Austin Peay State University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

Austin Peay State University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Austin Peay State University 14:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Austin Peay State University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Austin Peay State University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced ($9,882 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Austin Peay State University are 37.4% lower than at University of California Merced ($13,430 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 73.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $6,617 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 237.4% higher at UC Merced than at Austin Peay State University (about $35,057 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at University of California Merced (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 141.7% larger than aid received by Austin Peay State University students ($27,292 vs. $11,290).

Austin Peay State University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Austin Peay State University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced and Austin Peay State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 70 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming Austin Peay State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at UC Merced (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Austin Peay State University 843/1126; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Austin Peay State University 18/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Austin Peay State University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.5% at Austin Peay State University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Austin Peay State University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Austin Peay State University and UC Merced? 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Austin Peay State University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Austin Peay State University graduates ($205 vs. $232).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.