About American Public University System
The financial picture looks reasonable for what you get. Students typically pay about $9,104 after aid, which is the same whether you live in West Virginia or anywhere else since tuition runs $8,400 for everyone. Graduates earn a median of $44,409 ten years after starting, and most leave with $21,743 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $231, which is manageable given the earning potential. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many students pay out of pocket or use military benefits.
The 93% retention rate shows students stick with their programs once they start. However, graduation rates tell a different story: 53% finish within six years, which reflects the challenges many working adults face completing degrees while managing careers and families.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 20.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.2%
- Retention Rate
- 93.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,409
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $82,685 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $81,702 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $73,992 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $71,295 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $68,666 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,728 |
| Political Science and Government. | Master | $64,493 |
| International/Global Studies. | Certificate | $63,997 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $63,997 |
Campus Life
Your "campus" is wherever you have internet access. Classes run on flexible schedules that work around deployments, shift work, and family responsibilities. The student-faculty ratio is 25:1, but you'll interact with professors and classmates through discussion boards, video calls, and group projects rather than in lecture halls. Only 0.39% of students are from West Virginia, where the school is technically based in Charles Town, near the Maryland border.
Weekend activities depend entirely on your location and schedule. Some students catch up on coursework between military duties, others study after their kids go to bed, and many work through assignments during lunch breaks. The online format means you'll never worry about parking, dining halls, or dorm drama, but you'll need strong self-discipline to stay motivated without the structure of a physical campus.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Other
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–41°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 64.8%
- Women
- 35.2%
- White
- 46.1%
- Black
- 16.5%
- Hispanic
- 19.0%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 0.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.7%
Location
- Address
- Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,409
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,627
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 22.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $231/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,743
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at American Public University System?
American Public University System operates with open enrollment for its online programs, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted. The university primarily serves military members and working adults who need flexible scheduling. With 38,976 students enrolled, APUS focuses on accessibility rather than selectivity.
How much does American Public University System cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,104 annually at American Public University System. Tuition runs $8,400 whether you're in-state or out-of-state since it's an online institution. Only 24.67% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's military-focused student body that often uses GI Bill benefits.
What is the student-faculty ratio at American Public University System?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 25:1 at American Public University System. Classes are delivered entirely online, allowing the university to serve nearly 39,000 students across the country. The retention rate hits 93.62%, indicating students adapt well to the virtual learning environment.
What are the graduation rates at American Public University System?
American Public University System reports a 53.20% six-year graduation rate and 54.30% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,409 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 85.8%, reflecting the university's career-focused programs designed for working professionals.
Where is American Public University System located?
American Public University System is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia, but operates as a fully online institution. Only 0.39% of students are actually from West Virginia since the university serves students nationwide. The virtual campus model attracts military personnel and working adults who need location flexibility.
Does American Public University System primarily serve military students?
American Public University System was specifically designed for military members and veterans seeking higher education. Men comprise 64.78% of the student body, reflecting the military demographic. The university's flexible online format accommodates active-duty service members who may be deployed or frequently relocating.
