American Public University System: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

For prospective students considering American Public University System (APUS), understanding the costs associated with attendance is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses to help students make informed decisions.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a crucial figure for students seeking financial aid. It represents an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for one academic year, typically covering two 16-week semesters. This estimate is based on factors like enrollment status, program of study, and housing arrangements. The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines the components that make up the COA for all federal student aid programs. These components are categorized into two main types: direct costs and indirect costs.

Direct costs: These are expenses paid directly to the school, such as tuition and fees.
Indirect costs: These include expenses like food and housing, course materials, and personal expenses.

It's important to note that the COA can be adjusted annually to reflect changes in these cost components. The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on a student’s program, credit hour enrollment, and housing situation. Students should also be aware that they are not allowed to receive financial aid that exceeds their cost of attendance.

Tuition and Fees: A Detailed Breakdown

In the 2020-2021 academic year, the average tuition and fees at American Public University System were approximately $7,360 per year for undergraduate students. This figure represents the amount charged to students for one year of attendance and does not include expenses like room and board.

Specifically, the breakdown of tuition and fees was as follows:

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Tuition: $6,840
Fees: $520
Total Tuition & Fees: $7,360

It's important to remember that many students qualify for scholarships and financial aid, which can significantly lower the amount they have to pay out of pocket.

For students attending part-time, the cost is calculated on a per-credit-hour basis.

Comparison to National Averages

When compared to national averages, American Public University System's tuition and fees are relatively reasonable. The national average for out-of-state tuition and fees is $19,933 per year. With an average yearly cost of $7,360 for out-of-state students, American Public University System is significantly less expensive than the national average. Notably, students do not receive any tuition discounts for living in West Virginia.

It’s crucial to consider financial aid packages when comparing the costs of different schools. A school that appears more expensive based on tuition and fees alone might be a better deal when financial aid is factored in.

Projected Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees tend to increase over time. If the growth rate observed in recent years continues, the estimated cost for tuition and fees for the upcoming year would be $7,706. This translates to an estimated $15,592 for two years of out-of-state tuition and fees and $31,917 for four years. It's important to remember that these figures do not include room and board, transportation, or books.

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In 2023, the undergraduate tuition reached $8,400, reflecting a 22.8% increase from 2022.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other expenses, such as room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. In 2023, the average yearly cost of room and board at American Public University System was $8,128, which represents a 5.39% increase from the previous year.

Financial Aid Opportunities

American Public University System offers various financial aid options to help students finance their education. In 2023, 88% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 13% received aid through loans.

After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students in 2023 was $10,322.

Grants and Special Rates

Several grants and special rates are available to eligible students:

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Preferred Military Rate: Active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for a preferred rate of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master’s-level courses. This rate supersedes all other university grants and special rates and cannot be combined with other promotions. A technology fee applies to master’s-level courses.
Veteran Grant: All veterans and their family members (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents) are eligible for a 10% Veteran Grant on standard undergraduate-level courses and a 15% Veteran Grant on master’s-level courses. This grant cannot be combined with other special rates, promotions, or grants, and only one can be applied per course.
Opportunity Grant: Non-military or veteran-affiliated students are eligible for a 10% Opportunity Grant on standard undergraduate and master’s-level courses. This grant cannot be combined with other special rates, promotions, or grants.

Net Price Calculator

American Public University System provides a Net Price Calculator (NPC) to help students estimate their eligibility for federal student aid programs. The NPC is a free service that takes approximately five minutes to complete and provides an immediate estimate of potential financial aid. Note that the NPC is not a replacement for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2021, the default rate for borrowers at American Public University System was 0%, meaning that 0 out of 8,167 total borrowers defaulted on their loans.

Enrollment and Graduation Statistics

In 2023, American Public University System had a total enrollment of 50,187 students, with 4,200 enrolled full-time and 45,987 enrolled part-time. The student body is diverse, with the following racial and ethnic composition:

47% White
18% Hispanic or Latino
16.6% Black or African American
4.65% Two or More Races
3.06% Asian
0.927% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders
0.532% American Indian or Alaska Native

In 2023, American Public University System awarded 15,140 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. Men received 64.8% of these degrees, while women received 35.2%. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was White (7,883 degrees), followed by Black or African American (2,315 degrees).

Time to Complete

In 2023, 26% of students graduating from American Public University System completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). 41% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 46% within 200%.

Academic and Faculty Information

American Public University System employs a diverse faculty, including 151 Associate professors, 76 Instructors, and 58 Professors.

Prior Learning Assessment

Students can potentially accelerate their degree completion and save on tuition costs by earning credit for real-world experiences through Prior Learning Assessment.

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