Introduction
Comparing educational institutions is crucial for students and their families as they make decisions about higher education. In this article, we will compare Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Marshall University in various aspects such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Austin Peay State University
Overview
Austin Peay State University (APSU) is a public university in Clarksville, Tennessee. Established in 1927, APSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Health Professions, and Education.
Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at APSU for an in-state undergraduate student is around $23,000 per year, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $37,000 per year.
Admissions
APSU’s acceptance rate is approximately 94%, making it a less selective institution. The average GPA of admitted students is around 3.3, and the average ACT score ranges from 19 to 24.
Degrees Offered
APSU offers over 56 undergraduate majors, 63 minors, and 22 graduate programs. Some popular programs include Business Management, Nursing, and Criminal Justice.
Academics
Austin Peay State University is known for its excellent faculty and a commitment to student success. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, APSU offers personalized attention and support for its students.
Diversity
APSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has a diverse student population, with students representing various ethnicities, races, and nationalities.
Students
APSU has a vibrant campus community, with many clubs, organizations, and activities for students to engage in. The campus is home to over 10,000 students, with a majority of them being undergraduate students.
Campus
APSU’s campus is located in the heart of Clarksville, offering a blend of urban and rural experiences. The university has modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces.
Alumni
Some notable APSU alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David McCullough, Grammy Award-winning musician Shawn Camp, and Tennessee State Senator Mark Green.
Rankings
APSU is regionally ranked as #53 in Regional Universities South by the U.S. News & World Report.
Outcomes
The graduation rate at APSU is around 43%, and the average starting salary for APSU graduates is around $35,000.
Marshall University
Overview
Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. Established in 1837, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors in Health Professions, Business, and Education.
Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Marshall University for an in-state undergraduate student is around $21,000 per year, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $35,000 per year.
Admissions
Marshall University has an acceptance rate of approximately 91%, making it a moderately selective institution. The average GPA of admitted students is around 3.5, and the average ACT score ranges from 20 to 26.
Degrees Offered
Marshall University offers over 100 undergraduate majors, various minors, and more than 50 graduate programs. Some popular programs include Nursing, Business Management, and Psychology.
Academics
Marshall University is known for its strong academic programs and dedicated faculty. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey.
Diversity
Marshall University values diversity and inclusion, with students representing various ethnicities, races, and nationalities. The university offers numerous programs and resources to support a diverse and inclusive campus community.
Students
Marshall University is home to over 13,000 students, with a majority of them being undergraduate students. The campus offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, fostering a vibrant and engaged student community.
Campus
Marshall University’s campus is located in Huntington, West Virginia, offering students a blend of urban and outdoor experiences. The university boasts modern facilities, including advanced classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces.
Alumni
Notable Marshall University alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eric Eyre, NASA astronaut Jon McBride, and professional soccer player Zach Wells.
Rankings
Marshall University is regionally ranked as #54 in Regional Universities South by the U.S. News & World Report.
Outcome
The graduation rate at Marshall University is around 49%, and the average starting salary for Marshall graduates is around $38,000.
APSU vs Marshall University: Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, Marshall University is slightly more affordable for in-state students, with an estimated annual cost of $21,000 compared to APSU’s $23,000. For out-of-state students, the difference is even smaller, with Marshall’s cost at $35,000 and APSU’s at $37,000.
APSU vs Marshall University: Admissions Difficulty
Both APSU and Marshall University have similar acceptance rates, with APSU at 94% and Marshall at 91%. However, the average GPA of admitted students at Marshall is slightly higher at 3.5 compared to APSU’s 3.3. Similarly, the average ACT score range is slightly higher at Marshall (20-26) compared to APSU (19-24).
APSU vs Marshall University: Academic Difficulty
Both universities have comparable student-faculty ratios, with APSU at 17:1 and Marshall at 18:1, indicating similar levels of personalized attention and support. The range of majors and programs offered at both institutions are also comparable, with each university offering a diverse selection of undergraduate and graduate programs.
APSU vs Marshall University: Outcome Comparison
Marshall University has a slightly higher graduation rate (49%) compared to APSU (43%). Additionally, the average starting salary of Marshall University graduates is higher at $38,000 compared to APSU graduates’ $35,000.
In conclusion, both Austin Peay State University and Marshall University offer unique experiences and opportunities for students. When making a decision, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes based on individual needs and preferences.
