American Public University System

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Master's

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By the OnlineU team | Updated 1/19/2023

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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. Undergraduate distance learners enroll in APUS online programs — such as business, healthcare administration, English, criminal justice, nursing, human resources, psychology, and computer science — for career preparation, advancement, or preparation for graduate programs. Online classes start monthly and last between eight and sixteen weeks, allowing scheduling flexibility.

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Rankings by Salary Score and Affordability

Salary Score for Online Degrees at American Public University System

Certificate Degrees


Business Administration, Management and Operations	Not Reported	$52,098	85
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management	Not Reported	$53,474	65
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	Not Reported	$27,618	35

Associate's Degrees


Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	Not Reported	$47,433	100
Business Administration, Management and Operations	Not Reported	$46,950	97
Business/Commerce, General	Not Reported	$48,117	96
Accounting and Related Services	Not Reported	$46,369	96
Criminal Justice and Corrections	Not Reported	$40,991	82
Legal Support Services	Not Reported	$36,537	81
Public Health	Not Reported	$28,199	19

Bachelor's Degrees


Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	Not Reported	$67,702	100
Sociology	Not Reported	$41,134	99
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	Not Reported	$46,804	98
Political Science and Government	Not Reported	$54,649	98
History	Not Reported	$42,911	98
Criminal Justice and Corrections	Not Reported	$52,093	96
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations	Not Reported	$49,646	96
Philosophy	Not Reported	$45,528	94
Marketing	Not Reported	$51,439	93
Business Administration, Management and Operations	Not Reported	$58,123	91
Hospitality Administration/Management	Not Reported	$37,804	85
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	Not Reported	$78,264	83
Computer and Information Sciences, General	Not Reported	$64,277	81
Psychology, General	Not Reported	$35,578	80
International/Global Studies	Not Reported	$62,810	76
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management	Not Reported	$66,586	73
English Language and Literature, General	Not Reported	$33,171	73
Security Science and Technology	Not Reported	$45,761	69
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)	Not Reported	$43,301	66
Public Health	Not Reported	$41,869	66
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	Not Reported	$45,288	46
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	Not Reported	$29,792	44
Homeland Security	Not Reported	$56,924	44
Accounting and Related Services	Not Reported	$44,917	31
International Relations and National Security Studies	Not Reported	$50,382	24
Fire Protection	Not Reported	$64,850	16

Master's Degrees


Health and Physical Education/Fitness	Not Reported	$58,354	99
Public Health	Not Reported	$73,635	97
History	Not Reported	$51,895	94
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	Not Reported	$56,416	88
Criminal Justice and Corrections	Not Reported	$70,090	87
Homeland Security	Not Reported	$75,474	83
International/Global Studies	Not Reported	$79,853	76
International Relations and National Security Studies	Not Reported	$67,699	75
Public Administration	Not Reported	$64,014	74
Political Science and Government	Not Reported	$50,260	74
Business Administration, Management and Operations	Not Reported	$70,713	60
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management	Not Reported	$88,507	52
Psychology, General	Not Reported	$45,457	46
Education, General	Not Reported	$47,349	34
Accounting and Related Services	Not Reported	$58,299	24

FAQs About American Public University System

Is American Public University Legitimate?

Yes, APUS and its online degrees are legitimate. Employers generally respect and accept online degrees as long as accredited institutions confer them. Accreditation is important because it signifies that a school consistently meets high academic standards in delivering quality education.

All OnlineU schools are institutionally accredited.

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some of APU's programs also receive additional programmatic accreditation, such as nursing and public health.

What Is American Public University Known For?

APUS is known for offering programs that are accessible to working adults, military members on active duty, and veterans.

Since 1991, APUS has become a leader and innovator in providing quality online education, initially targeting active-duty military members. Since then, it's been one of the largest online education providers, with over 200 online programs accessible to students worldwide regardless of military status. APUS embraced the new millennium starting in 1999 when it began offering all its undergraduate programs online, followed by all graduate programs the following year.

Which Degrees at APU Provide the Highest Earnings for Graduates?

Online computer information technology administration and management bachelor's degrees may result in the highest earnings, with a $69,785 annual median salary. Additionally, online fire protection, international global studies, computer and information science, and homeland security bachelor's degrees may result in annual median salaries of $56,900 and higher.

What Is the Difference Between APU and AMU?

The difference between APU and AMU is the student population served. AMU (American Military University) was founded in 1991 as a military-friendly institution with the goal of providing higher education that's more accessible to mobile military personnel. In 2002, AMU reorganized and became part of APU (American Public University) to provide the same flexible education to a broader range of students.

How Difficult Is It To Get Into APU?

It is not difficult to get into APU due to its open admissions policy. In other words, APU accepts 100% of its applicants. While APU doesn't require submitting entrance exam scores, like the SAT and ACT, it is encouraged.

What Are the Admission Requirements for APU?

APU admission requirements are minimal compared to many other colleges and universities. Applying requires completing a free online application, submitting proof of high school completion or equivalent, and providing a color copy of a valid state-issued ID or driver's license. Students transferring credits must complete a free online transfer credit application and submit college or military transcripts, as applicable.

Some individual degree programs have additional requirements, such as accounting, nursing, and electrical engineering. An admissions advisor can help determine other documentation that may be required.

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