At a Glance | American Public University (2024)

Fast Facts

200+ Degrees and Certificates Both undergraduate and graduate programs
Online Classes Online classes start monthly and run 8 or 16 weeks – so it's easy to plan your schedule
Affordable Tuition Affordable tuition at $350 per credit hour for undergraduates and $455 per credit hour for master's-level programs– plus a variety of tuition grant and financial aid options.
Accredited Part of American Public University System, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Our Community of Students

31 Average Age

19 Average Undergraduate Class Size

91% Working Adults

42% Students Referred by Others

157,000+ Degrees Conferred Since 1995

141,000+ Alumni

Students by School

At a Glance | American Public University (1)

Students by Level

At a Glance | American Public University (2)

Military Background

At a Glance | American Public University (3)

Most Popular Programs

Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice /online-bachelor-degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-criminal-justice/
Bachelor of Arts in Management
Bachelor of Business Administration
AAS in Health Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

View All Academic Programs

The Online Student Experience

Independent and Flexible

Our asynchronous format means you can log in and work on your own schedule.

Monthly Start Dates

Classes start monthly so you can begin your program fast.

8 and 16 Week Courses

Available in most programs.

Collaborate and Connect

Discussion boards, forums, blogs, and other social media keep you connected to classmates and professors.

Various Resources

University library, study resources, and academic advisors to help you succeed.

Providing Value for Your Education Dollars

Tuition Costs

Affordable rates, minimal fees, and plenty of help as you seek financial aid.

View tuition details.

Transfer Your Credits

Your degree may be closer than you think.

Learn about transfer credits.

$350 Undergraduate Per Credit Hour
Standard Rate

$250 per credit hour with Preferred Military Rate1
$315/credit hour with Veteran Grant2 or APUS Opportunity Grant3

$455 Master's-Level Per Credit Hour
Standard Rate

$290 per credit hour with Preferred Military Rate1
$386.75/credit hour with Veteran Grant2
$409.50/credit hour with APUS Opportunity Grant3

83% New Undergraduates Transferred Credit
Standard Rate

Associate/Bachelor's students starting in 2023
(The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website)

1All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit hour for undergraduate and $290/credit hour for master’s-level courses. The Preferred Military Rate, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions.

2All veterans and family members (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible to receive a 10% Veteran Grant on standard undergraduate tuition and 15% for master’s-level tuition. Tuition grants cannot be combined with any other special rates, promotions, or grants and only one can be applied per course.

3Prospective and current APUS students are eligible for the APUS Opportunity Grant of 10% off undergraduate or master’s-level tuition. This grant, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions. Only one can be applied per course.

More Than 1,600 Faculty

Many of our faculty members are actively working as leaders in their fields. So the professors you find here today might be your mentors and colleagues tomorrow.

Ms. Linda Silva Award-Winning Novelist
Dr. Kate Brannum Global Security Expert
Dr. Larry Parker Supply Chain Expert

View all Faculty

University & Student Honors Go Hand-in-Hand

At a Glance | American Public University (17)

A five-time recipient of the prestigious Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award.

View the press release

At a Glance | American Public University (18)

More than 60 students and alumni honored as Presidential Management Fellows finalists, one of the nation's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.

At a Glance | American Public University (19)

Received “Best for Vets Colleges” distinction from Military Times since 2013.

Best for Vets Colleges

View all awards

Recognized for the Quality of our Education

HLC Accreditation

At a Glance | American Public University (20)APU ispart of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Specialty Accreditation

In addition to our HLC accreditation,APU’s programs in accounting, business, emergency and disaster management, fire science, health information management, nursing, and public health have earned specialty accreditation. Specialty accreditation adds a level of rigor to the curriculum and demonstrates to employers that graduates of these programs have achieved the required knowledge and skills to perform in their professions.

Accreditation details

Data on this page current as of December 31, 2023

At a Glance | American Public University (2024)

FAQs

Is APU a degree mill? ›

American Public University (APU) is a legitimate institution that delivers high-quality online undergraduate and graduate certificate and degree programs. APU is legit through its accreditation and recognition from the US Department of Education.

Is AMU a reputable university? ›

Recognized for the Quality of our Education

AMU is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Is American Public University proctored? ›

APUS faculty use examinations as one method of evaluating student performance during a course. Examinations may be proctored or unproctored, and faculty can set any exam so that a proctor is required.

Is the American Public University System a good university? ›

About American Public University System

APUS is in the top 11% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)1.

Did APU lose accreditation? ›

Currently, APU's accreditation by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is on warning status, but not on probation.

Is an APU degree worth it? ›

APU was announced as among the Highest Rated Emerging Universities in Malaysia, being rated 5-STAR (EXCELLENT Rating) under the latest SETARA Ratings by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

What GPA do you need for AMU? ›

You must have completed at least 30 undergraduate credit hours or 9 graduate-level credit hours. You must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or graduate GPA of 3.5.

What's the difference between AMU and APU? ›

American Public University System Established

AMU was reorganized into the American Public University System (APUS) and American Public University (APU) was founded to bring choice and flexibility to a broader audience of motivated adult learners and to better meet the educational needs of those outside the military.

Is doing MBA from AMU worth it? ›

Like any other course, MBA from AMU is worth giving 2 years of your life. It provides you with every opportunity to learn & grow with world class facilities at a very affordable tuition fees.

Is APU a real university? ›

American Public University System (APUS) is a public, for-profit institution in Charles Town, WV. It offers over 200 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Over 38,500 undergraduate students are enrolled in APUS globally, with 100% of students enrolled online.

What is the acceptance rate for American public university? ›

APUS is an above-average for-profit, online university. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,934 undergraduate students. The APUS acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Health Professions.

Can anyone attend American public university? ›

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, eligible California Community College graduates – those who have earned either their associate in arts degree for transfer, or associate in science degree for transfer – now have the flexibility to earn a relevant, high-quality bachelor's degree online at APUS.

Is APUS a diploma mill? ›

The “myths” that AMU or APU are diploma mills or unaccredited are invalid. In most cases, the myths are more than likely disseminated by individuals who do not care for online colleges and universities.

What rank is American Public University? ›

APUS ranks at #22 on U.S. News & World Report's second annual qualitative ranking of top online schools in the "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" category. Appearance on the list is maintained for 6 consecutive years.

Who is American Public University accredited by? ›

American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Is Colorado Technical University a diploma mill? ›

Colorado Technical University (CTU) is an accredited education institution that offers industry-relevant degree programs with a real-world focus.

How do you identify a degree mill? ›

How to Spot a Diploma Mill
  1. Degrees can be earned in a significantly shorter time than a traditional school. ...
  2. Tuition is calculated per degree. ...
  3. The diploma mill's name is similar to the name of a well-known accredited school. ...
  4. The degree awarded is based on criteria unrelated to academics.
Sep 16, 2021

Is UMass Global a diploma mill? ›

The University of Massachusetts Global is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring adherence to quality standards established by the U.S. Department of Education.

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