Digital Learning for Real Life

Flexible, affordable education, designed to move your life forward.

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Bachelor's Master's Associate Doctoral Certificates

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American Public University offers over 200 degree and certificate programs online. Classes start monthly.

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Opportunity Looks Different at American Public University

At APU, we believe that education should not be a privilege for the few. It should be a powerful, accessible path forward for anyone ready to take the next step. That's why we offer 200+ affordable, career-relevant degree and certificate programs built to fit your life.

With monthly starts, flexible online courses, and affordable tuition, we're helping more people go further, faster.

When students graduate on their terms, they don't just earn a degree—they launch what's next. They advance knowledge, support families, start businesses, and shape the future they want to see.

Your next opportunity isn't years away. It starts now.

Explore Our Programs

Value For The Whole Family

Special Rates & Grants for Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and Their Families

We believe military families deserve the opportunity to learn without the burden of debt. That's why APU is proud to offer the Preferred Military Rate which lowers undergraduate and master’s-level tuition to just $250/credit hour. All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families—including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents—are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate.

And to support the education dreams of those who have served, all veterans and their family members (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for APU’s Veteran Grant which is 10% off standard undergraduate and 15% off master’s-level tuition1. 

Apply Now

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Education That Moves With You Savings That Stays

APU Clears the Path Forward

Education Should Lift You Up, Not Weigh You Down

At APU, we see potential. We keep tuition low so you can focus on your future, not on crushing debt.

$350

UNDERGRADUATE TUITION RATE

$250/credit hour with Preferred Military Rate2
$315/credit hour with Veteran Grant3
$315/credit hour with Opportunity Grant4

$455

MASTER'S TUITION RATE

$250/credit hour with Preferred Military Rate2
$386.75/credit hour with Veteran Grant3
$409.50/credit hour with Opportunity Grant 4

72%

HAVE GRADUATED WITH NO APUS-INCURRED STUDENT LOAN DEBT11

$0

APPLICATION FEE

For undergraduate and master's-level programs5

$0

TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION

Our staff will review your transfer documentation at no cost.6

0

ENTRANCE EXAMS

SAT® and ACT® scores are not considered for undergraduate enrollment, and we do not have a waitlist. GRE® and GMAT™ are not required for master's-level programs.

Explore Our Areas Of Study

Arts & Humanities

Arts & Humanities

Arts & Humanities

Arts and humanities programs that help you develop cultural awareness, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of human thought, expression, and society.

Business Administration and Management

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Business Administration and Management

Business administration and management programs that build leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills for roles in corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Education

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Education

Unlock your passion for teaching while developing the communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to help you guide, support, and motivate K-12 students.

Electrical Engineering

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Electrical Engineering

Merge science and engineering principles, hone your research skills, and test your problem-solving limits as you explore emerging theories in electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

Homeland Security

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Homeland Security

Homeland security programs that focus on counterterrorism, infrastructure protection, emergency preparedness, and national resilience.

Information Technology

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Information Technology

Information technology programs that teach systems development, cybersecurity, and data management for solving real-world tech challenges.

Intelligence

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Intelligence

Intelligence programs that explore analysis, threat detection, and information security to support national defense and strategic decision-making.

Science & Math

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Science & Math

Master mathematical reasoning, data analysis, and ethical decision-making for diverse industry applications.

Nursing & Health Sciences

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Nursing & Health Sciences

Gain knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnostic techniques while enhancing your communication and research skills.

Public Safety

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Public Safety

Embark on a journey to safeguard society. Learn about law enforcement, emergency management, and public administration while honing problem-solving and communication skills.

Security & Global Studies

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Security & Global Studies

Dive into the complexities of global issues. Acquire skills in criminal justice, disaster management, and legal studies while gaining a comprehensive understanding of world affairs.

CREDENTIAL LEVELS

Accreditation Matters

As part of an accredited university system, American Public University is eligible to participate in federal educational entitlement programs, such as military tuition assistance, government tuition reimbursement programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill®7 and many corporate education assistance programs. In addition, APUS has been granted approval by the Department of Education to participate in Title IV Federal Student Aid (FSA) Programs.

Attending an accredited university ensures the education you receive meets established standards of quality and rigor. In addition to system-wide accreditation, several APU programs have received specialty accreditation.8 Full accreditation details can be found on our accreditation page.

View Our Accreditation Page

Over 90% of our students are working professionals. 9
Our courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Application Pathway
Your Path Forward
At American Public University, we strive to provide an educational experience that's as unique as you are. From the first click to commencement, we put our students in the driver's seat by listening to your needs and providing unparalleled support.

Request Information or Apply

We've made it easy to get started. Simply submit a Request for Information and an admissions representative will help guide you along the way.
Find Your Program

Find the right program for you by speaking to an admissions representative or through self-service in our mobile app (myAPU).
Complete App and Submit Documents

Upload high school and previous college transcripts, then use our Transfer Credit Evaluation to see if on-the-job training, certifications, and prior exams count toward your degree.
Admittance and Registration

Once your documents are approved and you're logged into ecampus, you can register for courses. Need help deciding? Our academic advisors are ready to assist you!
Enroll

Access your Academic Plan in ecampus for guidance on which courses to enroll in or reach out to your advisor for more detailed assistance.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Feb 2 Register By Jan 30

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APU Offers Real-Life Support, Designed for Real Students

From your first class to your next big move, APU surrounds you with support. Whether you need a coach to help you plan your career, a mentor to keep you motivated, or 24/7 mental health resources to stay grounded, we’re here for the whole you.

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Career Coaching

Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.

Learn More

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24/7 Mental Health Support

Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with telehealth apps, you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.

Learn More

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Admissions & Advising Support

From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.

Learn More

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Student Life

At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.

Learn More

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Meet Our Students

smiling female student

I'm proud of my degree at APU because I am a firm believer that education is the foundation in which your dreams and goals are built on."

Stephanie Bradley

Graduate
M.A. Management

See Stephanie's Story

Stephanie Bradley's APU Story — View transcript (Scroll to see full transcript)
Stephanie Bradley:
My husband and I met in high school — we’re high school sweethearts. We were married ten years ago, but we’ve been together for a total of twenty years now. We have two beautiful daughters.
For fun, we do a lot of different things. We love to play cards together — any kind of card games.
Once I graduated from high school, I went straight to a traditional four-year university. I majored in Communication Studies and minored in Business. I graduated from there and started my career pretty much right away.
I think the old Stephanie would have said that a traditional four-year university is enough.
My mom used to be a VP of Operations at a bank. She would take my brother and me to work with her on weekends when nobody else was there. I saw that drive in her — getting up every day, making us breakfast, taking us to school, picking us up, making us dinner, and then going to work again.
I knew that I wanted, at some point, to have something more for myself — and that I needed education or training to help me get to that next level.
I chose APU because, at the time, I was starting a new career. My husband was traveling a lot, which made it difficult for me to go to any physical location. We had just started our family, and I knew that the demands of life wouldn’t allow me to attend a traditional, in-person program.
APU allowed me to earn my degree while all of those things were happening at the same time.
I found a sense of community through attending an online university because I got to see other people around me — it was about the community of people that I was with. I was talking to classmates in forums that I’d never met before, and they were sharing their own life experiences.
It was so motivating to hear from people going through much more extreme circumstances, still pursuing their degrees. It became less about the education itself and more about the community that surrounded me — even though it wasn’t physical.
The detail I remember most about starting my degree at APU was getting one of my first books. I still remember taking a picture of it on my ottoman and sending it to my mom because I couldn’t believe it was real — that this was happening. And then, two years later, I graduated.
I’m proud of my degree from APU because I’m a firm believer that education is the foundation upon which your dreams and goals are built. You always need that baseline foundation — that education — to build your experiences on top of.
Because if you don’t have a strong foundation, you really can’t build the life you dream of for yourself.
The present-day Stephanie, who decided to get a master’s degree at an online university, would say: you just have to take that one step, and everything else will follow. You can’t pass up the opportunities that are right in front of you — for your career, for your life, and for everything you want for yourself.
My name is Stephanie Bradley, and I’m an APU graduate.

Female Poka Dots

Jovanka Rodrguez

MA in Management

"The demands of a working parent can be challenging, however, through APU I successfully balanced my family life and professional responsibilities while still managing the enriching challenges of my graduate studies."

Bryan Mogaru

Bryan Mogaru

BA in Homeland Security

"You can be at work the whole day, but at the same time, you’re a student at APU. I see myself getting close, closer to my dream. I see myself making a difference in the world."

clinical instructor sitting on couch smiling

Rebecca Gabriel

MSN

"The online education was flexible, it was affordable, and there was a philanthropic aspect. These were the three big things that stood out to me, and the tie to American Public University and the respect for our servicemen and women."

Scott Meyer

Scott Meyer

MA in History

"The professors really wanted me to do well at APU. There was an awareness that we were working while going to school."

Want to Learn More?

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Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals. Click here if you are a current student and need assistance.

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We value your privacy.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive information via electronic means, including email and text messages, phone calls and voice messages about upcoming courses, recruitment events, newsletters, and other resources from American Public University System, Inc., which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), American Public Education, Inc., and Zeta Global, a third-party contractor on behalf of American Public University System, Inc. This consent is not a condition of enrollment or purchase.

You may withdraw your consent at any time. Please refer to our privacy policy, terms, or contact us for more details.

Tuition grants cannot be combined and only one grant can be applied per course registration.
All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit for undergraduate and master’s-level courses. The Preferred Military Rate, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions. Please note that a technology fee applies to master’s-level courses.
All veterans and family members (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible to receive a 10% Veteran Grant on standard undergraduate and master’s-level tuition. Tuition grants cannot be combined with any other special rates, promotions, or grants and only one can be applied per course.
Prospective and current APUS students are eligible for the Opportunity Grant of 10% off undergraduate or master’s-level tuition. This grant, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions. Only one can be applied per course.
There is a $100 application fee for doctoral programs.
The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to the policies outlined on the University website.
GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- The baccalaureate and master's degree programs in nursing at American Public University System are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
- CAHIIM® is a registered trademark of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
- IFSAC® is a registered trademark of The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges.
- CEPH® is a registered trademark of the Council on Education for Public Health.
Based on current active enrolled students as of September 30, 2025.
UWill^® is a registered trademark of UWill, Inc.
Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021.
Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.