Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Clarksville, Tennessee
96% Acceptance Rate
Austin Peay State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
96%Acceptance Rate
3.3Avg GPA
1050Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$26,790Annual Cost
$44,301Grad Salary
45.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
96%
Avg GPA
3.3
Avg SAT
1050
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
943–1165
ACT Middle 50%
18–23
Avg Net Price
$14,846
Need-Based Aid
45.6% receive Pell
Austin Peay State University is a public university in Tennessee that emphasizes academic excellence, professional development, and community impact. Admissions focus on the strength of a student's high school record and their readiness for a large, diverse campus environment. The university seeks intellectually ambitious students who are ready to contribute to its vibrant campus community and take advantage of its extensive array of research and professional opportunities.
Successful applicants should highlight their success in rigorous coursework and their initiative in school or community projects. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning such as participating in research or relevant extracurricular fields can significantly strengthen an application. A strong personal statement reflects a clear understanding of how the university's research-intensive environment will prepare the student for their specific career aspirations, as the admissions team prioritizes students with a focused, ambitious vision for their professional future.
Austin Peay State University Acceptance Rate
Austin Peay State University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 96% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 96% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.85
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Austin Peay State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Austin Peay State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 15 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 127 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Austin Peay State University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
December 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/15 (Freshman merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Austin Peay State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Austin Peay State University is 3.3. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.00–3.3 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.50–3.70.Austin Peay State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.90 – 3.09
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.89
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- ~96% acceptance rate, test-optional, no admissions essay; average GPA of admitted students roughly 3.2?3.3.
- Tuition-Free at Austin Peay: covers remaining tuition/fees for new TN-resident or Fort Campbell HS-grad freshmen/transfers, household income ?$75,000, HOPE-eligible, full-time, Fall 2025 admit or later.
- Austin Peay extends in-state tuition to all military-affiliated students nationwide and operates the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell with accelerated 8-week terms; ~29% of the student body is military-affiliated.
- Probationary admits: max 14 credit hours/semester (6 at Fort Campbell); GPA below 1.5 after first semester results in suspension.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Austin Peay State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Austin Peay State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Austin Peay State University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Austin Peay State University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Austin Peay State University Without SAT or ACT?
Austin Peay State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Austin Peay State University Average SAT Score: 1050
The average SAT score of admitted students at Austin Peay State University is 1050 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1050 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1165 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Austin Peay State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 943, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Austin Peay State University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 533 | 475 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 522 | 468 | 575 |
| SAT Composite | 1050 | 943 | 1165 |
Below 943, you're behind most admitted students; at 1165 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Austin Peay State University with a 1150 SAT?
A 1150 SAT puts you ahead of most of Austin Peay State University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Austin Peay State University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Austin Peay State University is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 16 | 22 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 23 |
Can I get into Austin Peay State University with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Austin Peay State University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Austin Peay State University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Austin Peay State University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Austin Peay State University's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
If you're military-connected, lead with that status on your application
APSU is the only Tennessee university offering in-state tuition rates to all of the nation's military-affiliated students - active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and eligible family members - regardless of which installation they're tied to (Fort Cavazos, Fort Liberty, Fort Knox, etc.), not just Fort Campbell. Flag your military affiliation early in the application process so the reduced tuition rate and waived application fee are applied from your first term, not retroactively.
Treat Tuition-Free at Austin Peay as a FAFSA-accuracy problem, not a separate application
This last-dollar program (covering remaining tuition/fees after other aid) has no separate application - eligibility flows entirely from your FAFSA data, Tennessee HOPE Scholarship qualification, and household income at or below $75,000. Since 2025-26 FAFSA income figures are pulled from 2023 returns, a family with a significant income change since then should file a Special Circumstance Request with Financial Aid rather than assuming the FAFSA number disqualifies them.
Since admission itself is low-stakes, spend your effort on HOPE eligibility, not essay polish
APSU has no admissions essay and an acceptance rate near 96% with an average GPA around 3.2?3.3 - academic differentiation isn't the bottleneck here. The actual leverage point for cost is qualifying for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship (a prerequisite for Tuition-Free at Austin Peay), so a student's senior-year GPA and ACT/SAT submission should be aimed at clearing HOPE's threshold, not at impressing an admissions reader.
Know the GPA cliff if you're admitted on probation
Transfer or conditionally admitted students placed on probation can take only 14 credit hours per semester at the Clarksville campus (6 at Fort Campbell), and a GPA below 1.5 after the first semester triggers automatic suspension. If you're entering under DSP placement or with a borderline transcript, plan a lighter, more deliberate first-semester course load rather than a full 15-credit schedule.
Expert Insight:
The common failure at APSU isn't getting rejected - it's leaving money on the table. Military-affiliated students who don't flag their status miss the nationwide in-state tuition rate, and TN/Fort Campbell-area students who treat Tuition-Free as a separate scholarship application (rather than a FAFSA-driven last-dollar award) sometimes never realize they qualified until after enrollment.
Austin Peay State University Profile
Full Name
Austin Peay State University
City
Clarksville
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37044
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Austin Peay State University Degree Worth It?
Austin Peay State University offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $52,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.53%.
How much does a degree from Austin Peay State University Cost?
The sticker price is $26,790/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $14,846.
45.6% of students receive a Pell Grant and 35.7% take federal loans at Austin Peay State University. File your FAFSA early and list Austin Peay State University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Austin Peay State University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $44,301. That's about 9% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Austin Peay State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | 1037 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Austin Peay State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Austin Peay State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Austin Peay State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Peay State University Admissions
Median earnings for Austin Peay State University graduates sit around $44,301 a year.
At about $26,790 a year, Austin Peay State University is on the more affordable end.
About 45.6% receive a Pell Grant at Austin Peay State University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 96%, Austin Peay State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Austin Peay State University average a 3.3 GPA.
Austin Peay State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.9, Austin Peay State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Austin Peay State University — aim above 1050, ideally within the 943–1165 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Austin Peay State University is December 15. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 25. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2025/12/15 (Freshman merit scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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