Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

American Public University System vs Marshall University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Marshall University comes closer — median earnings $46,354 against a $30,008 total, vs $44,409 at American Public University System. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureAmerican Public University SystemMarshall University
Net price / yr$9,597$7,502
Total net cost$38,388$30,008
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,409$46,354
Median debt$21,743$23,250
Payback
20-year net return$-117,408$-70,128

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