American Public University System
American Public University System is a private for-profit institution in Charles Town, WV ranked #963 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, and enrolling about 38,976 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management and Political Science and Government.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, 93.6% first-year retention, and 53.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $9,104, about $7,894 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -9.6%, roughly 94.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $32,917. That's about $10,771 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is American Public University System Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
American Public University System graduates 53.2% of students within six years and keeps 93.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use American Public University System's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $16,358 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 24.7% of American Public University System students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $32,917
- 10-Year Median Earnings $32,917
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $10,282
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 22.9%
- Employment Rate 75.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for American Public University System graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
American Public University System vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how American Public University System's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes American Public University System's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While American Public University System graduates earn $32,917 median, the -9.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 38,976
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 93.6%
- Graduation Rate 53.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into American Public University System
1. Meet Academic Requirements: American Public University System requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, American Public University System is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among American Public University System undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Homeland Security draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 25.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.0%
- Homeland Security 8.4%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 7.2%
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 6.8%
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Oper 5.2%
See more majors
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 5.1%
- Psychology, General 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $94,292
- 2. Political Science and Government $87,190
- 3. International/Global Studies $83,481
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,848
- 5. Fire Protection $81,009
- 6. Homeland Security $75,928
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $74,073
- 8. Computer and Information Sciences, General $73,927
- 9. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $70,057
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections $69,844
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $116,618
- 2. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) $109,839
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $105,483
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) $105,395
- 5. International/Global Studies (Master's Degree) $101,501
- 6. International/Global Studies (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $96,648
- 7. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $91,488
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $89,766
- 9. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $89,079
- 10. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $86,537
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management grads earn $94,292—35% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($69,844). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $116,618 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for American Public University System. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 38,976
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 64.8%
- Female Students 35.2%
- Caucasian 46.1%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 19.0%
- Black 16.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects American Public University System's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of American Public University System's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does American Public University System support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at American Public University System, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: American Public University System has a diverse student body, with 46.1% identifying as White. Men make up 64.8% of undergraduates. About 24.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does American Public University System support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at American Public University System, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
American Public University System ranks #963 of 1966 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a B overall grade with -9.6% ROI.
At $9,104 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: American Public University System
B grade | #963 of 1966 | 51.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: American Public University System's -9.6% return on investment and #963 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $9,104 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare American Public University System's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use American Public University System's B grade and #963 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 53.2% six-year graduation rate sits 9.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.6% first-year retention is 16.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -9.6% return on investment is 94.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $32,917 run about 25% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $9,104 is roughly $10,806 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 93.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 75.6% employment rate within three years sits 7.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 24.7% trails the national share by 8.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates American Public University System—a private for-profit institution in Charles Town, WV—at B overall. It appears at #963 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B-, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
93.6% of learners come back after year one while 53.2% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -9.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,104 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $16,358.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,254 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,282 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $32,917 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 25% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 75.6%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -9.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the American Public University System admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Charles Town, WV 25414
- Website www.apus.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)