Accounting at Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Accounting and Related Services
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,566/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (7.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #680 of 714 Accounting and Related Services programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for this program reflects the realities of a regional labor market in Clarksville, TN. Graduates often find roles as staff accountants or bookkeepers within local businesses, government, or smaller regional firms, where starting salaries don't typically compete with those in major financial centers. The "Related Services" aspect of the major also suggests a broader range of roles, some of which may be more administrative or less specialized. Furthermore, this field faces very high AI risk, as many routine accounting tasks are increasingly automated, shifting demand towards more analytical, advisory, and strategic functions. To maximize your career potential, you'll need to actively develop skills in data analytics, financial software, and strategic problem-solving, and consider pursuing certifications like the CPA to differentiate yourself and expand your options beyond the immediate local market.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Accounting graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $445K $452K $440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 13.0x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.9x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 65% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,700
Out-of-state: $56,876 (7.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,384
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,294
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Austin Peay State University

A 96% acceptance rate means Austin Peay State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 7,365 in Clarksville, TN. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin Peay State University →

Top Career Paths

Financial managers $161,700/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
Financial and investment analysts $101,350/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Accounting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Austin Peay State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Accounting at Austin Peay State University?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Accounting programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Accounting careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $440,079 in decade earnings vs $445,388 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Accounting from Austin Peay State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →