111 West Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414, USA


American Public University System was established with the goal of providing accessible, quality education primarily to military personnel and public service professionals. It was founded as an online institution to address the educational needs of students who require flexible learning schedules due to their careers or personal circumstances. The university has grown significantly since its inception, expanding its program offerings and student base beyond its initial focus.
The institution emphasizes affordability and convenience, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to pursue degrees remotely. Throughout its development, American Public University System has maintained a commitment to supporting active-duty military and veterans, reflecting its origins rooted in serving these communities. Over time, it broadened its reach to include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs tailored for working adults across various disciplines.
This growth reflects an adaptive strategy to remain relevant in the competitive landscape of online higher education, combining technology-driven instruction with programs aligned to workforce demands. As a result, American Public University System occupies a distinct niche in the sector by balancing rigorous academics with practical accessibility.
American Public University System offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to accommodate the varied interests and career goals of prospective students. The institution emphasizes programs that align with current industry demands and practical skills.
The university comprises several key faculties, including those focused on business, security studies, arts and sciences, technology, and public service. Within these faculties, departments provide specialized academic tracks such as criminal justice, homeland security, intelligence studies, and cybersecurity. Business-related programs cover areas like management, finance, and marketing, catering to students seeking careers in corporate or entrepreneurial environments.
Additionally, the curriculum incorporates offerings in liberal arts and sciences, supporting disciplines such as history, political science, and environmental studies. The technology faculty engages students in programs centered on information technology and computer science, reflecting the growing importance of these fields. Public service studies include emergency management and related areas, equipping students for roles in government and nonprofit sectors.
American Public University System is situated in Charles Town, West Virginia. The campus address is 111 West Congress Street, located in the southern part of the city. Charles Town is accessible via major transport routes, and the nearest major airport is Dulles International Airport, facilitating convenient travel options for students and visitors. The local ZIP code for the area is 25414, and the contact phone number for the institution is 755-2787.
The American Public University System aims to provide accessible, high-quality education tailored primarily for adult learners and working professionals. Its mission emphasizes delivering flexible and affordable learning opportunities that accommodate diverse schedules and locations, enabling students to advance their careers and personal development. The university system prioritizes practical knowledge and skills relevant to evolving industries and public service sectors, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet contemporary workforce demands.
The vision of the American Public University System reflects a commitment to innovation in online education and a focus on expanding opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to traditional higher education. It seeks to be a leading institution in providing relevant academic programs that foster lifelong learning and support community enrichment. By leveraging technology and comprehensive support services, the university system aspires to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals with flexibility and confidence.
Name of the institution
American Public University SystemLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Town: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
OtherFoundation year
1991
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$42,754Air Transportation
Data not availableApplied Mathematics
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
$54,183Business/Commerce, General
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
$56,355Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$63,468Criminal Justice and Corrections
$49,354Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
$34,898Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
$47,334Fire Protection
$61,979General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
$37,227Health and Medical Administrative Services
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$47,616Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Data not availableHistory
$48,988Homeland Security
$51,985Hospitality Administration/Management
$40,039Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$27,657Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Data not availableInternational Relations and National Security Studies
$53,980International/Global Studies
$56,758Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$64,720Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Data not availableMarketing
$42,993Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
$51,987Military Science and Operational Studies
$69,340Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other
Data not availableNatural Resources Conservation and Research
$45,245Natural Sciences
Data not availableNon-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
$41,598Philosophy
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
$46,663Psychology, General
$37,948Public Health
$39,321Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74,655Religion/Religious Studies
Data not availableSecurity Science and Technology
Data not availableSociology
$39,082