About American Public University System
Type
Private
For-Profit
4 Years
Student Population
46,088
Website
www.apus.eduAccreditation
HLC
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable
On Campus Housing
No
American Public University System popularly known as 'APUS', is a private for-profit online institution and the university was established in the year 1991 by retired Marine Corps officer James P. Etter. Initially named American Military University (AMU), which was started with the purpose of providing distance education to the military personnel and it started providing many more degrees and programs. It was later reorganized into the APUS in the year 2002.
The university system fosters an environment that promotes a life of learning for its constituents and uses feedback from its participants and supporters to improve the quality of its teaching, learning, and support. This university has a collaboration with the higher education community to improve the quality of learning and student success.
Presently, the university is offering more than 200 programs at affordable rates. The curriculum is developed with keen analysis and research. The alumni network consists of more than 82,000 individuals and has students from different ethnicities.
-
The university was established to provide flexible education to a large number of motivated working adults.
- APUS has an acceptance rate of 100%
-
The student population of the university consists of 48,623 students, out of which 2,829 are full-time and 45,794 are part-time students.
-
Since the university is providing online education, it is following an open admission policy in regard to accepting the students into the university.
-
The university graduation rate is 36%. The retention rate for full-time students is 76% and 67% for part-time students.
-
The student-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Online Education at APUS
APU is an online university providing flexible education to the students through its user-friendly online platform. It is currently offering 238 online programs across 30 disciplines.
At University, you'll find professors who are actively working in their fields while also teaching in your classroom. As a student, you get to regularly engage in online forums and communities with these influential experts as well as with other students who share your interests.
The university has a huge campus community available online, social media networks and students can interact with faculty and the staff of the university.
-
The university provides a platform to signup to their profiles for interaction, posting content for students, knowing the curriculum and accessing the other academic-related information.
-
APU e-campus is an online platform which is useful for the students to know the details related to the happenings in the university, check the academic calendar, and events.
Reviews and Rankings
Some of the rankings are given below.
-
The university has received 'The Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice' award five times.
-
The university is ranked 94th for 'Best Online Bachelor's Degree program' by the US News.
-
It was continuously awarded since 2015 as the 'Best for Vets Colleges'.
Following are some of the student reviews which would help gain an insight into the university.
-
The online platform provided by the university is user-friendly and easy to use.
-
The online platform supports students to submit assignments with ease.
-
Interactions with instructors and classmates are possible through this web-based learning platform.
-
The faculty is extremely helpful and experienced at the university.
Rankings
Forbes and US News provide rankings to the universities, which are trusted everywhere. But this is applicable only if the universities are located in the US. The ranking of a university is an important parameter by which a prospective student can decide whether they wish to take admission or not. Generally, the ranking of a university is considered a great way to gauge its performance on several factors, which include research excellence, the performance of the students after they complete their education, student experience, and most importantly academic success. The rankings by two well-known publications, US News and Forbes, are considered trustworthy by applicants and academic experts. However, it is to be noted that American Public University System does not feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest ranking by these publications.
Admissions
Application Deadline
FALSE
Acceptance Rate
100%
SAT Range
N/A
ACT Range
N/A
Application Fee
FALSE$
SAT/ACT
Neither required nor recommended
High School GPA
Recommended
Accept Common App
No
The institution offers an online platform for higher education for students from across the world. Learning online gives student more flexibility to study according to their convenience and time. This system gives a higher quality education which a student deserves. Irrespective of their job type and workload or student managing demanding jobs or running a busy household, American Public University System lets their students learn according to their time and in their own space.
-
The University has created a platform for interaction between students to share their ideas and interest and enrich the learning process.
-
The University brings in various experts from industries and professors located across the country to bring in more perspectives from their fields.
-
Online learning can be accessed through a mobile application on the go.
-
Online learning makes one’s skilful with technology, a skill highly valued in any career.
Admission Process
-
Students can choose a desired academic program from 200+ degrees and certificate offered by the University. They can use program finder to compare programs on the official University website
-
Students can apply online on the official university website to get registered for a course. There is no fee to apply online. To complete online application it takes 10-15 minutes
-
Students are required to complete admission requirements. Once admission requirements are completed, the admission representative will take students through the further steps to get started
-
Students can start with their classes once the registration process is complete as the university has classes which start every month.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
To have a successful educational experience selecting the right degree is the first step. To find desired programs use program finder on the official University website. Admission representatives also help in deciding on the program according to your needs.
-
Students must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent education according to General Education Development (GED) to apply to the University
-
Students will be required to submit a colour copy of your valid government-issued photo ID while registering for courses of their choices
-
Military undergraduate students are required to submit a government-issued JST or CCAF transcript while registering for the courses
-
Students will be required to go through the College Readiness Assessment. If students have previously earned 9+ hours of college credit they can contact the university about waiving this requirement.
-
If there is a condition of transfer of students, they are required to submit their transcripts from the schools where they earned college-level academic credit
-
If students first course at the university is the Foundation of Online Learning. This course will prepare students to be a successful online learner and will also introduce them to universities resources.
-
If a student is planning to take courses in the University Only for Personal Knowledge or to get a transfer to other universities, they can select “Non Degree Seeking” on the admissions application provided.
Associate Degree Requirements
The associate degree is foundational if students seek to pursue a 2-year program. As this degree can be foundational for further studies in higher education and will also aid students to acquire a final degree.
-
Associate Degree has an average of 60-64 credit hours.
-
It takes a student about 2 years to complete if opted for full-time.
-
Maximum of 7 years total time allowed to complete an Associate Degree.
-
University accepts a maximum of 46 transfer credits (42 for Virginia state residents).
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree is a traditional 4-year degree program. It is commonly accepted as the customary credential of higher education in the U.S. education system.
-
Bachelor’s Degree has an average 121-126 credit hour.
-
It takes a student about 4 years to complete if opted full time.
-
Maximum of 10 years total time allowed to complete a bachelor’s degree.
-
University accepts a maximum of 91 transfer credits (84 for Virginia state residents).
Certificate Program Requirements
A certificate program provides a student with a 6-8 set of course focus. Its course focus lies on a particular topic or set of issues according to the course offered by the University.
-
Certificate Program has average 18-27 credit hours.
-
It takes a student about 1 year to complete if opted full time.
-
Maximum of 3 years total time allowed to complete a certificate program.
-
University accepts a maximum of 9 transfer credits.
Graduate Admission Requirements
-
Students will require a bachelor’s degree or higher education from any institution who has been accredited or recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
-
If a student has a non-U.S. transcript kindly view the international admission page on the official website for more information.
-
Students are required to submit a colour copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
-
Military students with an exception to Air Force, need to submit a government-issued JST transcript.
Master’s Degree Requirement
Master’s degrees are a better choice if a student wants to have a more in-depth study of their undergraduate degree or to pursue a new academic stream or study.
-
Master’s has an average of 36-47 credit hours.
-
It takes a student about 2 years to complete if opted full time.
-
Maximum of 7 years total time allowed to complete a Master’s Degree.
-
University accepts a maximum of 15 transfer credits.
Annual Cost to Attend
Net Price
$14,406
Average Annual Cost
$7,324
Books And Supplies
$1,200
Other Fees
$2,352
Room And Board
$7,312
Budget For Other Expenses
$2,296
Total One Year Cost
$17,156
Tuition for the American Public University System is $7,324. This is 55% cheaper than the national average private for-profit four-year college tuition of $14,406. The cost is 54% cheaper than the average West Virginia tuition of $14,077 for 4-year colleges. Tuition ranks 6th in West Virginia amongst 4-year colleges for affordability and is the 17th most expensive 4-year college in the state. Price does not vary by residence.
The school charges an additional fee of $2,352 in addition to tuition bringing the total effective in-state tuition to $7,324. American Public University System doesn't offer on-campus housing. If you're not living with a family you will need to budget for food and housing in the Charles Town area just like you would for a college with dorms. The estimated rent and meal expense per academic year for off-campus housing is $7,312.
Academics
Highest Degree Offered
Doctoral
Student:Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Retention Rate
98%
Part-Time Retention Rate
93%
Academic Calendar
Other academic year
Research Funding per Student
$319
Faculty Overview
Male Professors
Female Professors
Non-traditional Learning
Evening Degree Programs
Teacher Certification
Distance Education
Study Abroad
Majors
Business Administration, Management...
1,323 Graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General...
1,187 Graduates
Criminal Justice and Corrections
740 Graduates
Homeland Security
634 Graduates
Computer/Information Technology Adm...
474 Graduates
International/Global Studies
399 Graduates
Health and Physical Education/Fitne...
332 Graduates
Psychology, General
308 Graduates
Human Development, Family Studies,...
289 Graduates
Natural Resources Conservation and...
288 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Clin...
203 Graduates
Public Health
176 Graduates
Accounting and Related Services
156 Graduates
History
146 Graduates
Computer and Information Sciences,...
139 Graduates
Business/Commerce, General
131 Graduates
International Relations and Nationa...
126 Graduates
Sociology
96 Graduates
Non-Professional General Legal Stud...
91 Graduates
English Language and Literature, Ge...
79 Graduates
Fire Protection
77 Graduates
Political Science and Government
66 Graduates
Data Processing
65 Graduates
Hospitality Administration/Manageme...
61 Graduates
Legal Support Services
54 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering Related Tech...
53 Graduates
Real Estate
49 Graduates
Registered Nursing, Administration,...
46 Graduates
Marketing
36 Graduates
Computer Software and Media Applica...
33 Graduates
General Sales, Merchandising and Re...
33 Graduates
Military Technologies and Applied S...
32 Graduates
Philosophy
27 Graduates
Communication and Media Studies
26 Graduates
Religion/Religious Studies
26 Graduates
Military Systems and Maintenance Te...
19 Graduates
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory an...
18 Graduates
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applicatio...
15 Graduates
Applied Mathematics
14 Graduates
Telecommunications Management
14 Graduates
Educational/Instructional Media Des...
12 Graduates
Entrepreneurial and Small Business...
7 Graduates
Environmental Control Technologies/...
4 Graduates
Computer Programming
3 Graduates
Electrical, Electronics and Communi...
1 Graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
37,746
Socio-Economic Diversity
27%
Part-time
94%
Students Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Geographic Density
Geographic Density
High
Unknown Location
Out Of State
In State
Foreign
Economic Diversity
36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.
Median Household Income
N/A
Campus Life
Housing
The institution does not provide on-campus housing facilities for students.
On Campus Housing Available
No
Freshmen Required to Live on Campus
No
Freshmen Live on Campus
N/A
Undergrads in College Housing
N/A
Averege Housing Cost
N/A
Campus Food
The institution does not provide any meal plan options.
Meal Plan Available
No
Average Meal Plan Available
N/A
Athletes
Division Sports Nickname
N/A
School Colors
N/A
Varsity Athletics Association
N/A
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
N/A
Total Male Athletes
N/A
Total Female Athletes
N/A
Intramural Sports
N/A
Sports Club
N/A
Campus Safety
24-Hour Security Patrol
NA
24-Hour Escort Safety rides
NA
The university believes in offering quality training to all the students and doesn't appreciate instructive disparities. Students originating from various ethnic foundations like Latin, Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and a lot more are invited to the school. The number of female and male students at the university are 64% and 36%, respectively.
After Graduation
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$43,800/year
Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation
$62,400/year
Typical Monthly Loan Payment
$74 - 377
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Gift Aid
Average Aid Per Year
$5,786
Students Receiving Federal Grants
Average Aid Per Year
$4,546
Students Receiving State Aid
Average Aid Per Year
$1,000
Students Receiving Institutional Grants
Average Aid Per Year
$825
Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30K
$6,630
$30K - $48K
$7,096
$48K - $75K
$5,948
American Public University Financial Aid
Financial Aid and assistance are available for the students in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Students looking for financial aid facilities can fill the FAFSA form. American Public University federal school code is 038193. Some of the financial aids available for the students are given below.
-
Federal Aid offered are Pell Grants, Iran Afghanistan Service Grant, Direct PLUS Loan, Direct Subsidized, and Unsubsidized Loans.
-
Some scholarships available are Apartment Guide Scholarship and Department of Defense SMART Scholarship for Service.
-
Military Aid includes Military Tuition Assistance, Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), and Survivors and Educational Assistance Program (DEA), Yellow Ribbon Program, National Military Intelligence Foundation Scholarship and Montgomery GI Bill.