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American Public University System

Median Salary (5 years)

Bachelor's

$68,950

Master's

$84,291

Doctoral

N/A

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Written by OnlineU Writers • Updated 1/19/2023

American Public University System (APUS) is a public, for-profit institution in Charles Town, WV. It offers over 200 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Over 38,500 undergraduate students are enrolled in APUS globally, with 100% of students . Undergraduate distance learners enroll in APUS online programs — such as business, healthcare administration, English, criminal justice, nursing, human resources, psychology, and computer science — for career preparation, advancement, or preparation for graduate programs. Online classes start monthly and last between eight and sixteen weeks, allowing scheduling flexibility.

Rankings

Median Salary for Online Degrees at American Public University System

Certificate Degrees

Field of Study Median Salary (1 year) Median Salary (5 years)
Business Administration, Management and Operations $54,480 $53,536
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $50,957 $70,057
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $31,857 $30,116
Legal Support Services Not Reported $39,088

Associate Degrees

Field of Study Median Salary (1 year) Median Salary (5 years)
Accounting and Related Services $42,509 $51,544
Business Administration, Management and Operations $47,518 $57,549
Business/Commerce, General $44,027 $60,839
Criminal Justice and Corrections $46,978 $46,482
Fire Protection Not Reported $61,771
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $41,350 $53,537
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $16,558 $27,395
Human Resources Management and Services Not Reported $60,037
Legal Support Services $40,049 $43,421
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $52,108 $64,517
Public Health $36,794 $44,031

Bachelor's Degrees

Field of Study Median Salary (1 year) Median Salary (5 years)
Accounting and Related Services $50,688 $60,064
Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,687 $74,073
Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,210 $73,927
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $66,588 $94,292
Criminal Justice and Corrections $57,409 $69,844
English Language and Literature, General $37,602 $40,154
Fire Protection $73,302 $81,009
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $51,381 $55,115
History $35,198 $53,057
Homeland Security $62,340 $75,928
Hospitality Administration/Management $37,174 $55,116
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $34,347 $42,229
Marketing $53,578 $62,057
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $50,260 $67,242
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $46,109 $60,106
Political Science and Government $56,763 $87,190
Psychology, General $39,655 $50,168
Public Health $47,100 $63,490
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $85,161 $82,848
Security Science and Technology $49,622 $52,779
Sociology $47,633 $55,096

Master's Degrees

Field of Study Median Salary (1 year) Median Salary (5 years)
Accounting and Related Services $62,489 $86,537
Business Administration, Management and Operations $74,658 $89,766
Criminal Justice and Corrections $74,466 $78,388
Education, General $62,404 $55,181
Educational Administration and Supervision Not Reported $78,831
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $59,601 $65,913
History $56,621 $68,620
Homeland Security $77,276 $91,488
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $63,243 $80,040
Political Science and Government $69,309 $82,713
Psychology, General $47,524 $52,145
Public Administration $70,882 $83,170
Public Health $77,809 $77,390
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Not Reported $55,311

FAQs About American Public University System

Is American Public University Legitimate?


Yes, APUS and its online degrees are legitimate. Employers generally respect and accept online degrees as long as accredited institutions confer them. Accreditation is important because it signifies that a school consistently meets high academic standards in delivering quality education. 

All OnlineU schools are institutionally accredited.

APUS is accredited by the , an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some of APU's programs also receive additional programmatic accreditation, such as nursing and public health.

What Is American Public University Known For?


APUS is known for offering programs that are accessible to working adults, military members on active duty, and veterans. 

, APUS has become a leader and innovator in providing quality online education, initially targeting active-duty military members. Since then, it's been one of the largest online education providers, with over 200 online programs accessible to students worldwide regardless of military status. APUS embraced the new millennium starting in 1999 when it began offering all its undergraduate programs online, followed by all graduate programs the following year.

Which Degrees at APU Provide the Highest Earnings for Graduates?


Online computer information technology administration and management bachelor's degrees may result in the , with a $69,785 annual median salary. Additionally, online fire protection, international global studies, computer and information science, and homeland security bachelor's degrees may result in annual median salaries of $56,900 and higher.

What Is the Difference Between APU and AMU?


The difference between APU and AMU is the student population served. AMU (American Military University) was founded in 1991 as a military-friendly institution with the goal of providing higher education that's more accessible to mobile military personnel. In 2002, AMU reorganized and became part of APU (American Public University) to provide the same flexible education to a broader range of students. 

How Difficult Is It To Get Into APU?


It is not difficult to get into APU due to its open admissions policy. In other words, APU accepts 100% of its applicants. While APU doesn't require submitting entrance exam scores, like the SAT and ACT, it is encouraged. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for APU?


APU admission requirements are minimal compared to many other colleges and universities. Applying requires completing a free online application, submitting proof of high school completion or equivalent, and providing a color copy of a valid state-issued ID or driver's license. Students transferring credits must complete a free online transfer credit application and submit college or military transcripts, as applicable. 

Some individual degree programs have additional requirements, such as accounting, nursing, and electrical engineering. An admissions advisor can help determine other documentation that may be required.