Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the quality of education and support that I can expect from American Public University and through its partnership with New Horizons in Czech republic & Slovakia?

  American Public University (APU) is proud to deliver a quality educational experience to students, and this commitment also extends to our Independent International Agents that we work with around the world. Every agent is specially trained regarding university policies and procedures so that he or she is qualified to provide you with exceptional local support, which includes:

  • Discussing with you how specific APU programs may address your goals.
  • Calculating program costs.
  • Advising how best to schedule and balance your studies around your work, family, leisure, and other commitments.
  • Guiding you during the application process and providing information about required documentation, transfer credit procedures, and English language requirements.
  • Helping you to enroll, order books, start classes, and more.

  Most agents who are representing APU also offer additional support services once your program begins. To learn more, please talk to New Horizons in Czech republic & Slovakia.

• How much does it cost to attend American Public University?

  APU’s total costs of combined tuition, books, and required fees are approximately 17% less for undergraduate and 37% less for graduate students than the average published in-state total costs at U.S. public 4-year institutions.* Undergraduate courses are priced at $270 USD per credit with an additional $50 USD per course technology fee, so a three-credit undergraduate course costs $860 USD. Graduate courses are priced at $350 USD per credit with an additional $50 USD technology fee, so a three-credit graduate course costs $1,100 USD. Prices are subject to change in the future.
  

  *Public 4-year, in-state undergraduate data is provided by the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2014. Graduate information is provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Digest of Educational Statistics 2012-13 data. Annual estimates are based on total institutional costs (published tuition, required fees, and books) assuming 30 undergraduate or 18 graduate-level semester credit hours.

• Is this a real American degree that I can earn? Who accredits you?

  Yes, the university is based in the United States of America and delivers quality education 100% online to students around the world. American Public University is part of American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC accredits degree-granting institutions located in a 19-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• What courses are offered by APU?

  We offer more than 90 associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs including our 10 most popular:

  • Business Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Information Technology
  • Management
  • Sports and Health Sciences
  • Intelligence Studies
  • Psychology
  • Homeland Security
  • Early Childhood Care and Education
  • Public Health

• Are the courses entirely online?

  Yes, all courses are taught in an online format and are asynchronous so our students can study from virtually anywhere on earth and at any time, night or day.

• Can I transfer in credits?

  Like most universities, APU accepts transfer credit for most programs; however, this is subject to strict controls. Talk to your agent for more details about APU’s transfer credit services.

• What is it like to study online at APU?

  Online learning is a flexible format; giving students the freedom to balance their course loads with their work-life obligations. In the APU classroom, professors interact with students via visual presentations, message boards, and videos. Students also have access to our award-winning e-library, our skilled student service specialists, and a variety of support resources. And just because students are learning online does not mean they are alone as APU offers them opportunities to engage with each other outside the classroom in various online communities.

• Will I learn from credentialed faculty members?

  Yes, in fact, APU’s faculty is diverse, experienced, and dedicated. It includes practitioners and scholars who bring their leadership and passion into the classroom. Many are actively engaged in their professions and offer a current, real-world perspective to their academic programs. The faculty includes Dr. Alan Hale (co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp Comet), three former astronauts, and senior leaders at Fortune 500 companies. To view the faculty directory online, visit www.StudyAtAPU.com/faculty.

• How many students are enrolled at APU?

  APU is part of APUS, which has over 100,000 enrolled students from locations in all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Most students are adult learners who hold full-time positions within their profession. The average student’s age is 32.

• Has APU received any special awards or recognition?

  Yes, we’re award-winning and continue to distinguish ourselves as a university of choice for many working professionals around the world. Here are just a few examples:

  • American Public University System is ranked in the top 10% of all U.S. online bachelor’s degree programs by U.S. News & World Report (Source: U.S. News & World Report, Best Online Bachelors Programs, January 2014).
  • We’re recognized by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) for best practices in online education, and nationally recognized as the only four-time recipient of the OLC Effective Practice Award.
  • Since 2012, nearly 30 of our graduate students and alumni have been finalists in the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program, a flagship leadership development program for the U.S. federal government.

  We’re proud of our accolades, though they never overshadow our top priority—our students. To explore our university and view student, faculty, and staff interviews, please visit: www.youtube.com/user/AmericanPublicU.

• Are there some other online videos or commercials about APU that I can view?

  Yes, here are few to view and share:

  • APU: When and Where (Commercial)
  • APU: A Better View (Commercial)
  • APU: The Online Classroom and Beyond
  • 5 Reasons to Choose APU

• How long do the classes last?

  We offer 8- and 16-week classes starting monthly, so students can plan their schedule accordingly.

• How long does a typical undergraduate degree take?

  A: Full time undergraduate students who complete 10 courses per year will graduate in 4 years. Full time graduate students who successfully complete 6 courses per year will graduate in 2 years. These timelines will vary based on the number of courses each student chooses to complete each year and how many transfer credits they have that will apply toward their degree. Each student is different with varying plans, goals and aspirations, as well as time commitments to family life and work.

• How long does a typical postgraduate degree take?

  The average time is two years. However, each of our students is different and has different plans, goals and aspirations, as well as time commitments to family life and work. This is where online learning can be far more effective than the traditional building-based university.

• Once I graduate, can I return for another degree or certificate?

  Yes. In fact, many students appreciate our programs, faculty, and support so much that 45% of our undergraduate alumni return for a second degree.*

  *Represents returning undergraduate students from 2012 conferrals.

• Where can I access the university while taking classes?

  We are located everywhere there is Internet access – home, office, the local cafe, hotels, libraries, and even in remote locations. The online classroom can be accessed 24/7 and students may contact faculty and student support services anytime. Our online learning format enables you to fit a quality education into you busy life, so you can complete a respected degree from virtually anywhere.