USD vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Dakota is larger than Austin Peay State University based on total student enrollment (10,619 students vs. 10,439 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD (Distant Town setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• University of South Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Dakota 16:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

USD vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USD 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 USD ($9,882 vs. $19,133).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Dakota are 22.9% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($10,356 vs. $13,430).
• University of South Dakota is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $426 more per year; $9,432.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Austin Peay State University than at University of South Dakota (about $1,824 more per year; $14,766.00 vs. $12,942.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at University of South Dakota (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 100.8% larger than aid received by University of South Dakota students ($11,290 vs. $5,623).

USD vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USD or Austin Peay State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Austin Peay State University and USD.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of South Dakota (1220) is 240 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming USD students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Austin Peay State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of South Dakota 1125/1315; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of South Dakota 19/25; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USD - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman USD students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• USD has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Austin Peay State University (96.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at USD vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

USD vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USD and Austin Peay State University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of South Dakota's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of South Dakota earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 44%)

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.