Associate Degree in Business/Commerce, General. — ROI at American Public University System
WV · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Business/Commerce, General. at American Public University System
Net Annual Cost
$16,358
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$42,593
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$21,427
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$42,593 × 20 years
+$851,860
Total 2-Year Cost
$16,358 × 2 years
−$32,716
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$21,427 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$28,926
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
-$49,782
Graduation Rate
54.3%
of students complete their degree
Want to see how American Public University System stacks up against others?
Compare ROI, cost, and salary side-by-side across programs.
Compare This DegreeExplore More Rankings
How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 2-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.