Making Higher Education More Affordable: American Public University System Ranks in Top 10 Percentile Nationally for Lowest Tuition and Net Price Versus Four-Year Private Colleges

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public University System (NASDAQ: APEI) reported that tuition and fees for a 2024-25 bachelor's degree at AMU and APU were $8,400, based on IPEDS data released June 30, 2026. This was less than half the national average for four-year private for‑profit schools ($18,844) and 75% below four-year private not‑for‑profit schools ($32,789).

APUS ranked tenth-lowest among four-year for‑profit schools and in the top ten percentile versus 1,273 four-year not‑for‑profits. The company also highlighted tuition slightly below the four-year public average ($8,840), per‑credit rates of $250–$470, no admission or registration fees, and free ebooks for eligible students.

Market Context

APEI previously recorded a -1.52% move after a workplace-certification announcement, adding context ...

Analysis

APEI previously recorded a -1.52% move after a workplace-certification announcement, adding context to this affordability update. The platform record also shows Net Selling; enrollment and financial results remain relevant items to watch.

Key Figures

Bachelor's tuition and fees: $8,400 Private for-profit average: $18,844 Private not-for-profit average: $32,789 +5 more

8 metrics

Bachelor's tuition and fees $8,400 2024-25 academic year at AMU and APU

Private for-profit average $18,844 National average for four-year private for-profit schools

Private not-for-profit average $32,789 National average for four-year private not-for-profit schools

Preferred Military Rate $250 per credit hour Rate as of July 24, 2026

Standard undergraduate rate $360 per credit hour Rate as of July 24, 2026

Standard master's rate $470 per credit hour Rate as of July 24, 2026

For-profit school ranking Tenth-lowest Compared with other four-year for-profit schools

Not-for-profit comparison 77th out of 1,273 Position if compared with four-year not-for-profit schools

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jul 23 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Jul 23	Earnings scheduling	Neutral	+1.9%	Company scheduled its second-quarter earnings call for August 10, 2026.
Jul 02	Academic recognition	Positive	+1.5%	APUS announced its second-quarter 2026 President's List honoring student achievement.
Jun 09	Graduation ceremony	Positive	+1.1%	Rasmussen University announced a Florida commencement ceremony for more than 800 graduates.
Jun 08	Workplace certification	Positive	-1.5%	APUS received its second consecutive Great Place to Work certification.
May 18	Sponsorship announcement	Positive	+2.1%	AMU became a national sponsor of Our Community Salutes USA.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

APEI's recent news reactions were mostly positive, with one divergence following a workplace-certification announcement.

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New Federal Data Reaffirms University's Commitment to Accessible Higher Education

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS), which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is proud to have one of the lowest tuition rates for bachelor's degrees compared to four-year private universities. Tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year for a bachelor's degree at AMU and APU ($8,400) were less than half the national average for four-year, private for-profit schools ($18,844) and 75% lower than the national average for four-year, private not-for-profit schools ($32,789), based on data made public June 30, 2026, by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)¹.

Visit here to learn more about the University's low tuition, currently $250 per credit hour at the Preferred Military Rate², $360 per credit hour at the standard rate for undergraduates, and $470 per credit hour at the standard rate for master's-level courses (as of July 24, 2026).

The IPEDS data, contained in the College Affordability and Transparency List, underscores the affordability of an APUS education. IPEDS is a data-gathering program in the U.S. Department of Education.

"We fundamentally believe that high-quality education and affordability should go hand in hand," said APUS President Nuno Fernandes. "Ever since AMU was founded 35 years ago, we have intentionally kept tuition affordable so we can provide opportunities to as many students as possible. We are proud to offer a high-quality, accessible education that has helped prepare students to become tomorrow's leaders and have been recognized as a top online school³."

APUS tuition and fees ($8,400 at the time the IPEDS survey data was collected in fall 2024) were the tenth-lowest compared to other four-year for-profit schools. What's more, APUS tuition and fees were in the top ten percentile when compared to four-year not-for-profit schools on the IPEDS Affordability List (APUS, a four-year private, for-profit university, would be tied at 77^th out of 1,273 not-for-profit schools listed).

Furthermore, APUS tuition and fees were also slightly better than the national average for four-year public schools ($8,840).

In addition to low tuition, APUS has no fees for admission and course registration for undergraduate and master's level students; Ebooks are provided at no cost for all undergraduate and Preferred Military-Rate eligible graduate-level students.

Special rates and grants are available for eligible students, like active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, veterans, and their families.

Visit here for more info: https://catalog.apus.edu/undergraduate/tuition-fees-financing/tuition-fees/.

About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 35-year history and vibrant community of over 168,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning⁴.

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.

¹IPEDS data was released on June 30, 2026, and based on data collected for the 2024-2025 academic year: https://collegecost.ed.gov/affordability. As of the date of this press release, AMU/APU tuition and fees have increased to $8,640.

²All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit for undergraduate and master's-level courses. The Preferred Military Rate, which is applied automatically, supersedes all other university grants and special rates, and cannot be combined with any other special promotions.

³APUS was named a Top 10 online college for working adults by ZDNet in 2022: https://www.zdnet.com/education/best-online-colleges-for-working-adults/.

⁴APUS 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/.

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

Media Contact
Frank Tutalo
Associate Vice President, Public Relations
FTutalo@apus.edu

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

How low is American Public University System tuition for 2024-25 compared to national averages (NASDAQ: APEI)?

APUS bachelor’s tuition and fees for 2024-25 are $8,400, according to American Public University System. This is less than half the four-year private for-profit average of $18,844 and 75% below the private not-for-profit average of $32,789 based on IPEDS data.

Where does American Public University System rank nationally for tuition affordability in 2026 (APEI)?

APUS reported its tuition and fees ranked tenth-lowest among four-year for-profit schools in fall 2024. According to American Public University System, it also placed in the top ten percentile compared with 1,273 four-year private not-for-profit institutions on the IPEDS Affordability List.

How does APUS tuition compare with public four-year universities as of 2026 (NASDAQ: APEI)?

APUS stated its bachelor’s tuition and fees of $8,400 were slightly below the four-year public school average of $8,840. According to American Public University System, this comparison is based on IPEDS College Affordability and Transparency List data collected in fall 2024.

What are the current per-credit tuition rates at American Public University System in 2026 (APEI)?

As of July 24, 2026, APUS lists $250 per credit at the Preferred Military Rate, $360 per credit for standard undergraduate courses, and $470 per credit for standard master’s courses. According to American Public University System, these rates support its affordability focus.

What additional cost benefits does American Public University System offer students in 2026 (APEI)?

APUS reports no admission or course registration fees for undergraduate and master’s students. According to American Public University System, ebooks are provided at no cost for all undergraduate and Preferred Military-Rate eligible graduate students, with special rates and grants for qualifying military-affiliated learners.