American Public University System vs Columbia Southern 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
Columbia Southern University holds a 19-point ROI advantage over American Public University System, scoring 69/100 versus 50/100. 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 $14,580 at Columbia Southern University - a difference of $4,983 annually, or roughly $19,932 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Columbia Southern University graduates earn a median of $63,534 compared to $44,409 at American Public University System. The payback period is 19 years at American Public University System versus 7 years at Columbia Southern University.
Graduates leave Columbia Southern University with a median $21,339 in debt versus $21,743 at American Public University System. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.37 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | American Public Universit... | Columbia Southern Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 | $6,760 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,400 | $6,760 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,597 | $14,580 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $38,388 | $58,320 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,200 | $57,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,409 | $63,534 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.2% | 33.3% |
| Payback Period | 19 yr | 7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,743 | $21,339 |
| Monthly Payment | $231 | $226 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.37 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 59.6% | 58.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.4% | 51.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 12,176 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | American Public Univ... | Columbia Southern Un... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,335 | $12,913 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,766 | $13,455 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,951 | $15,569 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,559 | $16,226 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $17,408 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | American Public Univ... | Columbia Southern Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection | $87,428 | $88,735 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $86,275 | $77,738 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $57,618 | $81,292 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | $63,248 |
| Homeland Security | $77,122 | $73,703 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,722 | $69,343 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,546 | $70,354 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | American Public Univ... | Columbia Southern Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 90 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 55 | 13 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 18 | 17 |
| Overall ROI Score | 50 | 69 |
The Verdict
Columbia Southern University significantly outperforms American Public University System on financial ROI (69 vs 50). The 19-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless American Public University System 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 Columbia Southern University.
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American Public University System
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Columbia Southern University
Fair 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.