Austin Peay State University: Is It Worth It?

Graduate earnings, costs, and ROI analysis with federal data

By Appffeine Research Team · Updated February 11, 2026

Overview

Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, TN. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from Austin Peay State University actually earn.

Data last updated: February 11, 2026

| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $44,301 | | In-State Tuition | $8,675 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $14,219 | | Acceptance Rate | 96.0% | | Graduation Rate | 44.5% | | Student Population | 7,365 |

Graduate Earnings

According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for Austin Peay State University graduates is $44,301 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.

This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.

How This Compares

Compare Austin Peay State University's graduate earnings to:

  • [Similar schools in TN](/schools/tn)
  • [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
  • [National averages by major](/majors)

Cost Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of attending Austin Peay State University:

| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $8,675 | $14,219 | | Room & Board | $13,070 | $13,070 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $86,980 | $109,156 |

Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

ROI Analysis

To calculate your personal ROI:

  • Estimate your total cost after financial aid
  • Compare to median earnings of $44,301
  • Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
  • Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
[Calculate Your Personal ROI →](/tools/roi-calculator)

Top Majors at Austin Peay State University

The highest-earning majors at Austin Peay State University typically include:

  • Engineering and Computer Science programs
  • Business and Finance degrees
  • Healthcare and Nursing programs
[See earnings by major at Austin Peay State University →](/school/austin-peay-state-university/majors)

Similar Schools to Consider

Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:

  • Schools in TN with similar outcomes
  • Institutions with comparable admission rates
  • Universities with strong programs in your intended major
[Compare with similar schools →](/compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin Peay State University worth the tuition?

With median graduate earnings of $44,301 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $109,156, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.

What percentage of Austin Peay State University students graduate?

The graduation rate at Austin Peay State University is 44.5%, which is below the national average.

How competitive is admission to Austin Peay State University?

Austin Peay State University has an acceptance rate of 96.0% with an average SAT score of 1050.

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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.