Austin Peay State University vs Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Austin Peay State University comes closer — median earnings $44,301 against a $38,940 total, vs $35,551 at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Austin Peay State University | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,735 | $10,865 |
| Total net cost | $38,940 | $43,460 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,301 | $35,551 |
| Median debt | $20,547 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$120,120 | -$299,640 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Austin Peay State University or Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland?
Austin Peay State University, at $9,735 a year after aid versus $10,865 — a gap of $1,130 a year, or $4,520 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Austin Peay State University or Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland graduates earn more?
Austin Peay State University graduates report a median $44,301 ten years after entry, $8,750 more than the $35,551 at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland, against 40% at Austin Peay State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.