Athens State University complies with all federal rules and regulations governing the administration of Title IV federal financial aid programs. The university has been approved to participate in all federal aid programs and recertified as required without exception or delay. The university submits all federal financial aid reports in a timely fashion, receives annual allocations of Title IV Campus-Based Aid funds from the Department of Education, and is audited as required to assure administrative responsibility and appropriate cash management capabilities. Background information on program requirements is available via the Department of Education website.

Athens State University has consistently demonstrated the ability to use federal aid allocations fully, to award funds within the established rules and regulations for each program, and to be accountable for funds expended. The FY 2007 Federal Family Education Loan Programs Cohort Default Rate for Athens State University (the most recent rate available) is 3.5%, following a trend of similarly low rates that have ranged from 2.2% to 3.7% over the past five years.

In addition, Athens State University is audited annually by the State of Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) for compliance under Circular A-133 Audit Guidelines. The University’s audit history has consistently been free of any problems.

The Secretary of Education can confirm that the university is in full compliance with Title IV of the 1998 Higher Education Amendments. Copies of the university's most recent letter of recertification to participate in federal aid programs and copies of annual campus-based allocation letters are available in the Athens State University Office of Student Financial Services.