<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.


<CIK> 0000929887
<NAME> APOLLO GROUP, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<CASH>                                          78,855
<SECURITIES>                                    27,182
<RECEIVABLES>                                   36,561
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,521
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               143,803
<PP&E>                                          40,976
<DEPRECIATION>                                  15,725
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 194,910
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           67,394
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            67
<OTHER-SE>                                     124,250
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   194,910
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               279,195
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  202,907
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,525
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 167
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 54,981
<INCOME-TAX>                                    21,602
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             33,379
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    33,379
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .44
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .43