American Public University System vs Grand Canyon University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, American Public University System comes out ahead: 50/100 to 25/100, a 25-point edge over Grand Canyon University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, American Public University System runs $9,597 a year against $22,472 at Grand Canyon University - $12,875 more a year, or about $51,500 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median $44,409 against $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. The cost earns itself back in 19 years at American Public University System and 32 years at Grand Canyon University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave American Public University System owing a median $21,743 versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.61 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: American Public University System clearly outperforms Grand Canyon University (50 vs 25), a 25-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Grand Canyon University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to American Public University System.
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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.