Austin Peay State University

Situated in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a well-regarded institution of higher education. It holds the #37 position in Regional Universities South (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #18 in Top Public Schools. The school serves approximately 8,926 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 95% acceptance rate, making it welcoming to a broad range of applicants. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 843-1126 and ACT scores of 18-24. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.3. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 51% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. The most popular areas of study include Health Professions (16%), Business and Management (13%), and Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology (10%). Graduates in Health Professions earn a median salary of $75,418 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $15,914. Approximately 27% of students complete their degree within four years. The application deadline is Aug. 26.