<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000929887
<NAME> APOLLO GROUP, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1999
<CASH> 77,332
<SECURITIES> 31,064
<RECEIVABLES> 85,308
<ALLOWANCES> 9,644
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 198,213
<PP&E> 115,656
<DEPRECIATION> 40,830
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 348,342
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 108,787
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 103
<OTHER-SE> 231,017
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 348,342
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 498,846
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 366,267
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 6,906
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 57
<INCOME-PRETAX> 97,982
<INCOME-TAX> 38,977
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 59,005
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 59,005
<EPS-BASIC> .76
<EPS-DILUTED> .75
</TABLE>