Austin Peay State University (APSU) vs Coastal Carolina University
Austin Peay State University and Coastal Carolina University, both located in the southeastern United States, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Austin Peay, situated in Clarksville, Tennessee, is a public university with a smaller student body and a focus on undergraduate education. Coastal Carolina, located in Conway, South Carolina, is also a public university, but it has a larger student population and offers a wider range of graduate programs. While both universities offer a variety of academic programs, Austin Peay is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business, while Coastal Carolina is known for its programs in marine science, hospitality, and tourism. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and other key differences between these two institutions, and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.
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![]() Austin Peay State University |
![]() Coastal Carolina University |
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Overview |
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Location | Clarksville, Tennessee | Conway, South Carolina |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 63.0% | 72.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 93.4% | 79.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
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Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$45
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SAT range | N/A | 1030 - 1190 |
ACT range | 18 - 24 | 20 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 29.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 77.0% | 13.0% |
Total number of applicants | 5,053 | 15,481 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,721 | 12,251 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,429 | 2,519 |
Yield rate | 30.3% | 20.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$30,175
Out of state:
$35,719
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In state:
$26,318
Out of state:
$42,072
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Average net price | $14,529 | $14,956 |
Tuition |
In state:
$6,816
Out of state:
$12,360
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In state:
$11,460
Out of state:
$27,214
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,260
Meal plan:
$4,090
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Room/dormitory:
$5,440
Meal plan:
$3,928
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
95.0%
Average amount $8,431 |
91.0%
Average amount $9,834 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
46.0%
Average amount $5,124 |
60.0%
Average amount $5,848 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $10,399 |
16.0%
Average amount $20,291 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
8,418
Men 39.1% Women 60.9% |
9,790
Men 44.9% Women 55.1% |
Graduate students |
1,191
Men 34.2% Women 65.8% |
683
Men 30.7% Women 69.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 11.3% | 60.2% |
International students | 1.2% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 1,803 | 4,728 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Tennessee Georgia Alabama Florida | South Carolina New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Maryland |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 42.3% | 51.2% |
Dropout rate | 55.9% | 11.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | 36.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degrees)
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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