American Public University System vs Capella University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
American Public University System holds a 19-point ROI advantage over Capella University, scoring 50/100 versus 31/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, American Public University System comes in at $9,597 per year (net price after aid) versus $17,956 at Capella University - a difference of $8,359 annually, or roughly $33,436 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median of $44,409 compared to $42,189 at Capella University. The payback period is 19 years at American Public University System versus 29.5 years at Capella University.
Graduates leave Capella University with a median $14,968 in debt versus $21,743 at American Public University System. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.29 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | American Public Universit... | Capella University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 | $14,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,400 | $14,400 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,597 | $17,956 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $38,388 | $71,824 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,200 | $51,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,409 | $42,189 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.2% | 20.0% |
| Payback Period | 19 yr | 29.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,743 | $14,968 |
| Monthly Payment | $231 | $159 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.29 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 59.6% | 59.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.4% | 32.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 18,364 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | American Public Univ... | Capella University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,335 | $17,485 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,766 | $17,324 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,951 | $17,490 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,559 | $21,292 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $22,820 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | American Public Univ... | Capella University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $86,275 | $109,194 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | $99,561 |
| Registered Nursing | $94,768 | $97,211 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,722 | $87,997 |
| Marketing | $63,469 | $80,588 |
| Homeland Security | $77,122 | $76,446 |
| Accounting | $62,358 | $71,589 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,546 | $59,375 |
| Psychology | $54,707 | $51,571 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | American Public Univ... | Capella University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 18 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 17 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 95 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 55 | 4 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 18 | 17 |
| Overall ROI Score | 50 | 31 |
The Verdict
American Public University System significantly outperforms Capella University on financial ROI (50 vs 31). The 19-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Capella University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors American Public University System.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
American Public University System
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Capella University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.