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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,790 |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,219 |
| Room and Board | $13,070 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,944 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,846 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,559 |
| $30–48k | $12,983 |
| $48–75k | $16,365 |
| $75–110k | $19,443 |
| $110k+ | $19,140 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Austin Peay graduates carry median debt of $20,547, slightly above the peer median of $21,105 but within typical ranges for public universities. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,738 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing patterns with most students avoiding excessive debt loads.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 indicates that typical graduates dedicate 46% of first-year earnings to debt service under standard repayment plans, which approaches concerning levels but remains manageable for most borrowers. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $13,015, requiring monthly payments of $171, adding family-level debt burdens beyond student obligations.
The combination of modest debt levels and controlled net costs creates sustainable financial obligations for most graduates, though students in lower-earning programs may face challenges with debt service relative to post-graduation income levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Austin Peay State University delivers solid return on educational investment through controlled costs and targeted program excellence. Graduates earn $3,013 beyond expectations relative to student demographics, placing the university at the 67.4th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $44,301 rank at the 24th percentile nationally, they represent meaningful economic advancement for the populations served, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 indicates that graduates can service educational debt within reasonable timeframes, though program selection significantly impacts financial outcomes.
Students in high-performing programs like Blood Bank Technology ($67,158 earnings) or Computer Systems Analysis ($65,084 earnings) achieve excellent returns, while those in general studies or liberal arts programs face more challenging debt-to-income relationships. Austin Peay's investment value depends heavily on program choice and individual career planning, with specialized professional programs delivering strong financial returns while general programs provide broader but more modest economic benefits.
Austin Peay State University demonstrates strong commitment to financial accessibility through substantial aid programs. The university serves 45.6% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average, indicating effective aid targeting toward lower-income populations.
Financial aid reduces average costs by $11,944, representing 44.6% savings from published prices. The progressive net pricing structure shows aid concentration among families most needing support, with lowest-income students paying $6,581 less than highest-income families.
This aid distribution enables Austin Peay to maintain its mission of serving first-generation and working-class students while generating revenue from families with greater financial capacity. The substantial aid programs help explain the university's ability to enroll diverse student populations despite Tennessee's limited state funding for higher education compared to other regions.
