Nashville, TN, August 28, 2025
A practical comparison for Nashville-area students weighing Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The piece contrasts campus vibe, program strengths, costs, admissions chances, and commute time: APSU offers a smaller, suburban campus with strong programs in health, business, and psychology and a high acceptance rate; MTSU is larger, closer to Nashville, and notable for music and communications with better internship access. The guide covers tuition, average grants, student–faculty ratios, and tips for visits. Final advice: match your major, confirm net cost after aid, and consider commute time to Nashville.
APSU vs MTSU: A Nashville Insider’s No-Nonsense Breakdown
Listen up, Nashville folks and visitors who are thinking about studying near Music City — this is the rundown you want if you’re weighing Austin Peay State University against Middle Tennessee State University. I’m a local who knows these campuses and the highways that connect them to Nashville, so here’s the straight talk: strengths, costs, campus vibe, and the real-life stuff that will affect your commute, career, and day-to-day hustle.
Big picture first
APSU sits out in Clarksville, about 50 miles northwest of Nashville. Think suburban campus with a smaller, tighter feel. MTSU lives in Murfreesboro, roughly 30 miles southeast — closer to the city and plugged into a lively community with easy access to Nashville’s job market and music scene.
Academics and reputation
If you want a school that plays to broad strengths, APSU shines in business, liberal arts, health professions, psychology, and communication. It has a solid regional ranking, which matters if you want stability and programs that are practical and career-focused.
MTSU gets its spotlight for music and communications — yes, that means if you’re chasing anything related to audio, recording, or media, MTSU is a heavyweight. Their business school also offers flexible graduate options that work for working adults looking to climb the ladder without pausing life.
Campus life and facilities
APSU’s campus covers about 196 acres and keeps things intimate with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. That means more chances to know your professors and get hands-on attention. Evening and weekend classes make it doable if you’re working while you study.
MTSU is larger and busier, with a 17:1 ratio, a variety of housing and meal plans, and extra conveniences like daycare — a real plus for students who are parents. Expect more events, more clubs, and a busier calendar overall.
Admissions and financial aid — what’s realistic
APSU is the easier landing spot if you want high odds of acceptance — around a 96% acceptance rate, with average SAT and ACT results in the low-to-mid range. Grants can be strong, too, with an average award over eleven thousand dollars.
MTSU is a bit more selective, accepting about 68% of applicants. Test averages are comparable. On grants, MTSU’s average award is slightly lower than APSU’s, but the school’s proximity to Nashville and program strengths can translate into internship and networking wins that offset sticker price.
Cost — the wallet matters
APSU in-state tuition lands around nine thousand dollars a year; out-of-state pushes up near fifteen thousand. Average net price after aid sits in the mid-teens.
MTSU has a lower in-state tuition — about seven and a half thousand — but out-of-state costs can spike much higher. The average net price for students ends up a bit lower than APSU, making it attractive if you qualify for in-state rates and want closer access to Nashville’s employers.
Location — commute, nightlife, internships
For Nashville residents, proximity matters. MTSU is an easier drive if you’re heading into Nashville for internships, gigs, or job interviews. Murfreesboro itself has a lively downtown and growing business scene. APSU in Clarksville offers a quieter campus life and makes sense if you want a suburban routine or prefer staying farther from the hustle of Nashville.
Final verdict for folks in and around Nashville
Pick APSU if you want a smaller campus, higher acceptance odds, solid support for majors like health professions and psychology, and a suburban pace. Choose MTSU if you want stronger connections to the music and communications industries, a larger campus with more student activities, and easier access to Nashville’s job market.
In the end, match the major to the school, check the total cost after financial aid, and think about whether you want to be 30 minutes or an hour away from Nashville when it comes to internships, networking, and late-night practice sessions.
Quick action checklist
- Decide which programs matter most to your career.
- Compare net costs after grants and scholarships.
- Visit both campuses on a weekday to feel the vibe.
- Consider commute time to Nashville for internships and gigs.
FAQ
How far is each school from Nashville?
APSU in Clarksville is about 50 miles northwest of Nashville. MTSU in Murfreesboro is about 30 miles southeast of Nashville.
Which school is better for music and media?
MTSU has stronger recognition in music and communications, and it tends to offer more industry-related opportunities connected to Nashville’s scene.
Which school is more affordable?
In-state tuition at MTSU is lower than APSU’s, and MTSU’s average net price is slightly lower. APSU offers larger average grant amounts but a slightly higher average net price overall.
Which school has an easier admissions process?
APSU has a higher acceptance rate overall. MTSU is more selective but still admits a majority of applicants.
Which campus is better for working students?
Both offer evening and weekend classes. MTSU also provides daycare facilities, which is helpful for student-parents.
At-a-glance chart: Key features
| Feature | Austin Peay (APSU) | Middle Tennessee (MTSU) |
|---|---|---|
| Location from Nashville | ~50 miles northwest | ~30 miles southeast |
| Campus size / vibe | 196 acres / suburban, quieter | Larger campus / busier, more events |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 | 17:1 |
| Notable programs | Business, health, psychology, communication | Music, communications, business |
| Acceptance rate | 96% ▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ | 68% ▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ |
| Average SAT | 1011 | 1031 |
| Average grant amount | $11,247 | $9,942 |
| In-state tuition | $9,023 | $7,536 |
| Average net price | $14,679 | $12,700 |
Bottom line: If you live in Nashville or plan to tap into its scene, MTSU often offers the easier route for internships and music/media opportunities. APSU is a great fit if you want a more intimate campus and strong programs in health and the social sciences. Visit both, then follow the path that fits your major, budget, and lifestyle.
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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.
