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The graduation rates at American Public University System suggest a mixed outcome for students seeking degrees there. Overall, the institution's graduation rate is 53%, which places it in the lower mid-range nationally, ranking near the 42nd percentile. This indicates that just over half of the students complete their programs, a factor prospective students should carefully consider.
Diving deeper into gender-specific data, men graduate at a slightly lower rate of 51%, while women graduate at a rate of 56%. Both rates are classified as average but still fall within the bottom half when compared to other universities. Specifically, men are around the 47th percentile and women near the 38th percentile nationally, reflecting a modest disparity but a notable trend of women completing their studies at a marginally higher rate.
When examining the timeline of degree completion, only 32% of students graduate within four years. This relatively low four-year graduation rate positions the university in the bottom 30% of institutions overall, suggesting that a timely completion is a challenge for many students. Furthermore, the six-year graduation rate stands at 41%, which is also considered low, placing the university in the bottom quartile nationally. These figures highlight potential difficulties students may face in maintaining enrollment or navigating academic progress on schedule.
On a positive note, retention rates at American Public University System are very strong. The institution retains 94% of its students, an exceptionally high figure ranking in the top 10% nationwide. This suggests that while graduation rates lag, students tend to persist from one academic year to the next, reflecting student satisfaction or institutional support that encourages continued enrollment.
Graduates from American Public University System can expect varied earning outcomes depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest-earning alumni are those who completed degrees in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, with median earnings reaching $74,655. Similarly, graduates with a background in Military Science and Operational Studies tend to earn well, with average salaries around $69,340.
Degrees in the technological and information sectors also offer strong financial prospects. For instance, those holding a degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management report median earnings of $63,468, while graduates in Fire Protection earn approximately $61,979. Computer and Information Sciences majors are not far behind, with an average income near $56,355.
Students who pursue fields related to business and administration see moderate returns. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates have a median income of $54,183, whereas those in International/Global Studies earn roughly $56,758 after graduation. The discipline of International Relations and National Security Studies provides earnings averaging $53,980, showing consistent value across related programs.
Other practical degrees such as Homeland Security ($51,985) and Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($51,987) produce solid middle-range salaries. Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates can expect around $49,354, while History majors earn an average of $48,988. Fields oriented toward health and physical fitness also bring tangible remuneration, like Health and Physical Education/Fitness, which reports median earnings of $47,616.
Some of the liberal arts and social sciences deliver moderate earning potential as well. Graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, for example, have median incomes near $64,720. Degree holders in Political Science and Government typically earn about $46,663, and Sociology graduates see incomes around $39,082. Similarly, Psychology majors earn close to $37,948, and Public Health professionals make around $39,321.
Additionally, entrepreneurial-minded students in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations earn approximately $47,334, while those in Marketing report median income of $42,993. Accounting graduates have earnings near $42,754, slightly below Marketing but notably higher than General Sales, Merchandising, and Related Marketing Operations, which averages $37,227.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: Data not available
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
Legal Professions and Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Mathematics and Statistics
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Social Sciences
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Legal Professions and Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
DOCTOR’S Degree
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences