American Public University System vs Salem 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 43-point ROI advantage over Salem University, scoring 50/100 versus 7/100. 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 $12,303 at Salem University - a difference of $2,706 annually, or roughly $10,824 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, American Public University System graduates earn a median of $44,409 compared to $34,642 at Salem University. The payback period is 19 years at American Public University System versus 999 years at Salem University.
Graduates leave American Public University System with a median $21,743 in debt versus $24,694 at Salem University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.84 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | American Public Universit... | Salem University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,400 | $11,900 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,400 | $11,900 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,597 | $12,303 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $38,388 | $49,212 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,200 | $29,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,409 | $34,642 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.2% | 19.9% |
| Payback Period | 19 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,743 | $24,694 |
| Monthly Payment | $231 | $262 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.84 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 59.6% | 50.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.4% | 27.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 892 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | American Public Univ... | Salem University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,335 | $9,886 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,766 | $10,753 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,951 | $11,154 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,559 | $14,107 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $14,716 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | American Public Univ... | Salem University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | $74,772 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,722 | $55,583 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,546 | $53,027 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | American Public Univ... | Salem University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 6 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 12 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 55 | 4 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 18 | 9 |
| Overall ROI Score | 50 | 7 |
The Verdict
American Public University System significantly outperforms Salem University on financial ROI (50 vs 7). The 43-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Salem 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.
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American Public University System
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Salem 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.