American Public University
Empowering working adults with affordable, flexible online degrees and certificates since 1991. Explore programs, policies, and everything you need to succeed at APU.
By School
Academic Schools
APU is organized into six schools, each offering programs aligned with today’s most in-demand career fields. Every school provides a focused academic community with dedicated faculty.
School of Security & Global Studies
30+ programs — National Security, Intelligence, Homeland Security
School of Arts & Humanities
25+ programs — English, History, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice
By Degree Level
Academic Programs
From certificates to doctoral programs, APU offers a full spectrum of academic credentials designed for working professionals.
Certificate
Associate
Bachelor's
Graduate
Student Information
Academic Policies
Understanding APU’s academic policies helps you plan your education and stay on track toward your degree. Review the highlights below or explore the full policy catalog.
Academic Integrity
Honesty & plagiarism standards
APU holds all students to the highest standards of academic integrity. All submitted work must be the student’s own. The use of AI tools must be disclosed per course guidelines.
- First violation: documented warning and course failure
- Second violation: academic suspension review
- Plagiarism detected via Turnitin on all written submissions
Grading & GPA
Grading scale & standards
APU uses a standard letter grading scale. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid and continued enrollment.
- A: 90–100% | B: 80–89% | C: 70–79%
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required for good academic standing
- Grade appeals must be filed within 30 days of final grade
Transfer Credit
Prior learning & transfer policy
APU accepts transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions. Military experience, CLEP, DANTES, and professional certifications may also count toward degree requirements.
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted for bachelor’s programs
- Military training evaluated via ACE/AARTS transcripts
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) available for qualifying experience
Financial Aid & Military Benefits
Funding your education
APU participates in federal financial aid programs and is approved for all military education benefits including MyCAA, GI Bill®, and TA programs.
- FAFSA eligible — federal Pell Grants & Direct Loans
- All Military Tuition Assistance (TA) programs accepted
- Yellow Ribbon participant for post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients
- MyCAA approved for eligible military spouses
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Dropping courses & refunds
Students may withdraw from a course without academic penalty during the designated drop period. Tuition refunds are prorated based on the week of withdrawal within the 8-week term.
- 100% refund: withdrawal before end of Week 1
- 75% refund: withdrawal by end of Week 2
- No refund after Week 3 of the term
Student Conduct
Code of conduct & student rights
All APU students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, which promotes a respectful and inclusive academic community across all online learning environments.
- Harassment-free online classroom policy enforced
- Title IX compliance & reporting procedures in place
- Student grievance process available to all enrolled students