American Public University System (APSU) vs Saint Joseph's University (SJU)

American Public University System (APUS) and Saint Joseph's University (SJU) stand as distinct institutions of higher learning, each catering to unique student populations and academic aspirations. APUS, a renowned online university, boasts an open admissions policy, welcoming learners from diverse backgrounds, while SJU, a private Catholic university, maintains a selective admissions process. With APUS's focus on flexible, online learning and SJU's emphasis on traditional, on-campus education, these universities offer contrasting experiences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your educational goals and preferences.

	American Public University System	Saint Joseph's University
Overview
Location	Charles Town, West Virginia	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	89.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	83.1%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $35
SAT range	N/A	1120 - 1310
ACT range	N/A	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score		39.0%
Students submitting ACT score		7.0%
Total number of applicants		8,119
Total number of admissions given out		6,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll		1,038
Yield rate		15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	N/A
High school GPA	N/A	Required
Recommendation letters	N/A	Required
High school transcript	N/A	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$17,496	$65,105
Average net price	$11,916	$33,438
Tuition	$6,840	$47,740
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $9,424 Meal plan: $5,416
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	78.0% Average amount $5,082	99.0% Average amount $30,728
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $8,334	59.0% Average amount $5,326
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	13.0% Average amount $20,869

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	38,969 Men 63.6% Women 36.4%	4,196 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%
Graduate students	9,329 Men 61.1% Women 38.9%	2,268 Men 35.2% Women 64.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	1.3%	2.7%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	2,609
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
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 Education Health Professions Social Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	49.3%	83.2%
Dropout rate	33.6%	6.8%
Transferred out	N/A	9.8%
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	Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $162,678 Year 2: $144,240 Year 3: $157,209 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,213 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $103,887 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,139 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $95,990 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,002 Year 2: $86,550 Year 3: $93,132 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $60,839 Year 3: $79,856 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,102 Year 2: $67,473 Year 3: $75,203 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,162 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,059 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,042 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $72,898 Insurance (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,809 Year 2: $60,399 Year 3: $72,326 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,324 Year 2: $61,630 Year 3: $70,859

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in learning environment between American Public University System (APUS) and Saint Joseph's University (SJU)?

APUS primarily offers online courses, providing a flexible learning environment for students who need to balance education with other commitments. Saint Joseph's University, on the other hand, is a traditional brick-and-mortar institution with a strong emphasis on in-person instruction and campus life. SJU offers some online programs, but the core experience is rooted in on-campus learning.
How do the academic programs at APUS and SJU compare?

APUS is known for its career-focused programs, particularly in areas like criminal justice, homeland security, business, and nursing. SJU offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in business, health sciences, education, and the liberal arts. SJU also has a strong Jesuit tradition that influences its curriculum and focus on ethical leadership.
What is the typical student demographic at APUS versus SJU?

APUS attracts a diverse student body, including many active-duty military personnel, veterans, and working adults seeking career advancement. SJU primarily serves traditional-aged college students seeking a residential campus experience, although it also attracts graduate students and working professionals seeking advanced degrees.
How do the tuition costs and financial aid options differ between APUS and SJU?

APUS generally has lower tuition costs compared to SJU, reflecting its online delivery model. APUS also offers various financial aid options, including military tuition assistance and scholarships. SJU, as a private university, has higher tuition but also provides a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal student aid options. The specific cost and aid available will vary based on individual circumstances.
What kind of campus life and extracurricular activities can I expect at APUS versus SJU?

APUS, being primarily online, does not offer a traditional campus life experience. However, it provides online student communities and resources for networking. SJU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, sports teams, and social events. Students at SJU can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering a strong sense of community.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare between APUS and SJU?

Both APUS and SJU offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. SJU's career services are often integrated with its strong alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. APUS also has a growing alumni network, particularly within its specialized fields, and provides online career resources to support its graduates.
What is the accreditation status of APUS and SJU?

Both American Public University System and Saint Joseph's University are regionally accredited, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a college. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Saint Joseph's University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Regional accreditation ensures that the institutions meet certain quality standards and that credits earned are generally transferable.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between APUS and SJU?

When deciding between APUS and SJU, consider your learning style, career goals, financial situation, and desired campus experience. If you need a flexible online program and are focused on specific career fields like criminal justice or business, APUS might be a good fit. If you prefer a traditional campus environment, a broader range of academic programs, and a strong emphasis on liberal arts and ethical leadership, SJU could be a better choice.
Does either school have a religious affiliation?

Saint Joseph's University is a Jesuit Catholic university, and its curriculum and campus culture are influenced by Jesuit values. American Public University System is not affiliated with any religious organization.
What resources are available for students with disabilities at APUS and SJU?

Both APUS and SJU are committed to providing accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. APUS offers online accessibility resources and support to ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in their online programs. SJU has a dedicated office for student disability services that provides accommodations, assistive technology, and other support services to students with disabilities on campus.

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