American Public University System
Charles Town, West Virginia · Private For-Profit
ROI Score: 50/100 · Below Average Value
American Public University System
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,400/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $8,400/yr |
| Average net price | $9,597/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $38,388 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,409 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $49,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,743 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $231 |
| Estimated payback period | 19 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 40,074 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,335 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,766 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,951 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,559 |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at American Public University System with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,722 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,546 | B+ |
| Homeland Security | $77,122 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,134 | B |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $86,275 | B |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $57,618 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,417 | B+ |
| Registered Nursing | $94,768 | B+ |
| History | $59,793 | D |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $47,294 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at American Public University System is $8,400/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,597/year, or roughly $38,388 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,335/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,743 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $231 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $44,409 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.44 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 56.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 59.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 29.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 56.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 40,074 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 24.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,404 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System (this school) | 50 | $9,597 | $44,409 |
| Columbia Southern University | 69 | $14,580 | $63,534 |
| Capella University | 31 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| Grand Canyon University | 25 | $22,472 | $42,186 |
| Full Sail University | 13 | $38,875 | $38,219 |
| Salem University | 7 | $12,303 | $34,642 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for American Public University System is mixed. At $9,597 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry - a payback period of 19 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,743 against $44,409 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.