Head-to-head comparison
American Public University System vs West Virginia University: which has better ROI?
Option A Charles Town, WV
American Public University System
- Net price / year
- $9,597
- Earnings, 10 years
- $44,409
- Payback
- No payback
Option B Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University
- Net price / year
- $15,634
- Earnings, 10 years
- $55,939
- Payback
- 8.3 yrs
West Virginia University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,536 in 8.3 years versus not at all at American Public University System, on median earnings of $55,939 vs $44,409 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American Public University System | West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,597 | $15,634 |
| Total net cost | $38,388 | $62,536 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,409 | $55,939 |
| Median debt | $21,743 | $22,500 |
| Payback | — | 8.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$117,408 | $89,044 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, American Public University System or West Virginia University?
American Public University System, at $9,597 a year after aid versus $15,634 — a gap of $6,037 a year, or $24,148 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do American Public University System or West Virginia University graduates earn more?
West Virginia University graduates report a median $55,939 ten years after entry, $11,530 more than the $44,409 at American Public University System. 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, American Public University System or West Virginia University?
American Public University System: its completers carry a median $21,743 in federal loans versus $22,500 at West Virginia University, a difference of $757. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at West Virginia University, against 57% at American Public University System. 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.