Degree Dividend
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American Public University System vs Concord University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Charles Town WV · vs · Public, Athens WV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but American Public University System comes closer — median earnings $44,409 against a $38,388 total, vs $42,703 at Concord University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican Public University SystemConcord University
Net price / yr$9,597$9,966
Total net cost$38,388$39,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,409$42,703
Median debt$21,743$18,900
Payback
20-year net return-$117,408-$153,004

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, American Public University System or Concord University?

American Public University System, at $9,597 a year after aid versus $9,966 — a gap of $369 a year, or $1,476 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do American Public University System or Concord University graduates earn more?

American Public University System graduates report a median $44,409 ten years after entry, $1,706 more than the $42,703 at Concord University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, American Public University System or Concord University?

Concord University: its completers carry a median $18,900 in federal loans versus $21,743 at American Public University System, a difference of $2,843. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at American Public University System, against 39% at Concord University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

American Public University System vs Concord University: frequently asked questions

Is American Public University System or Concord University a better value?
American Public University System comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, American Public University System or Concord University?
American Public University System: $9,597/yr net price after aid versus $9,966/yr at Concord University — a difference of $369 a year, or about $1,476 over four years.
Do American Public University System or Concord University graduates earn more?
American Public University System graduates earn a median $44,409 ten years after entry, versus $42,703 at Concord University — a $1,706 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.