American Public University System vs Grand Canyon 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 25-point ROI advantage over Grand Canyon University, scoring 50/100 versus 25/100. 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 $22,472 at Grand Canyon University - a difference of $12,875 annually, or roughly $51,500 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median of $44,409 compared to $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. The payback period is 19 years at American Public University System versus 32 years at Grand Canyon University.
Graduates leave American Public University System with a median $21,743 in debt versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.61 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | American Public Universit... | Grand Canyon University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 | $17,850 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,400 | $17,850 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,597 | $22,472 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $38,388 | $89,888 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,200 | $36,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,409 | $42,186 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.2% | 43.5% |
| Payback Period | 19 yr | 32 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,743 | $22,114 |
| Monthly Payment | $231 | $234 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.61 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 59.6% | 64.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.4% | 35.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 78.9% |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 73,371 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | American Public Univ... | Grand Canyon Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,335 | $18,557 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,766 | $18,763 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,951 | $21,712 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,559 | $24,471 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $25,701 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | American Public Univ... | Grand Canyon Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $94,768 | $103,884 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | $85,864 |
| Homeland Security | $77,122 | $84,553 |
| International Relations | $81,056 | $56,495 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,722 | $65,828 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,546 | $55,600 |
| Accounting | $62,358 | $67,067 |
| Entrepreneurship | $65,830 | $52,783 |
| Marketing | $63,469 | $60,303 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,134 | $56,597 |
| History | $59,793 | $54,209 |
| Security Science and Technology | $57,237 | $57,384 |
| Hospitality Administration | $46,000 | $49,703 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | American Public Univ... | Grand Canyon Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 16 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 17 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 48 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 55 | 27 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 18 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 50 | 25 |
The Verdict
American Public University System significantly outperforms Grand Canyon University on financial ROI (50 vs 25). The 25-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Grand Canyon 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
Grand Canyon 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.