American Public University System
About American Public University System
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
American Public University System is a for-profit online university in Charles Town, West Virginia. It operates American Military University and American Public University, serving active-duty military, veterans, and working professionals with flexible online programs.
Founded
1991
Location
Charles Town, West Virginia
Students
49,169
Institution
For-Profit
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
57.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$8,400
Per year
Avg Net Price
$9,597
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$44,409
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
97.1%
4-Year Grad
26%
6-Year Grad
41%
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
18.4%
$/Student
$1.8K
Class Size
Large
The 26% graduation rate is below average, but 97.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,400
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$0
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,768
After Financial Aid
$9,597
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,335
Receive Grants
24.6%
Take Loans
12.2%
Tuition is $8,400/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $9,597.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at American Public University System fund their education.
While in School
24.6%
Get Grants
Free money
12.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,613
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,743
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$231/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 12.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,743. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends American Public University System.
Gender
35.5%
Female
65%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
40,074
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
9,095
Graduates
53.4%
First-Gen
32 yrs
Avg Age
77.7%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 32, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 53.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
40,074
Students
for-profit
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Other academic year calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of American Public University Systemearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,409
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$62K
1808 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$57K
571 grads
1yr Earnings
Homeland Security
$62K
516 grads
1yr Earnings
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
—
473 grads
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$51K
455 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$67K
410 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $33K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about American Public University System
How much does American Public University System cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at American Public University System?▾
How much do American Public University System graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.