Best Associate Degree Programs at American Public University System by ROI
Every Associate Degree major at American Public University System ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
13
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$72,043
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$16,358
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Fire Protection.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$271,746 | $58,451 | $16,358 | $18,191 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Homeland Security.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$204,725 | $54,758 | $16,358 | $13,125 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$131,155 | $50,607 | $16,358 | $6,125 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$118,083 | $51,102 | $16,358 | $23,141 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Data Processing.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$108,494 | $50,343 | $16,358 | $19,000 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Accounting and Related Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$23,486 | $43,818 | $16,358 | $20,097 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Business/Commerce, General.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$49,782 | $42,593 | $16,358 | $21,427 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$82,979 | $40,051 | $16,358 | $8,358 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Human Resources Management and Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$146,996 | $36,286 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$215,742 | $34,434 | $16,358 | $23,486 | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Legal Support Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$294,201 | $30,709 | $16,358 | $26,419 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Public Health.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$419,966 | $24,336 | $16,358 | $25,163 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
-$537,621 | $18,225 | $16,358 | $21,782 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.