Columbus State vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than Columbus State based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

Columbus State vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or Austin Peay State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Austin Peay State University than Columbus State ($9,882 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 12.7% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($11,720 vs. $13,430).
• Austin Peay State University is 52.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $3,108 more per year; $9,006.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Columbus State than at Austin Peay State University (about $2,844 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at Columbus State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,290 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or Austin Peay State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Austin Peay State University and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Austin Peay State University (980) is 50 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Austin Peay State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Austin Peay State University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Austin Peay State University (96.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

Columbus State vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and Austin Peay State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Austin Peay State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates of Columbus State University and Austin Peay State University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $37,400), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Austin Peay State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 37%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.