At $14,846/yr net price, Austin Peay State University graduates earn $44,301/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,301/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,846 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,301/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,301/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,547 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,559/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,983/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,365/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,443/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,140/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,697 | $44,596 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $60,226 | $12,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,214 | $23,365 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,677 | $22,246 |
| 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 | $35,766 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,937 |
The Risk Factor
44.5% of students at Austin Peay State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Austin Peay State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $44,301 after ten years and a troubling 44% graduation rate that leaves many without degrees but with debt.
Your best financial bet is nursing, where graduates earn $87,697 annually despite higher debt loads. Clinical laboratory science also pays well at $60,226 with manageable debt of $12,500. Computer science graduates earn $50,677, making it another decent option. Educational administration rounds out the profitable programs at $49,058.
The graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you face a 56% chance of leaving without a degree. The 67% retention rate shows many students struggle from the start. These numbers mean you could easily end up with debt but no credential to show for it.
Austin Peay works financially if you can get into nursing or laboratory science and have strong academic preparation to avoid dropping out. The $14,846 net price is reasonable, but only if you actually graduate. With less than half of students finishing, this school is a poor choice if you need academic support or aren't certain about your major.
You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts, business, or social sciences since these programs don't appear among the top earners. The regional Tennessee job market limits opportunities outside healthcare and technical fields, making career flexibility difficult after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin Peay State University worth the cost?
Austin Peay State University offers moderate value with a relatively low net price of $14,846 annually and median debt under $21,000. However, graduates earn $44,301 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates, and only 44% of students graduate within six years.
What are the best paying majors at Austin Peay State University?
Nursing programs at Austin Peay lead to the highest earnings, with some nursing graduates earning over $87,000 annually. Clinical laboratory science ($60,226) and computer science ($50,677) also offer solid returns on investment.
How much debt do Austin Peay State University graduates have?
Austin Peay graduates carry a median debt of $20,547, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Austin Peay State University?
Only 44.5% of Austin Peay students graduate within six years, which is significantly below the national average. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.