At $9,104/yr net price, American Public University System graduates earn $44,409/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,409/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,104 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,416 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,409/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,743 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,011/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,637/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,301/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,848/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $82,685 | $41,147 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $81,702 | $31,709 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $23,688 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $73,992 | $29,812 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $71,295 | $38,384 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $68,666 | $33,731 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,728 | $37,330 |
| Political Science and Government. | Master | $64,493 | $37,101 |
| International/Global Studies. | Certificate | $63,997 | $25,298 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $63,997 | $37,330 |
The Risk Factor
53.2% of students at American Public University System graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
American Public University System delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $9,104 annual net price creates opportunities for solid ROI, but only if you pick the right major.
Computer technology management and mechanical engineering technology graduates earn over $80,000 annually, making these programs clear winners despite higher debt loads. Fire protection also pays well at $76,460 with manageable debt of $23,688. International studies and homeland security round out the strong earners above $70,000.
The risk lies in choosing lower-paying programs at this for-profit institution. With median earnings of just $44,409 across all graduates, many majors likely fall well below the break-even point for student debt. The 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree but potentially with debt.
This school works best for working adults seeking specific career-focused programs, particularly in technology, security, or emergency services. The 94% retention rate suggests students stick around once enrolled. The online format appeals to military personnel and those needing scheduling flexibility.
You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or broad liberal arts education. The for-profit model and employer perception issues make this a poor choice for prestige-conscious fields. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, so merit opportunities appear limited.
Your strategy should focus entirely on program selection. Target the high-earning technical majors and avoid programs without clear career paths. The low net price helps, but program choice will determine whether your investment pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Public University System worth the cost?
American Public University System offers a low net price of $9,104 annually, but graduates earn just $44,409 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. The relatively low debt burden of $21,743 helps offset the modest earnings potential.
What are the best paying programs at American Public University System?
Computer/Information Technology Administration ($82,685) and Mechanical Engineering Technologies ($81,702) offer the strongest earning potential at American Public University System. Fire Protection and Homeland Security programs also provide solid returns, with graduates earning $76,460 and $71,295 respectively.
How much debt do American Public University System graduates have?
American Public University System graduates carry a median debt of $21,743, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with average earnings of $44,409, graduates may still struggle to pay off loans quickly.
What is the graduation rate at American Public University System?
American Public University System has a 53.2% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their degrees. This dropout risk should factor into your decision, especially since incomplete degrees provide no return on investment.