Clarksville, TN · Private University
Is Austin Peay State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,301
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,675
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,219
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$56,876
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.12x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,547
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,846
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Austin Peay State University graduates earn $699 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Austin Peay State University ranked by graduate earnings
99 graduates
26 graduates
178 graduates
63 graduates
35 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Austin Peay State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Austin Peay State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions: $67,158) and the lowest (Marketing: $31,334) is $35,824/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied ProfessionsBest ROI | $67,158 | 4.7x |
| Computer Systems Analysis(1yr data) | $65,084 | 4.6x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,880 | 4.5x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $63,551 | 4.5x |
| Engineering Technology, General(1yr data) | $62,089 | 4.4x |
| Chemistry | $54,314 | 3.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $48,264 | 3.4x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions(1yr data) | $47,809 | 3.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $46,376 | 3.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $45,924 | 3.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,655 | 3.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,844 | 2.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,648 | 2.8x |
| History | $39,052 | 2.8x |
| Music(1yr data) | $39,008 | 2.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations(1yr data) | $38,750 | 2.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services(1yr data) | $37,566 | 2.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $36,870 | 2.6x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,831 | 2.6x |
| Biology, General | $36,805 | 2.6x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $36,534 | 2.6x |
| Social Work | $35,356 | 2.5x |
| Agriculture, General | $35,349 | 2.5x |
| Psychology, General | $33,656 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $32,849 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,661 | 2.3x |
| MarketingLowest(1yr data) | $31,334 | 2.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Austin Peay State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,301 10 years after starting, $699 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.