AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Updated on August 21, 2026

American Public University System

Of Graduates Would Recommend This School

75%

Rating According to to GradReports.comRating According to to OnlineDegreeReviews.org$ $ $ $ $Price Index by OnlineCourseReport.com

The American Public University System is an online, for-profit institution composed of the American Military University and American Public University, owned by American Public University Inc. It was established in 1991, and operates from Charles Town, West Virginia. It has an open enrollment policy. Over half its student body in 2016 said they were actively serving in the military. That's not a requirement for attending APUS, but it demonstrates its commitment to veterans and active military members. Over 98,000 students attend the school. APUS offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, in addition to dual degrees, certificate programs and learning tracks. The school has been named a "Best for Vets College" by The Military Times each year since 2015. It tied at 92nd in U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Online Bachelor's Programs

Common positive reviews of APUS said it was flexible yet rigorous, had good instructors, and did a good job accepting transferred credit.Common negative reviews said students felt undereducated, had trouble with administrative difficulties (changing degrees), and that there was too heavy a workload.

American Public University Performance Metrics

10%

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

19:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

200+

Number of Online Degrees

Online Associate's Degrees

  • Arts & Humanities (4 specializations)

  • Business & Management (7 specializations)

  • Early Childhood Care and Education

  • Information Technology (3 specializations)

  • Counter Terrorism Studies

  • Nursing (2 specializations)

  • Public Safety (2 specializations)

  • Science & Math (2 specializations)

  • Security & Global Studies (6 specializations)

Online Bachelor's Degrees

  • Arts & Humanities (9 specializations)

  • Business & Management (14 specializations)

  • Human Development and Family Studies

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Homeland Security

  • Information Technology (4 specializations)

  • Intelligence Studies

  • Nursing & Health Sciences (5 specializations)

  • Public Safety (6 specializations)

  • Science & Math (9 specializations)

  • Security & Global Studies (10 specializations)

Online Master's Degrees

  • Arts & Humanities (5 specializations)

  • Business & Management (9 specializations)

  • Education (4 specializations)

  • Homeland Security (2 specializations)

  • Information Technology (2 specializations)

  • Intelligence Studies (2 specializations)

  • Nursing & Health Sciences (5 specializations)

  • Public Safety (5 specializations)

  • Science & Math (4 specializations)

  • Security & Global Studies (12 specializations)

Online Course Report Rankings Featuring American Public University

Rankings

3

Facts about American Public University

American Public University

  • It has conferred over 79,000 degrees since 1995, and has over 75,000 alumni.

  • APUS is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • The average age of APUS students is 33, 88% of them are working adults, and 47% were referred by another student.

American Public University Locations

  • Online

  • Charles Town, West Virginia (corporate and academic offices)

  • Manassas, Virginia (administrative offices)

American Public University Online Learning Features

APUS' 100% online classes start monthly and run from 8 to 16 weeks. It features an extensive library, study resources, and academic advisors. APUS is an interactive school, including forums, blogs and social media. The APUS social media network is a great way for students to connect to each other, faculty and staff. APUS also has a bustling online career services program, aimed at helping students become employed. It comes with an asynchronous format, allowing for more student flexibility in completing assignments. 70% of undergraduate students transfer credits, with APUS' online department looking to facilitate early graduation for its students.