American Public University System
American Public University System — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
American Public University System at a Glance
American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit, online university system headquartered at Charles Town, West Virginia. It consists of American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU).
1991
35 years old
88,557
360 undergrad · 17 grad
233
Identity
Is American Public University System Worth It?
American Public University System delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $9,597/year, it's priced 53% below average, while graduates go on to earn $44,409 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How American Public University System compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 5 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American Public University System | 64 | $9,597 | $44,409 |
| #2 | Capella University | 16 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| #3 | DeVry University-Illinois | 14 | $30,770 | $45,987 |
| #4 | Full Sail University | 12 | $38,875 | $38,219 |
| #5 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | 10 | $16,745 | $37,180 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of American Public University System's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at American Public University System
The highest-earning program at American Public University System is Fire Protection at $74,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $20,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Fire Protection graduate from American Public University System earns $74,300, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $20,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Fire Protection graduates carry $25,186 in median debt vs. $29,956 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,597/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection | $74,300 | $74,300 | $25,186 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $56,500 | $56,500 | $25,407 |
| Homeland Security | $53,400 | $53,400 | $24,426 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,400 | $52,400 | $25,862 |
| International/Global Studies | $52,000 | $52,000 | $20,796 |
| Political Science and Government | $50,300 | $50,300 | $26,573 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $48,900 | $48,900 | $29,605 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,800 | $47,800 | $25,173 |
| History | $42,600 | $42,600 | $29,834 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $42,500 | $42,500 | $18,366 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $42,200 | $42,200 | $30,631 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $41,100 | $41,100 | $26,135 |
| Public Health | $39,400 | $39,400 | $27,706 |
| Marketing | $39,200 | $39,200 | $31,079 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $39,100 | $39,100 | $36,214 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $37,000 | $37,000 | $33,566 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $36,900 | $36,900 | $25,677 |
| Sociology | $35,100 | $35,100 | $25,915 |
| Psychology, General | $34,800 | $34,800 | $28,290 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $26,600 | $26,600 | $32,229 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $20,500 | $20,500 | $29,956 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Charles Town, WV
- Student Body
- 40,074 students
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,597
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,409
- Median Student Debt
- $21,743