American Public University System
Median Salary (5 years)
Bachelor's
$68,950
Master's
$84,291
Doctoral
N/A
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
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#1
Best Military-Friendly UUÖ±²¥s
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#1
2026 Best Online Supply Chain Management Master's Degrees
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#1
Most Affordable Online Sociology Master's Degrees
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#2
2026 Best Online Master's Degrees in Emergency Management
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#2
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Child Development
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#2
Best Online Master's Programs in Exercise Science
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#2
Most Popular Online Master's in Homeland Security Degrees
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#3
Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees 2026
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#3
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Supply Chain Management
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#3
Best Online Master's Degrees in Child Development 2026
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#3
Best Online Master's Degrees in Child Development 2026
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#3
Best Online Environmental Science Master's Degrees
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#3
Most Affordable Online Environmental Science Master's Degrees
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#3
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Political Science
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#4
2026 Best Criminal Justice Online Master's Degrees
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#4
Best UUÖ±²¥s with Open Admissions
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#4
Best Online Associate Degrees in Business
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#4
2026 Best Criminal Justice Online Master's Degrees
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#4
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Aerospace Engineering
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#5
Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Emergency Management
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#5
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Exercise Science
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#5
Best Master's in Political Science Online 2026
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#5
Most Popular Online Master's Degrees in History
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#7
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Homeland Security
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#7
Best Online Paralegal Associate Degrees
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#7
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Management
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#7
2026 Best Master's Degrees in Psychology Online
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#8
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Sports Management
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#8
2026 Best Online Aerospace Engineering Master's Degrees
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#8
2026 Best Online Paralegal Certificates
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#8
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Cybersecurity
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#10
Most Affordable UUÖ±²¥s with Open Admissions
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#10
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Psychology
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#10
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in History
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#11
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Human Resources
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#12
Most Affordable Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
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#13
Most Affordable Master's in Criminal Justice Online
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#13
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
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#18
Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration
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#20
Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees
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.