Austin Peay State University: 93.8% Acceptance Rate

93.8%Acceptance

$8,675Tuition

7,365Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,301Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University draws 7,365 students to its Clarksville campus for accessible higher education and competitive athletics. The Governors compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference, fielding 14 varsity sports with 331 student-athletes. The university has built a reputation for strong education and business programs since its founding in 1927. Notable graduates include country music star Trace Adkins and former NFL running back Bobby Humphrey.

Students pay an average net price of $14,846 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable public universities in Tennessee. With 45.6% of students receiving Pell Grants, Austin Peay serves many first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,301 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $20,547. The monthly loan payment of $218 represents a manageable burden for most graduates.

The university accepts 93.8% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21, creating an open-access environment for Tennessee residents. About 90% of students come from in-state, and women make up 58.9% of enrollment. The 44.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, though 93.4% of graduates find employment.

Academics & Faculty

Austin Peay State University serves as a regional public university with particular strength in education and business programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 44.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. The university has built a solid reputation for preparing teachers and business professionals for the regional workforce. With 93% of graduates finding employment, Austin Peay connects students to job opportunities in middle Tennessee and surrounding areas. The school operates as a full university rather than a specialized institution, offering traditional undergraduate programs alongside some graduate degrees that serve the local community's professional development needs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.5%
Retention Rate: 66.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,301
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$87,697
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$60,226
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,214
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$50,677
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$49,058
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$46,087
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$45,584
Education, General.	Master	$44,021
Communication and Media Studies.	Master	$43,798
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Master	$41,937

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

Austin Peay sits in Clarksville, about an hour northwest of Nashville, giving students access to music city without big-city prices. Only 23% of the 7,365 students live in campus housing, creating a largely commuter atmosphere where many drive home on weekends. The Tennessee climate means you'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summers that hit the 90s.

The Governors' NCAA Division I athletics draw crowds, especially when rival Murray State visits for their heated matchups. With 90% of students from Tennessee, the campus feels tight-knit and regional. Students often head to Nashville for concerts and internships, while others stick around for campus events and intramural sports. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 67% retention rate suggests some students struggle to connect. Greek life and student organizations help build community among the mostly commuter population. Downtown Clarksville offers restaurants and shops within walking distance of the compact campus.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,723 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Domestic Violence	5	5	3
Dating Violence	3	0	2
Rape	2	0	2
Fondling	2	0	1
Stalking	3	0	0
Burglary	2	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–46°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

Austin Peay draws primarily from Tennessee and surrounding states, with nine out of ten students calling the region home. The student body reflects the school's mission as an accessible public university, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants and manageable debt loads averaging $20,547. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, largely due to strong education and nursing programs that traditionally attract female students. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic populations, making Austin Peay one of Tennessee's more inclusive public universities while maintaining its regional identity.

Men: 41.1%
Women: 58.9%
White: 51.7%
Black: 21.5%
Hispanic: 11.5%
Asian: 2.3%
In-State Students: 90.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.6%

Location

Clarksville sits in north-central Tennessee, just 45 miles northwest of Nashville. This mid-sized city of 166,000 residents offers a blend of college town atmosphere and military presence, anchored by the nearby Fort Campbell Army base. The rolling hills of the Tennessee Valley provide a scenic backdrop for campus life. About 90% of Austin Peay's 7,365 students come from in-state, creating a strong regional connection. The city's proximity to Nashville gives students access to internships and entertainment in Music City while maintaining affordable living costs. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Austin Peay State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Clarksville, Tennessee 37044

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,301
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,012
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $218/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,547

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Austin Peay State University?

Austin Peay accepts 93.82% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1077, with middle 50% scores ranging from 983 to 1170. This public university welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds.

How much does Austin Peay State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,846 per year for all students. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,559 on average after aid. About 45.6% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this Tennessee university affordable for working families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Austin Peay State University?

Austin Peay maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,365 total students. The university is known for strong programs in education and business. Students benefit from smaller class sizes typical of regional public universities.

What are the graduation rates at Austin Peay State University?

The six-year graduation rate is 44.5%, while the four-year rate reaches 43.9%. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,301 ten years after enrollment. The retention rate of 66.85% reflects the challenges many students face at open-access institutions.

Where do most Austin Peay State University students come from?

About 90.3% of students are Tennessee residents, creating a strong local community feel. The student body is 58.9% women and diverse, with 51.7% white students, 21.5% Black students, and 11.5% Hispanic students. Only 1,723 housing spots are available for the 7,365 enrolled students.

Does Austin Peay State University compete in Division I athletics?

The Governors compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The university fields 14 varsity sports with 331 total athletes and awards $4.8 million in athletic scholarships. Notable alumni include country singer Trace Adkins and former NFL player Bobby Humphrey.