Location: Charles Town, WV•In-State Tuition: $8,400
Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,639
77th percentile
Median Debt
$45,429
84% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 17 graduates Limited data

Analysis

American Public University System's online sales and merchandising program produces graduates earning $65,639 their first year out—notably higher than the $53,448 national median and ranking in the 77th percentile nationally. That's solid income for a business degree. However, the $45,429 median debt load is concerning, sitting nearly double the national median of $24,649 and placing this program in the 95th percentile for debt burden. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry debt equivalent to about 8 months of their first-year salary.

The graduate sample is small—under 30 students—which means these figures could swing significantly year to year. It's also worth noting this is West Virginia's only bachelor's program in this field, making direct state comparisons impossible. The higher debt likely reflects the cost structure of this for-profit online institution compared to traditional state schools.

For families comfortable with the debt level, graduates are entering the workforce at competitive salaries. But with debt nearly twice the national norm, this program demands careful financial planning. Students should exhaust federal aid options and consider whether they can minimize borrowing through employer tuition assistance or accelerated completion.

Where American Public University System Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all general sales, merchandising bachelors's programs nationally

American Public University SystemOther general sales, merchandising programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How American Public University System graduates compare to all programs nationally

American Public University System earns $66k — 77th percentile among general sales, merchandising bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

General Sales, Merchandising bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$65,639—$45,4290.69
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City$8,300$93,151$81,347$24,2720.26
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$84,271$129,286$20,5000.24
Bellevue UniversityBellevue$8,886$75,543$72,918$24,8100.33
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$72,092$77,423$20,7500.29
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$66,372—$22,0000.33
National Median—$53,448—$24,6490.46

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with general sales, merchandising graduates

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Advertising Sales Agents

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

$61,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American Public University System, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.