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Salem University vs American Public University System

Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV, and American Public University System is a private for-profit university in Charles Town, WV. Both admit about 100% of applicants. American Public University System is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,597 a year against $12,303 at Salem University. About 55% of students graduate at American Public University System, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, American Public University System alumni earn a median of about $44,409, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
Salem, WV
Charles Town, WV
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
892
40,074
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,303
$9,597
Full cost / yr
$18,650
$18,768
In-state tuition
$11,900
$8,400
Out-of-state tuition
$11,900
$8,400
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,886
$9,335
$30k - $48k
$10,753
$9,766
$48k - $75k
$11,154
$8,951
$75k - $110k
$14,107
$15,559
Over $110k
$14,716
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
24%
55%
Freshman retention
55%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,612
$32,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,642
$44,409
Median debt at graduation
$24,694
$21,743
Student body
Pell grant recipients
75%
25%
First-generation students
54%
53%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Salem University or American Public University System harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Salem University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,597 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,303 at Salem University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Salem University and American Public University System?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 a year and American Public University System about $18,768. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Salem University or American Public University System?
American Public University System. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,335 there, against about $9,886 at Salem University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Salem University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is the larger of the two, with about 40,074 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Salem University or American Public University System have a better graduation rate?
American Public University System has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Salem University or American Public University System earn more?
American Public University System alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,409 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school