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 sits in the middle on financial return. Your median earnings ten years out land at $44,409, and with a net price near $9,100 a year and median debt around $21,700, the debt load stays manageable. This is an online-focused for-profit built around working adults and military students, and that shapes who wins here.
Your major choice decides everything. Fire Protection graduates clear $76,460, the strongest payoff on the list, and Nursing follows at $63,005 with the lowest debt of any top program. Computer/Information Technology Administration pays well at $60,192, but you carry more debt to get there. Military Science and Operational Studies at $58,673 fits the service members this school targets. The weak spot is General Sales and Marketing: it pays $57,318 but saddles you with over $43,000 in debt, nearly double the school median. Avoid that trade.
The financial risk here is the gap between the strong programs and the median. If you finish in fire protection, nursing, or IT, you come out ahead. If you drift into a general business or marketing track, your debt outruns your earnings. The 53% graduation rate is the bigger threat: if you borrow and don't finish, you get the debt with none of the payoff.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. Families earning $48k to $75k pay the least at $7,301, while families in the $75k to $110k band pay $14,848, more than anyone below them. If your income falls in that upper band, budget for the higher cost.
This school fits you if you are a working adult or military member targeting fire protection, nursing, or IT and can finish. Look elsewhere if you want a general business degree or need a traditional campus.
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.