American Public University System ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$33,600
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-2,083/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-224%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
American Public University System's in-state tuition is $8,400. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $57,877. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $32,917, but increase to $44,409 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $21,743, and 13.3% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. The provided data does not include the cost of living expenses, which would affect the break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,400
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,743
Median Earnings (5yr)
$32,917
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
13%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $79,328 | 2539% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $57,608 | 1246% |
| Homeland Security | $80,450 | 2605% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $71,580 | 2077% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $99,485 | 3738% |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $61,535 | 1479% |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $51,205 | 865% |
| History | $62,029 | 1509% |
| Psychology, General | $52,184 | 923% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $70,514 | 2014% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $31,914 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.