American Public University System
A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a major research university experience. for-profit institutions have higher scrutiny — research carefully. solid earnings of $67,000 within 10 years; 97% freshman retention — students rarely leave.
About This School
American Public University System is a private for-profit institution located in Charles Town, West Virginia with approximately 40,074 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,597 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, and the typical graduate earns $67,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit, online university system headquartered at Charles Town, West Virginia. It consists of American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU).
Built primarily for working adults, military service members, and veterans who need flexible, fully online education at a low price point, this school delivers real value — a median net price of just $9,597 per year makes it one of the more affordable options you'll find anywhere. The two-university system (American Military University and American Public University) has genuinely strong programming in areas like criminal justice, homeland security, and business, fields well-matched to its core student population. The 97% freshman retention rate is impressive and suggests students who enroll tend to feel supported enough to continue, and median earnings of $67,000 a decade out — with only $21,743 in median debt — is a reasonable return on that investment. That said, the 57% graduation rate is a real concern; it means roughly four in ten students who start here don't finish, which is worth asking hard questions about before enrolling. My honest advice: if you're a traditional 18-year-old straight out of high school looking for a campus experience, this probably isn't your fit — but if you're a service member, veteran, or working adult who needs a credentialed, affordable degree you can complete on your own schedule, this is a legitimate and often overlooked option worth serious consideration.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 35% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (40,074 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
American Public University System
111 W Congress St
Charles Town, WV 25414
Official Links
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See How Colleges Compare
American Public University System is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does American Public University System cost?
The average net price at American Public University System is about $9,597 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.
What is the graduation rate at American Public University System?
American Public University System has a graduation rate of 57%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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