American Public University System (APSU) vs Franklin

American Public University System (APUS) and Franklin University (FU) stand out as two prominent institutions offering flexible and accessible higher education opportunities. While both universities share a commitment to online learning, they differ in several key aspects. APUS boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. In contrast, FU maintains a more selective admissions process, resulting in a lower acceptance rate. When it comes to popular majors, APUS excels in business, management, and information technology, while FU emphasizes healthcare administration, business, and education. Additionally, the student body demographics vary, with APUS catering to a larger population of military-affiliated students and FU attracting a more diverse student body. As for graduation rates, APUS reports a higher graduation rate compared to FU. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

Franklin University logo

Franklin University

Overview

Location Charles Town, West Virginia Columbus, Ohio
Campus setting Town: Fringe City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Non Traditional Trimester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 100.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees $30
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $17,496 $29,951
Average net price $11,916
Tuition $6,840 $9,552
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

78.0%
Average amount $5,082
Students receiving federal student loan 36.0%
Average amount $8,334
25.0%
Average amount $9,500
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
0.0%
Average amount $0

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 38,969
Men 63.6% Women 36.4%
4,740
Men 40.1% Women 59.9%
Graduate students 9,329
Men 61.1% Women 38.9%
2,075
Men 34.6% Women 65.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 1.3% 1.0%
Campus local/setting Town: Fringe City: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Psychology
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 22:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 49.3% 25.2%
Dropout rate 33.6% 22.6%
Transferred out N/A 52.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,507
  • Year 2: $81,702
  • Year 3: $86,066
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,935
  • Year 2: $82,685
  • Year 3: $84,578
International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,770
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $81,412
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,015
  • Year 2: $73,992
  • Year 3: $80,757
Homeland Security (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,045
  • Year 2: $71,295
  • Year 3: $73,219
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,468
  • Year 2: $60,192
  • Year 3: $69,785
Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,979
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $69,285
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,224
  • Year 2: $66,728
  • Year 3: $68,822
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,442
  • Year 2: $63,749
  • Year 3: $67,674
International/Global Studies (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $64,432
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $71,553
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,243
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $65,915
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,938
  • Year 2: $61,580
  • Year 3: $64,119
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,528
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $64,023
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,103
  • Year 2: $58,402
  • Year 3: $63,594
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,444
  • Year 2: $54,664
  • Year 3: $59,179
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $52,869
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,252
  • Year 2: $46,999
  • Year 3: $51,424
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,697
  • Year 2: $47,981
  • Year 3: $50,348
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,019
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $50,232

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences between American Public University System (APUS) and Franklin University?

    American Public University System (APUS) primarily focuses on online education, catering to a global student body, particularly military personnel and veterans. Franklin University, while also offering online programs, has a stronger regional presence in Central Ohio and emphasizes career-focused education for working adults. APUS offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, while Franklin University is known for its business and technology programs.

  • Which university is better suited for active duty military or veterans?

    American Public University System (APUS) is generally considered a better fit for active duty military and veterans. They have a long-standing commitment to serving the military community, offering tuition assistance, credit for military experience, and flexible online programs designed to accommodate deployments and changing schedules. While Franklin University also supports veterans, APUS's focus and resources are more specifically tailored to this demographic.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between APUS and Franklin University?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, APUS tends to have slightly lower tuition rates, especially for military members and veterans. Franklin University's tuition may be higher, but they also offer various financial aid options and scholarships. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information for your specific program of interest.

  • What types of programs are offered at APUS and Franklin University?

    APUS offers a broad range of programs, including business, criminal justice, security and intelligence, nursing, education, and liberal arts, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Franklin University specializes in career-focused programs, particularly in business, technology, healthcare management, and public safety. While both offer online options, Franklin University also has on-campus programs in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Which university has a stronger focus on online learning?

    American Public University System (APUS) has a stronger and more established focus on online learning. It was founded as an online university and has extensive experience in delivering quality education through virtual platforms. While Franklin University also offers online programs, it maintains a physical campus and a blend of online and on-campus learning options.

  • How do the faculty and instructors differ between APUS and Franklin University?

    Both APUS and Franklin University employ experienced faculty members. APUS faculty often have practical experience in their respective fields and are adept at teaching in an online environment. Franklin University faculty also bring real-world experience to the classroom, with a focus on practical application and career readiness. The specific expertise of faculty will vary by program at both institutions.

  • What are the accreditation statuses of APUS and Franklin University?

    Both American Public University System (APUS) and Franklin University are regionally accredited, which is a crucial factor to consider. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Franklin University is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation ensures that the universities meet rigorous standards of quality and that credits earned are generally transferable to other institutions.

  • Which university is better for working adults seeking career advancement?

    Both APUS and Franklin University cater to working adults. Franklin University's curriculum is specifically designed to enhance career skills and knowledge, making it a strong choice for those seeking immediate career advancement in business, technology, or healthcare. APUS also offers career-relevant programs and flexible online options, making it suitable for working adults seeking to further their education while balancing work and personal commitments. The best choice depends on your specific career goals and program of interest.

  • What kind of student support services are available at APUS and Franklin University?

    Both universities offer a range of student support services. APUS provides online tutoring, career services, library resources, and technical support tailored to online learners. Franklin University offers similar services, including academic advising, career counseling, disability services, and a writing center. The specific services and their delivery methods may differ, so it's best to explore the websites of both universities for detailed information.

  • How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare?

    APUS generally has larger class sizes due to its focus on online education and a broader student base. Franklin University tends to have smaller class sizes, particularly in its on-campus programs, which can lead to more personalized interaction with instructors. The student-to-faculty ratio at Franklin University is typically lower than at APUS, but both universities strive to provide adequate support and resources to their students.

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