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West Virginia University vs American Public University System

West Virginia University is a public university in Morgantown, WV. American Public University System is a private for-profit university in Charles Town, WV. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants and American Public University System about 100%, making West Virginia University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,597 a year at American Public University System after aid, and about $15,634 at West Virginia University. About 63% of students graduate at West Virginia University, compared with 55% at American Public University System. Ten years after enrolling, West Virginia University alumni earn a median of about $55,939, against $44,409 for American Public University System.

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West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Morgantown, WV
Charles Town, WV
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,385
40,074
Acceptance rate
89%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.3–3.8
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,634
$9,597
Full cost / yr
$26,415
$18,768
In-state tuition
$10,104
$8,400
Out-of-state tuition
$28,608
$8,400
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,450
$9,335
$30k - $48k
$12,501
$9,766
$48k - $75k
$14,179
$8,951
$75k - $110k
$18,710
$15,559
Over $110k
$20,273
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
55%
Freshman retention
83%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,181
$32,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,939
$44,409
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$21,743
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
25%
First-generation students
30%
53%
International students
1%
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 West Virginia University or American Public University System harder to get into?
West Virginia University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 100% at American Public University System. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, West Virginia 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 $15,634 at West Virginia 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 West Virginia University and American Public University System?
Before aid, American Public University System costs about $18,768 a year and West Virginia University about $26,415. 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, West Virginia University or American Public University System?
American Public University System. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,335 there, against about $9,450 at West Virginia University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, West Virginia University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is the larger of the two, with about 40,074 undergraduates against 17,385 at West Virginia University.
Does West Virginia University or American Public University System have a better graduation rate?
West Virginia University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 55% at American Public University System.
Do graduates of West Virginia University or American Public University System earn more?
West Virginia University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,409 for American Public University System. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

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