APU Doctoral Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: January 30, 2024

How to Get Your Prior Loans Deferred

Deferment is a period during which the repayment of the loan principal is suspended as a result of the borrower meeting one or more requirements established by law. In-school deferment allows students to defer payments while attending a degree program at least half-time per semester in an academic year.

Students in the doctoral program(s) are aligned with a cohort and assigned their academic year start. Depending on your start and program progression, the academic year will align and advance accordingly.

Keep in mind, interest continues to accrue during the deferment period of an unsubsidized loan and PLUS loan. Interest does not generally accrue during the deferment period of a subsidized loan. Students have the option to continue making payments on their interest and/or principal while their loan is in the deferment status.

Submitting Enrollment Information to National Student Clearinghouse

  • APUS submits your current enrollment data directly to the National Student Clearinghouse on the 16th of each month that you are enrolled in classes. There is no need to take action to get your in-school deferment, as long as you are enrolled in eligible, credit-hour courses.
  • The National Student Clearinghouse will electronically notify each of your participating lenders of your enrollment status. The National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS) is also updated, however is typically a month behind in updating.
  • If you have received a paper loan deferment form from your lender, please scan and email the form to [email protected] or fax to 304-724-3802 for processing.
  • If you need to communicate your enrollment status to your lender before the monthly clearinghouse reporting process is complete, please follow the process described below:
  • Request a deferment form from your lender and submit the form using one of the following methods:
    • Email to: [email protected] (preferred)
    • Fax to: 304-724-3802
    • Mail the form to the following address:

APUS
ATTN: Office of the Registrar
111 W. Congress Street
Charles Town, WV 25414

If you need assistance, email [email protected] and include your student ID number in your email.

If you need to check on the status of your loan deferment, please contact the National Student Clearinghouse or your lender.

How to Get Your Enrollment Verified (for Insurance/Scholarships)

The university processes all requests for enrollment verification through the National Student Clearinghouse. APUS submits your current enrollment data directly to the National Student Clearinghouse on the 16th of each month that you are enrolled in classes. 

Your enrollment verification or In-School deferment cannot be processed until the start of week 2 of your first courses in your term, as you must have attended a course beyond the first week before any loan deferments or enrollment verifications may be processed.

To obtain enrollment verification:

  1. Access the National Student Clearinghouse website using the following link: National Student Clearinghouse.
  2. Select “Verify Now”
  3. Enter the required information (your school’s name, your name, and your date of birth).
  4. You will be presented with an official Enrollment Verification Certificate that can be printed out and provided to organizations requiring proof of your enrollment status.

If you need assistance, email [email protected] and include your student ID number in your email.