Athens State University

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Athens State University (ASU) is a public institution of higher education located in Athens, Alabama. Founded in 1822, it is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in Alabama, and it has a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality education and a student-centered learning environment.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

ASU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs, through its two colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business. The university is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that fosters student success and personal growth.

TUITION, FEES, AND ESTIMATED STUDENT EXPENSES:

For the 2022-2024 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students at ASU is $8,670 per year for in-state students and $17,340 per year for out-of-state students. For graduate students, the estimated tuition and fees are $5,736 per year for in-state students and $11,472 per year for out-of-state students.

In addition to tuition and fees, students at ASU can expect to pay for expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and transportation. The estimated total cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students for the 2022-2024 academic year is $21,716 for in-state students and $30,386 for out-of-state students.

FINANCIAL AID:

ASU offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for their education. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

NET PRICE:

The net price at ASU for the 2022-2024 academic year is $9,947 for in-state students and $18,617 for out-of-state students. The net price is the total cost of attendance minus the average amount of financial aid that students receive.

ENROLLMENT:

As of fall 2021, ASU had a total enrollment of 3,701 students, with 3,108 undergraduate students and 593 graduate students. The student body is diverse, with 25% of students identifying as Black or African American, 3% as Hispanic/Latino, and 2% as Asian.

ADMISSIONS:

ASU has an open admissions policy, which means that all students who have a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible for admission. To apply, students must submit an application, official high school or college transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores (optional for most programs).

RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES:

ASU’s retention rate for full-time, first-time undergraduate students is 54%, and its graduation rate is 20%. These rates are lower than the national averages for public universities.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the median earnings of ASU graduates 10 years after enrollment is $36,200, which is lower than the national average for public universities.

PROGRAMS/MAJORS:

ASU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas such as business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Popular majors include business administration, elementary education, and psychology.

SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS:

ASU is committed to serving the needs of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The university has a Veterans Affairs Office that provides support and resources to military-affiliated students, including assistance with GI Bill benefits and academic advising.

VARSITY ATHLETIC TEAMS:

ASU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and fields teams in six varsity sports: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s golf. The teams are known as the “Athens State Lions” and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC).

ACCREDITATION:

ASU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education provided by colleges and universities.

CAMPUS SECURITY AND SAFETY:

ASU is committed to providing a safe and secure campus environment for its students, faculty, and staff. The university has a dedicated campus police department that provides 24/7 security and law enforcement services. The department also offers safety resources and training programs, including active shooter preparedness and self-defense classes.

COHORT DEFAULT RATES:

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, the three-year cohort default rate for ASU is 11.3%, which is below the national average for public universities.

In summary, Athens State University is a public institution that provides affordable undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The university offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for their education, and it is committed to serving the needs of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. While its retention and graduation rates are lower than the national averages, ASU provides a safe and secure campus environment and is accredited by a reliable authority.

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