your bill may list out-of-state tuition until you submit proof of Tennessee residency.

• Examples: TN driver’s license (front only), utility bill, other approved documents
• Submit by email (admissions@volstate.edu) or in person at Admissions

See the residency document list

Once approved, out-of-state charges are removed.

Bills & Payment Deadlines

• Bills are due about 10 days before the semester starts
• If you register after the due date → payment is due the same day
• eBills are sent weekly to your ������ƵAPP email if you owe money
• You can view your charges and awards and pay online through the ePay Gateway

⚠ If you do not pay by the deadline:

• You may be dropped from classes
• Re-enrollment requires instructor approval, full payment, and is not guaranteed

Refunds

As required by federal regulations, refunds are handled by the Business Office. If you are due a refund, it will be processed by direct deposit or check. 

Have questions about your account? Call (615) 230-3585 or email businessoffice@volstate.edu

Your Financial Responsibility

• Pay or set up a payment plan each semester.
• Unpaid balances will prevent future registration and graduation.
• If you decide not to attend, you must officially withdraw. Not attending does not drop your classes.
• Always check with Financial Aid before adding or dropping courses once the semester begins—these changes may affect your aid.

Withdrawing or Making Schedule Changes

• Before the census date (last day to add/drop): your aid is adjusted to match your enrollment level.
• After the census date: If you added classes, your aid will not be adjusted

Always talk with Financial Aid before adding or dropping classes to determine how future eligibility will be affected and to understand if you will be required to pay additional charges.

First-Week Academically Related Activities & Aid Eligibility

Federal rules require instructors to confirm that you have engaged in your classes during the first week. If you are marked as “not engaged,” your financial aid will be reduced or canceled.

If this happens in error, please contact your instructor right away and notify the Financial Aid Office.

✅ Quick Checklist

1. File your FAFSA
2. Apply for TN Promise, Reconnect, or HOPE
3. Explore scholarship opportunities
4. Verify your residency for in-state tuition
5. Pay your bill (or set up a payment plan) by the published deadline