American Public University System: Programs, Cost & Outcomes (2026)

American Public University System (APUS) is a for-profit institution based in Charles Town, WV. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), APUS operates two universities — American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) — and has a strong heritage serving military-connected students. With 40,074 students enrolled, it offers one of the broadest online program catalogs available, with particular depth in homeland security, intelligence studies, and criminal justice.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

Published tuition at APUS is $8,400 per year (same rate for all students). The average net price after grants and scholarships is $9,597 per year — one of the lowest among major online universities.

25% of students receive Federal Pell Grants. Only 12% take out federal student loans — by far the lowest loan rate among profiled schools, reflecting APUS’s military-connected student body (many of whom use Tuition Assistance or GI Bill benefits instead of loans). Median graduate debt is $21,743.

Net Price by Family Income

APUS’s net price is remarkably consistent across income brackets, reflecting the already-low tuition. Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your Student Aid Index, or the GI Bill Calculator to see how far your military education benefits go.

Student Outcomes

APUS graduates earn a median salary of $44,409 ten years after enrollment and $32,917 at the six-year mark. The significant jump between 6-year and 10-year earnings may reflect the career progression of military-connected students who leverage their degrees alongside service experience.

ROI Snapshot

With median debt of $21,743 and median 10-year earnings of $44,409, APUS graduates earn approximately $2.04 for every $1 of debt at graduation. For military-connected students using Tuition Assistance or GI Bill benefits, the effective personal debt may be significantly lower — making the real ROI even stronger. Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

APUS offers programs across 7 major fields, with standout depth in military and security-related disciplines.

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Nursing (BSN)
• M.S. Nursing
• RN to MSN

BSN and MSN online, nursing education and leadership graduate certs.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Business
• B.B.A. Business Administration
• B.S. Accounting
• B.S. Business Analytics
• B.A. Entrepreneurship
• B.A. Management
• B.A. Marketing
• M.A. Management
• M.S. Accounting

$360/credit undergrad tuition, extensive business specializations.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Master’s

• M.Ed. Teaching
• M.Ed. Educational Leadership
• M.Ed. Higher Education Administration
• M.Ed. Online Teaching
• M.Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Education

Multiple education specializations at master’s level.

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Computer Science
• B.S. Computer Science
• B.S. Cybersecurity
• B.S. Data Science
• B.S. Artificial Intelligence
• B.S. Information Technology
• B.S. IT Management
• M.S. Computer Science
• M.S. Cybersecurity Studies
• M.S. Information Technology

AI and data science bachelor’s; strong IT/cyber pipeline.

Criminal Justice

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Criminal Justice
• B.S. Criminal Justice
• B.A. Homeland Security
• B.S. Fire Science Management
• M.A. Criminal Justice
• M.A. Homeland Security

Heavy military/homeland security focus, intelligence studies unique niche.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Psychology
• B.A. Human Development and Family Studies
• M.A. Psychology

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. English
• B.A. History
• B.A. Communication
• B.A. Philosophy
• B.A. Sociology
• B.A. Political Science
• B.A. Religion
• M.A. History
• M.A. Military History

Unusually broad liberal arts catalog for an online school; military history specialty.

Who APUS Is Best For

APUS is purpose-built for military-connected students — active duty, veterans, Guard, Reserve, and military spouses. The low tuition ($8,400/yr), 97% retention rate, and 12% loan rate all point to a model that aligns with military education benefits. The homeland security, intelligence, and criminal justice programs are among the most extensive available online.

Civilian students focused on low cost and broad program selection should also compare WGU ($8,658/yr, competency-based) or Purdue University Global ($7,770 avg net price). Military students should also check the GI Bill Calculator to estimate their benefits.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact American Public University System directly for the most current information.