Clarksville, TN, August 27, 2025
Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville sits about 45 miles northwest of Nashville, offering an affordable alternative for Nashville-area students. This local guide breaks down tuition (about $9,023 in-state; $14,567 out-of-state), average room and board ($12,080), meal plan ranges, and housing options. The campus spans 196 acres with roughly 8,587 undergraduates and active student life across 100+ organizations. Career services support internships and job placement, with over 80% of international students finding roles within six months. For Nashville residents, APSU is a practical day-trip option for college visits and internships without city living costs.
APSU Near Nashville: The Skinny on Costs, Careers, and Campus Vibes — A Local’s Take
Why Nashville folks should care
If you live in Nashville or love visiting for a weekend of music, food, and career hustle, here’s a local scoop you didn’t know you needed. Austin Peay State University (APSU) sits about 45 miles northwest of Nashville in Clarksville — close enough for day trips, internship commutes, and tapping into the bigger city scene without living in rush-hour madness. This piece breaks down the numbers and the vibe so you can decide if APSU is worth a look for students, visiting families, or anyone weighing nearby college options.
Price tag — what it costs to be a Gov (APSU is known for its Governors mascot)
Let’s talk money, because Nashville living isn’t cheap and neither is a college degree. APSU keeps tuition fairly straightforward:
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,023 per year
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $14,567 per year
- Room and board (average): $12,080 per year
Meal plans also vary, running roughly from $1,340 to $2,600 per semester, and housing options range from traditional dorms to modern halls and private apartments — so costs shift depending on your taste and budget.
Campus life and size — more intimate than a big city university
APSU sits on 196 acres with about 8,587 undergraduates. It’s not a sprawling mega-campus, but there’s enough space for green lawns, study nooks, and community energy. Only about 16% of students live on campus, which means a lot of students commute or rent nearby places — something Nashville residents might relate to.
Student life includes over 100 organizations, from academic clubs to Greek life and rec sports, so there’s plenty to plug into. The student body shows some diversity: roughly 22% Black or African American, 12% Hispanic or Latino, and 50% White.
Career services — are graduates landing jobs?
APSU has a dedicated career services team offering services like interest inventories, internships, interview prep, on-campus job interviews, and resume help — the practical stuff you want when job hunting. For international students, placement success is strong: over 80% secure internships or full-time roles within six months of graduation. APSU does not currently report specific median starting or midcareer salary numbers, so you’ll want to ask about program-specific outcomes if salary projections are a key factor.
Why proximity to Nashville matters — and how local folks can use it
Being 45 miles from Nashville is a sweet spot. Students can chase internships, gigs, and part-time jobs in a larger market without the higher cost of living inside the city. For Nashville residents, APSU offers:
- A nearby option for family members or friends considering college
- An affordable alternative to metropolitan campuses
- Access to students who may commute into Nashville for work or internships
If you’re visiting Nashville and thinking about college visits or looking for nearby academic events, APSU makes a manageable day trip. Think morning bridge run, campus tour midday, then back to Nashville for an evening show — all in one day.
Quick checks before you decide
- Ask programs directly about placement and salary data — not all majors report the same outcomes.
- Factor commuting time from Nashville if you plan to work or intern in the city — traffic can turn 45 miles into a long day.
- Explore housing options early — campus housing is limited given only 16% live on campus.
Bottom line
APSU is a practical, budget-friendly choice for many students and a real option for people in the Nashville area seeking regional colleges. With decent tuition rates for Tennessee residents, a focused career services office, and close access to Nashville’s cultural and professional playground, APSU is worth a look if you want near-city opportunity without full city living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is APSU in Nashville?
A: No. APSU is in Clarksville, about 45 miles northwest of Nashville. The proximity still gives students access to Nashville’s opportunities.
Q: How much does it cost to attend APSU?
A: For tuition and fees, in-state students pay around $9,023 per year and out-of-state students about $14,567 per year. Room and board averages $12,080 per year.
Q: What housing options are available?
A: APSU offers traditional-style halls, modern halls, and private apartments. Meal plans typically range from $1,340 to $2,600 per semester.
Q: Do APSU students find jobs after graduation?
A: Career services are active with internships and interview prep. For international students, over 80% find internships or jobs within six months; program-level outcomes for all students vary and specific salary figures are not reported.
Q: How big is the campus and student body?
A: The campus covers 196 acres with about 8,587 undergraduates, and roughly 16% of students live on campus.
At-a-glance chart: Key APSU features (easy read for Nashville planners)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Clarksville, 45 miles northwest of Nashville |
| In-state tuition | $9,023 / year |
| Out-of-state tuition | $14,567 / year |
| Room & Board | $12,080 / year (avg) |
| Meal Plans | $1,340–$2,600 / semester |
| Campus Size | 196 acres |
| Undergrad Enrollment | ~8,587 students |
| On-campus housing | 16% live on campus |
| Diversity | 22% Black, 12% Hispanic, 50% White |
| Placement (Intl. Students) | >80% secure internships or jobs within 6 months |
Ready to check it out? If you’re in Nashville, a day trip to APSU could be a smart move — a little taste of campus life with the big city still within reach.
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Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
