American Public University

A logo of American Public University for our school profile

  american-public-university

Online Academics at American Public University

APU appears in our ranking of the 25 Best Bachelor’s in Engineering Online Degrees. American Public University offers more than 40 majors for undergrads. Students can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in the fields of their choosing. Most programs require that students complete 120 credits of work. However, some of its engineering and scientific programs ask students to complete 126 credits of work. One of the only electrical engineering degree programs available online today is the one that APU offers. This program charges an additional fee of $100 for each electrical or engineering class students take. It includes 72 credits of required engineering courses that include:
  • Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
  • Digital Circuit Theory
  • Control Systems Theory and Design
The university also offers a military history program. Students can enroll in a general history program and look at all aspects of military history. They they can also pick a concentration in American military history and study the history of armed forces in the country. Students will take classes on the different wars that America fought in. Also available from the university is a Bachelor of Arts in Retail Management degree program. It’s designed for those who want to work in retail settings. This program features classes like:
  • Principles and Theory of Management
  • Retail Merchandising Operations
  • Introduction to Transportation Management
  • Human Resource Management
American Public University offers a similar program on hospitality and tourism management. It includes  some of the same classes.

About American Public University

American Public University System is the official name given to an online college that offers classes through American Public University and American Military University. American Military University established in 1991. It was created by a retired member of the United States Marine Corps. It was called AMU at the time. The university offered graduate courses and training programs for students who wanted to work in select positions in the different military branches. Students enrolled in correspondence courses and completed their work through the mail. It received accreditation in the 1990s. The university began offering more traditional degree programs. It added a number of undergrad degree programs to its curriculum. It slowly eliminated its correspondence courses in favor of online programs. It went entirely online in 1998. In 2001, the university opened its courses to civilian students. Students of all types can now enroll in any of the American Public University programs, even if they do not have any military experience. Also called APU, the university is popular among military students because they can take classes while stationed on bases across the country and overseas. They can continue their classes once they retire or end their enlistments. The system is home to six colleges and schools that offer more than 200 programs. Students can enroll in degree programs or earn certificates in different fields through the university. More than half its current students are in the military. A large number of students use military benefits to pay for their classes. APU has a total enrollment across all programs of more than 80,000 students.

American Public University Accreditation Details

American Public University has regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS). Accreditation of this type enables students to bring credits from another accredited colleges or university with them. They can transfer those credits into degree programs of their choosing. It also allows students to seek federal financial aid. The university is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The American Public program in nursing has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

American Public University Application Requirements

APU estimates that students will spend around 15 minutes completing its online application. This application consists of four sections.It asks for general background information on each student. There is no application fee. The university does not require students to put down a deposit or spend any money after finishing it. Many students apply to the university to learn more about its programs before deciding whether to enroll. APU recommends that students talk with an admissions counselor to find out more about the process. Its counselors can also help students learn what they need to do to apply for financial aid. The university accepts nearly 100% of the applications that it receives. Students can apply and take classes after taking college classes at another university. However,  many of its students have only a high school diploma. The university will also accept students who have a high school equivalency diploma or certificate like the GED. APU does not have an application deadline. Classes start at the beginning of each month. This allows students to apply and sign up for classes quickly.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergrads pay just $270 per credit hour for all the classes they take from APU. The university charges graduate students $350 per credit hour. Students can also audit classes for just $170. Those who audit courses will not get credit for the work that they do. The university also offers discounts for military students that brings costs down to $250 per credit hour for undergrads and $325 per credit hour for graduate students. APU helps students save through its e-book program, too. All required textbooks are available online and are free for students to use. All military students qualify for a tuition grant that brings their tuition rates down to the prices listed above. Students can also use any military benefits they have and tuition reimbursement plans that their employers offer. The university allows students to use government aid, too, including grants and loans. Those who want to see if they qualify for any federal aid should use the FAFSA. They can fill this out and submit in October or later in the year. It also accepts private student loans and any scholarships that students find on their own. American Public University has a self-pay option available for students paying their own way through school.

Related Resources:

Featured Programs

5 Scholarships for Electrical Engineering

10 Bad Degrees Hiring Managers Don’t Want to See on Your Resumé

Best Paying Jobs in Electrical Products and Engineering

Major Decisions: Choose Wisely

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief