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American Public University System

Salary Score

Bachelor's

 83

Master's

 74

Doctoral

N/A

By the OnlineU team | Updated 1/19/2023

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FAQs

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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