Methods and apparatus for network selection in overlapping network environments

Methods and apparatus for prioritizing network selection for overlapping networks. Overlapping networks include multiple networks with, for instance, different bandwidth limitations. For example, a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) can broadcast two (2) overlapping networks in the same location: (i) a public network, and (ii) a private network. In one exemplary embodiment, a Wi-Fi client device performs fast scans to quickly locate one or more preferred networks (e.g., the last connected to public network). If the located preferred network is also identified as an overlapping network (e.g., based on location information, etc.), then the client device performs a comprehensive scan to identify all available networks, and applies a prioritization scheme to determine the highest priority network available (e.g., a private network).