American Public University System (APUS) Joins Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) to Help Develop Tomorrow's Business Leaders

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public University System (APUS) has joined the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), a national organization connecting business and higher education executives to shape the future of learning and work. The partnership aims to strengthen the digital workforce through quality higher education.

APUS, with 92% working adult students, partners with over 300 businesses, associations, and government agencies to develop programs for employee retention, recruitment, and upskilling. The university recently launched TuitionWise in summer 2024, a program helping eligible participants minimize student debt when combined with employer tuition-assistance benefits. Employees at companies offering $5,250 annual education assistance can potentially take six undergraduate or four graduate courses without personal tuition costs.

Positive

• Partnership with BHEF enhances corporate relationships and program development opportunities
• Large network of 300+ business partnerships indicates strong B2B presence
• High working adult student percentage (92%) shows strong position in professional education market
• TuitionWise program potentially eliminates out-of-pocket costs for students

Negative

• None.

BHEF and APUS Share Common Goals to Solve Talent Gaps in Digital Economy

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Signaling its ongoing commitment to developing tomorrow's business leaders, American Public University System (APUS) has joined the Business-Higher Education Forum^® (BHEF), a nationwide organization that connects forward-looking business and higher education executives to build the future of learning and work.

"APUS is continuing to reimagine how we educate the workforce of tomorrow, and we are honored to partner with BHEF to advance this key initiative," said Nuno Fernandes, APUS President. "Both BHEF and our University share a common goal of strengthening a digital workforce through the power of high-quality, relevant higher education."

APUS continues to build and expand strategic partnerships with innovative business organizations that aim to attract, develop, and retain top talent while collaborating on program development. The University's tailored, affordable online programs are designed to upskill workers and solve for strategic business needs.

"BHEF aims to create change at scale together with higher education and business leaders, nationally and regionally," said Kristen Fox, CEO, Business-Higher Education Forum. "Together, we are building a future where higher education and business work more closely to develop a highly skilled, adaptable workforce that fuels ongoing economic growth and empowers individuals to thrive."

BHEF – which counts numerous Fortune 500 firms and their executives as members – empowers collaborations that deliver accelerated, effective solutions to address talent gaps in education and the workforce. The organization translates its nationally recognized frameworks, thought leadership, and executive network into regional collaborations between its business and academic members that build durable degree programs, curricula, and work-based learning in high-demand fields.

With 92% of its students being working adults, APUS proudly partners with over 300 businesses, associations, and government agencies, to develop effective programs and degrees to help retain, recruit, and upskill employees. This includes offering tuition savings and other educational benefits to employees at these partner organizations.

The APUS TuitionWise program, launched in summer 2024, caters to companies that invest in their employees' education. TuitionWise helps lower the potential costs for eligible participants incurring student debt by offering the possibility of no out-of-pocket tuition costs when combined with their employer's tuition-assistance benefits¹.  

For example, it's possible for employees at companies offering a $5,250 annual education assistance benefit to take six undergraduate courses or four graduate courses with no personal, out-of-pocket tuition costs in a year.¹  Visit here for more information.

About the Business-Higher Education Forum 
The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) is a national network that connects pioneering corporate and higher education leaders to co-develop solutions that address talent gaps. BHEF empowers and catalyzes collaborations that deliver accelerated, inclusive, and effective solutions across education and work. The organization has impacted more than 200,000 workers and learners through partnerships with more than 300 companies resulting in hundreds of new pathways and programs for students.

About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 149,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning². APUS is in the top 11% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)³. 

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.  

¹This program is available to eligible participants only. No out-of-pocket tuition cost may be possible through the use of an employer's tuition assistance benefit, combined with an APUS partner grant. Some programs also may include in-person activities, such as practicums or labs, and other fees, which may result in additional costs to eligible participants. 

² APUS has been honored with the Online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/. 

³Ranking based on 20-year net present value (NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.  

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military. 

CONTACTS
Frank Tutalo	Frank Avery
AVP, Public Relations, APUS	Managing Director, Business-Higher Education Forum
ftutalo@apus.edu	frank.avery@bhef.com

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

What benefits does APUS's TuitionWise program offer to employees?

TuitionWise allows eligible employees to potentially take 6 undergraduate or 4 graduate courses with no out-of-pocket tuition costs when combined with their employer's $5,250 annual education assistance benefit.

How many business partnerships does APUS currently maintain?

APUS partners with over 300 businesses, associations, and government agencies to develop programs for employee education and upskilling.

What percentage of APUS students are working adults?

92% of APUS students are working adults.

When did APUS launch its TuitionWise program?

APUS launched the TuitionWise program in summer 2024.