Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Austin Peay State University vary significantly by field of study, with healthcare and technical programs delivering substantially stronger earnings than general studies tracks. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or enrollment size.
Analyzing 31 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, state rankings, and specialized outcomes.
#12 nationally
$65K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Austin Peay State University.
Technology programs demonstrate exceptional performance with Computer Systems Analysis ranking #3 nationally and Artificial Intelligence producing $63,551 median earnings. Applied Engineering Technologies delivers strong outcomes at $62,089 with manageable cohort sizes.
These programs are ideal for students prioritizing high earnings potential and technical skill development in emerging fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysis. | #3 | $65,084★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or prestige measures. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates' earnings and debt levels. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for privacy and reliability, meaning some smaller programs may not appear. Rankings within each category help students understand relative outcomes but should be considered alongside individual interests, career goals, and graduate school plans. Austin Peay's program portfolio shows significant variation, with healthcare and technology programs delivering substantially stronger financial returns than general studies tracks. Students should weigh earning potential against personal interests and long-term career objectives when selecting majors.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 32 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #177 | $63,551 | — | 42 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | #17 | $62,089 | — | 41 |
Business programs show mixed outcomes with Business Administration earning $33,993 and Accounting Technology at $37,566. Digital Marketing produces lower earnings at $31,334, indicating variation within business fields.
These programs are appropriate for students seeking broad business skills, though specialized technical programs offer stronger financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #202 | $48,264★ | — | 23 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | — | $46,376 | — | 8 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #280 | $37,566 | — | 32 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #332 | $33,993 | — | 80 |
| Digital Marketing. | #220 | $31,334 | — | 43 |
Health programs at Austin Peay deliver the institution's strongest earnings outcomes, led by Blood Bank Technology Specialist with $67,158 median earnings and Adult Health Nurse/Nursing at $63,880. These specialized programs rank among the top in Tennessee and provide excellent debt-to-earnings ratios.
This group is best suited for students seeking technical healthcare careers with strong financial returns and clear professional pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #12 | $67,158★ | — | 68 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #234 | $63,880 | — | 148 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #92 | $36,141 | — | 22 |
Science programs show moderate outcomes with Biology General earning $36,805. While rankings are modest nationally, these programs provide foundation for graduate study and research careers.
Sciences suit students planning advanced degrees or careers where undergraduate earnings represent just the starting point of their professional development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #240 | $42,608★ | — | 12 |
| Biology, General. | #340 | $36,805 | — | 57 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | — | $36,411 | — | 8 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #192 | $26,585 | — | 27 |
Social science programs demonstrate modest earnings with Psychology General at $33,656 and Forensic Social Work at $35,356. American Government and Politics shows stronger performance at $45,924.
These programs serve students interested in human services and policy work, typically prioritizing social impact over high earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #246 | $45,924★ | — | 32 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #179 | $35,356 | $12,386 | 79 |
| Psychology, General. | #335 | $33,656 | — | 97 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #262 | $32,849 | — | 27 |
Communication programs offer moderate earnings with Communication and Media Studies producing $39,844 for 96 graduates annually. The program ranks #4 in Tennessee with a value score of 38.4, showing reasonable return relative to program costs.
These programs work best for students prioritizing broad communication skills over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #157 | $39,844 | $13,533 | 96 |
Liberal arts programs include General Studies earning $36,831 and Art History at $32,661. General Studies ranks #2 in Tennessee despite modest national standing, showing regional value.
These programs work well for students seeking broad educational foundations and flexible career preparation rather than specialized technical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #262 | $39,052★ | — | 29 |
| General Studies. | #141 | $36,831 | — | 113 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #241 | $36,534 | — | 31 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #120 | $32,661 | — | 55 |
| Applied Linguistics.Small sample | #87 | $32,030 | — | 10 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #132 | $30,366 | — | 19 |
Education programs provide steady career pathways with Adult and Continuing Education producing $39,648 median earnings. These programs serve important community needs and offer stable employment prospects, though earnings remain modest compared to technical fields.
Education programs suit students committed to teaching and community service over maximum financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #91 | $40,929★ | — | 10 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #189 | $39,648 | — | 57 |
Agriculture, General. leads agriculture & environment with 35K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | #28 | $35,349 | — | 34 |
Criminal justice programs show solid performance with Corrections Administration earning $45,655 and ranking #3 in Tennessee. The program serves 102 graduates annually with a strong value score of 39.8, indicating good return on investment.
This field suits students interested in public safety careers with steady earnings potential and regional job market strength.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #116 | $45,655 | — | 102 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 37K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #141 | $36,870 | $14,542 | 194 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
