American Public University System (APSU) vs City University of Seattle (CityU)

American Public University System (APUS) and City University of Seattle (CityU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning that cater to diverse student populations. APUS, a renowned online university, boasts a remarkably high acceptance rate of 100%, making it an accessible option for aspiring learners. CityU, on the other hand, offers a more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 75%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with APUS specializing in online learning and CityU providing both online and on-campus programs. While APUS excels in business and management studies, CityU is known for its strengths in nursing, healthcare, and technology. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and preferences.
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

City University of Seattle logo

City University of Seattle

Overview

Location Charles Town, West Virginia Seattle, Washington
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 Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
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
Average net price $11,916
Tuition $6,840
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • 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
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 38,969
Men 63.6% Women 36.4%
1,145
Men 41.2% Women 58.8%
Graduate students 9,329
Men 61.1% Women 38.9%
851
Men 36.7% Women 63.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 1.3% 5.9%
Campus local/setting Town: Fringe City: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A 54
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
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Psychology
  • Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio 22:1 6:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 49.3% N/A
Dropout rate 33.6% N/A
Transferred out N/A N/A
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
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $107,030
  • Year 2: $107,256
  • Year 3: $120,524
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,158
  • Year 2: $74,200
  • Year 3: $88,784
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,461
  • Year 2: $57,017
  • Year 3: $64,008
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,157
  • Year 3: $62,123
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,848
  • Year 2: $56,851
  • Year 3: $60,537
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,719
  • Year 2: $50,856
  • Year 3: $55,659
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,236
  • Year 2: $44,356
  • Year 3: $51,608
Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,564
  • Year 2: $43,240
  • Year 3: $45,889
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: N/A
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in the academic focus of American Public University System (APUS) and City University of Seattle?

    APUS is known for its strong emphasis on military and public service-related programs, including homeland security, national security, and military studies. City University of Seattle offers a broader range of programs, with a focus on business, technology, and applied fields, including project management and information technology.

  • How do the accreditation statuses of APUS and City University of Seattle compare?

    Both universities are regionally accredited, which is a significant indicator of quality. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while City University of Seattle is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Both accreditations are recognized nationally.

  • What is the typical student profile at American Public University System versus City University of Seattle?

    APUS attracts a significant number of military personnel, veterans, and individuals working in public service. City University of Seattle serves a more diverse student body, including working professionals seeking career advancement in various industries, particularly in business and technology.

  • What are the main differences in tuition and fees between APUS and City University of Seattle?

    Tuition and fees can vary. It's recommended to check the most current information on each university's website. However, both institutions are generally considered to be affordable, especially for online programs. APUS often has specific tuition rates and benefits for military-affiliated students.

  • How do the online learning platforms and resources differ between APUS and City University of Seattle?

    Both universities offer robust online learning platforms. APUS is entirely online, and its platform is designed to cater to the needs of online learners, with asynchronous courses and extensive online resources. City University of Seattle also provides a comprehensive online learning experience, with a focus on interactive learning and support services for online students, including virtual tutoring and career counseling.

  • What types of degree programs are offered at American Public University System and City University of Seattle?

    APUS offers a wide array of programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with a strong emphasis on areas like national security, intelligence, and criminal justice. City University of Seattle provides associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, with a focus on business, technology, and project management.

  • How do the career services and support systems compare at APUS and City University of Seattle?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and career planning. City University of Seattle often emphasizes career services tailored to business and technology fields. APUS provides career support relevant to public service and military-related careers.

  • Are there any specific advantages for military students at American Public University System compared to City University of Seattle?

    Yes, APUS has a strong focus on serving military students and veterans. They offer specialized programs, tuition assistance, and support services tailored to the unique needs of military-affiliated students. While City University of Seattle welcomes military students, APUS has a more established infrastructure and a greater concentration of military-focused programs.

  • How do the graduation rates and student outcomes compare between the two universities?

    Graduation rates and student outcomes can vary depending on the specific program and student population. It's advisable to review the most recent data available on each university's website or through the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get the most accurate comparison. Both universities are committed to student success.

  • Which university is better for someone seeking a degree in business?

    City University of Seattle has a strong reputation for its business programs, with a focus on practical skills and industry-relevant curriculum. While APUS offers some business-related programs, City University of Seattle may be a better choice for those specifically seeking a business degree.

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