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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Austin Peay admits students with SAT scores typically ranging from 943 to 1,165, with a median of 1,050. SAT Math scores range from 475 to 590, while SAT Verbal scores span 468 to 575. ACT scores for enrolled students typically fall between 18 and 23, with a median of 21. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. Students scoring below 943 SAT or 18 ACT can still gain admission but represent a smaller portion of the enrolled class. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1,090, Austin Peay enrolls students with scores 40 points lower on average, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students across a broader academic preparation spectrum. The ACT peer median of 22 shows Austin Peay enrolls students with similar standardized test performance to comparable institutions. Students whose test scores fall within or above these ranges can expect to be academically competitive for admission and success at Austin Peay. Those scoring significantly below these ranges should consider whether additional academic preparation might strengthen their foundation for college-level work, though admission remains highly likely given the university's open access approach.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Austin Peay State University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access. The university serves 45.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly half of enrolled students come from families earning less than $50,000 annually. First-generation college students comprise 39.5% of enrollment, demonstrating substantial representation of students whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students represent 39.3% of new enrollment, showing Austin Peay's role in providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition indicates the university prioritizes serving populations historically underrepresented in higher education, including working-class families and non-traditional students. The substantial transfer population suggests Austin Peay effectively supports students transitioning from two-year institutions or those seeking to complete degrees after interruptions. Students from similar backgrounds should recognize they will find substantial peer communities at Austin Peay, while those from more privileged backgrounds should expect to learn alongside classmates from diverse economic and educational circumstances.
Given Austin Peay's 96% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most students meeting basic requirements. However, students may want alternatives for different outcomes or costs.
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Austin Peay State University retains 66.8% of freshmen for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating retention rates below typical four-year institutions. The university graduates 44.5% of students within six years, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, showing completion rates modestly below similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 33.8%, creating a 10.7 percentage point gap with overall completion rates. This gap indicates challenges in supporting lower-income students through degree completion, though substantial numbers of Pell students do succeed. Students who gain admission should expect that success requires active engagement with academic support services and persistence through challenges. The university's completion rates suggest that students benefit from strong academic preparation, clear degree planning, and utilization of support resources. Prospective students should evaluate their readiness for college-level work and commitment to degree completion, particularly if they come from backgrounds represented in the completion gaps. Those who enroll should plan to take advantage of tutoring, advising, and other support services to maximize their chances of graduation.
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