Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University admits 96.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 24 out of 25 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Austin Peay in the Open Access tier, representing institutions that prioritize broad educational opportunity over selective admission.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Austin Peay maintains more accessible standards than typical four-year universities, with an 11.4 percentage point difference favoring applicant access. This level of accessibility means that students meeting basic academic requirements can expect strong admission prospects.

For prospective students, Austin Peay's open access model removes admission anxiety and allows focus on program fit and financial planning rather than competitive positioning. Students should view Austin Peay as a reliable admission option while considering whether the university's program offerings and outcomes align with their academic and career goals.

The high acceptance rate reflects the institution's mission to serve diverse populations, including first-generation and transfer students who may benefit from accessible pathways to higher education.

Austin Peay State University's published cost of attendance is $26,790 per year, including $14,219 in out-of-state tuition, $13,070 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. Tennessee residents pay $8,675 in tuition, creating significant savings for in-state students.

However, the average student pays just $14,846 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,944 from the sticker price. This net price falls $753 below the peer median of $14,093, making Austin Peay slightly more expensive than similar institutions but still affordable relative to four-year university costs nationally.

The university's financial aid effectiveness reduces costs substantially for most families, with aid covering 44.6% of published costs on average. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $12,559 for the lowest-income families to $19,140 for the highest-income tier, creating a progressive pricing structure that supports accessibility across economic backgrounds.

Austin Peay State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $38,779 six years after enrollment to $41,659 at eight years and $44,301 at ten years, representing 14.2% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a substantial cohort of 3,795 graduates in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $3,013 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Austin Peay in the 67.4th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics.

Low-income graduates earn $34,800, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for disadvantaged populations. Earnings span a 2.4:1 ratio between the 75th percentile ($64,102) and 25th percentile ($26,869), reflecting variation across academic programs and career paths.

Approximately 27.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. While median earnings rank at the 24th percentile nationally, the institution's value-added performance and specialized program strengths demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the populations served.

Austin Peay State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Blood Bank Technology Specialist ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, producing 68 graduates with median earnings of $67,158 and an exceptional value score of 80.4.

Computer Systems Analysis ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, graduating 32 students with median earnings of $65,084. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #225 nationally and #7 in Tennessee, with 148 graduates earning $63,880, representing the university's largest high-earning program.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology serves as the university's most popular program, graduating 194 students with median earnings of $36,870. General Studies ranks #2 in Tennessee despite modest national standing, reflecting strong regional outcomes for this flexible degree path.

Austin Peay demonstrates particular strength in healthcare and technical specializations, with multiple programs achieving top-tier state rankings and producing graduates who significantly exceed typical earnings expectations for their fields.