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Empowering our Nation's Veterans with Education

American Military University (AMU) has more than 50,000 service members and veterans studying with us around the world, supported by a vast array of staff and faculty who are also veterans. As a result, AMU truly understands the specific needs of our country’s veterans. To support you, we have dedicated advisors skilled at addressing the questions veterans face when enrolling in school, such as how to utilize benefits for financial aid.  And, if you are a veteran with a disability, you are not alone.  AMU has staff trained at empowering our disabled veteran students to succeed. 

Our goal is to make your decision to advance your education simple and straightforward by identifying the necessary steps and services available to you along the way. AMU will help you navigate through questions such as: how to enroll, where to find support, and an explanation of veteran's benefits. At any time you can simply request additional information.

AMU was recently ranked the #1 most popular university among the military by Military Times Edge Magazine.

Take the next step and complete a no-fee application.

We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.

  • Top Online Degree Programs for Veterans

  • Why Choose AMU?

    Academic Quality meets Affordable Tuition

    American Military University (AMU) provides quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces, members of the public safety, service and national security communities, and working adults in a wide range of fields. AMU closely partners with industry organizations and is highly respected by public service, intelligence, homeland security and criminal justice communities for developing curriculum that is relevant to today’s job market. AMU is a member of the regionally accredited American Public University System. Here’s why more than 100,000 students make us their school of choice.

    • #1 most popular provider of education to the U.S. military*
    • Admission fees are waived for active duty, guard and reserve members 
    • No application or technology fees; and textbooks are provided at no cost to all undergraduate students earning academic credit 
    • Active duty tuition assistance covers up to 100% of undergraduate tuition and up to 75% of graduate tuition for as many as six courses per year**
    • Affordable tuition that is 20 percent less than the average four-year public university’s in-state rates according to the College Board’s 2010-2011 study
    • Save time and money by transferring previous education and training credits
    • Nationally recognized for quality online education and effective practices 
    • Experienced faculty; many who are executives in government and nonprofit organizations including the United Nations, State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • 96% of AMU seniors say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their education
    • 97% of AMU seniors say they would recommend AMU to friends and colleagues

    To get started, complete our no-fee application now.

    *based upon 2011 DoD enrollment figures for U.S. servicemembers
    **refer to your service's policy on tuition assistance eligibility and availability


Video Spotlight

AMU Feature Video
Just what is online learning all about? Hear from our faculty and students about how AMU achieves academic excellence each day through online learning and take a tour of our virtual campus and classroom.

Watch the AMU Virtual Tour

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What benefits are available to me?

You may be eligible to one or a variety of benefits. Click the link to learn more. 

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How do I compare my benefits and which benefit is better for me?

For many eligible participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a better solution than other education benefit programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve and the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). However, this decision depends on several factors, including the type of education or training you plan to take and the amount of benefits received under each program. Learn more about the comparison of your benefits and what you need to consider.

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How can I take advantage of my VA benefits?

You can use your VA Benefits with us.  Students eligible for VA funding should contact the VA directly to determine eligibility and chapter.  Depending on your chapter and eligibility, you may have to pay your course tuition in full via credit card or set up ADP (Automatic Debit Plan) payment at registration. For the Montgomery GI Bill, the VA office will reimburse you directly by sending a check or direct deposit. The New Post 9/11 GI Bill makes reimbursements directly to APUS. Find out more information on how to start your application to take advantage of your VA benefits.

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Which benefit should I use first?

The monetary issue is most likely a very important factor you will consider before selecting a benefit. While you may think you will receive more money under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that will not always be the case.

If you wish to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and another GI Bill benefit such as the Montgomery GI Bill you will be required to make an irrevocable choice of which benefit you wish to receive. If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and two or more other education benefits you must make an irrevocable choice to give up one of the other education benefits, however you will remain eligible to the benefit you did not relinquish. Because you are now eligible for two education benefits, you may be able to change which education benefit you draw depending on your eligibility.

For example: you have eligibility under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Selected Reserve GI Bill. You can get a degree in electrical engineering under the Post-9/11 GI Bill at a community college, then you can enroll in an apprenticeship program with the electrician's union under the Selected Reserve GI Bill and receive Journeyman certification.

If you are not planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill now, you do not need to make your election immediately but should wait until closer to the time in which you wish to use benefits.

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How much will I receive for each benefit?

The monetary issue is most likely a very important factor you will consider before selecting a benefit. While you may think you will receive more money under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that will not always be the case.

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill you may receive:

  • A tuition & fees payment (paid directly to the school) not to exceed the tuition & fees at the most expensive state Institution of Higher Learning (IHL).  View a listing of the maximum tuition and fees by each state.

  • A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This amount is based on the ZIP code of the location of the school you are attending.  Determine the BAH for your ZIP code (link goes to a non-VA Web site).  Not all students may be eligible for this benefit.

  • An annual book stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment

  • You may also receive a one-time rural benefit payment of $500.00 if you reside in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile (as determined by the most recent decennial census) and:
    • Either physically relocate at least 500 miles to attend an educational institution or
    • Travel by air to physically attend an educational institution if no other land-based transportation exists

Under all other GI Bill programs: you will receive a monthly payment at a rate set by Congress that does not vary based on your expenses.

View a breakdown of the monetary benefits under the various GI Bills. 

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How easy is to use my benefits?

Find out how easy is to use your benefits by reading the success story of one of our students Jarrod Sadulski.

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What are the VA benefit levels?

Student status for VA benefits is based on course level. The chart below applies to VA Benefit requirements for full-, three quarter-, or half-time benefit levels.

1.

Graduate: 8-Week Courses

Semester Course Load

Student Status

  

6 semester hours

Full-time

  

3 semester hours

Three-quarter time

2.

Graduate: 16-Week Courses

9 semester hours

Full-time

  

6 semester hours

Three-quarter time

  

3 semester hours

Half-time

 3.

Undergraduate: 8-Week Courses

6 semester hours

Full-time

  

3 semester hours

Half-time

 4.

Undergraduate: 16-Week Courses

12 semester hours

Full-time

  

9 semester hours

Three-quarter time

  

6 semester hours

Half-time

  

3 semester hours

Less than Half-time

Please note: The above chart does not apply to Federal Student Aid (FSA).

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How do I apply to VA benefits?

Application Process for Chapter 30, 32, 35, 1606, and 1607

Step 1 - Apply for VA Benefits

The first step in applying for VA benefits is to complete a 22-1990- Application for VA Educational Benefits. Forms are available on the VA's Web site, at all Department of Veteran Affairs' offices, most active duty military stations and American Embassies in other countries. If possible, please complete the form on the VA’s Web site and print a copy for your records before you submit the form. If you cannot submit the form on the VA’s Web site, please mail the completed application to the VA Regional Office in Buffalo, NY. Again, keep a copy of the application for your records.

If you have already completed a 22-1990 and used your GI Bill before, please complete a 22-1995 - Request for Change of Program or Place of Training and submit to the VA Regional Office in Buffalo, NY.

Address of the VA Regional Office in Buffalo, NY:

VA Regional Office
PO Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240

Step 2 - Complete Registration and Tuition Payment
Since VA benefits (excluding Chapter 33) are paid directly to the student, APUS requires that anyone using VA benefits pay for their courses prior to the start of the course. Payment can be made at the time of registration using a credit card, electronic check (ACH), Automatic Debit Payment Plan (ADP), or Federal Financial Aid.

After you register and select the payment type for a course, you will then need to fax, e-mail, or mail your 22-1990 or 22-1995 to the university
If you have already submitted a VA application (22-1990) to the VA, you may submit your "Certificate of Eligibility" to the university.

Address:
American Public University System
Attn: VA
111 W. Congress St
Charles Town, WV 25414
Fax 304-724-3782
E-Mail: VAQuestions@apus.edu

Step 3 - Enrollment Verification Sent to the VA
When an APUS VA certifying official receives your forms, your enrollment verification will be created. This process includes the following steps and can take up to 10 business days:

  1. APUS receives your VA paperwork
  2. A VA certifying official matches your paperwork with your completed registrations and confirms the payment method for your course(s)
  3. Your course enrollment certification is sent to the VA office within 10 business days

Note: After your initial enrollment verification is sent to the VA, your future courses will automatically be submitted to the VA after the drop/add period of each new session. If you let our VA Department at APUS know when you register for a course, the course will be submitted to the VA immediately.

Step 4 - Next, the VA Must Take Several Steps to get Your Student Application in Their System
This process includes the following steps and may several weeks dependent on the VA:

  1. VA receives your enrollment verification from APUS
  2. VA contacts DoD to verify that you have made payments toward the VA Program
  3. VA confirms that the "VA Entitlement" was awarded to you VA enters your student information in their system to complete the application process

Students who wish to check on the status of their VA application should contact their VA office toll-free at 888-442-4551.

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Am I eligible to receive financial aid as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

To be eligible for Federal Student Aid, students must:

  • Be an admitted student, enrolled in an eligible program of study for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate
  • Not be enrolled solely in remedial coursework
  • Not be currently enrolled in a secondary school
  • Have a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent (such as a GED)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an eligible non-citizen (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required
  • Have a valid Social Security Number
  • Not have been convicted of an illegal drug-related offense. If convicted, the student must visit FAFSA online, click “Before Beginning a FAFSA” and complete the “Drug Worksheet” (on the left) to determine if it will affect eligibility. Additional help is available by calling 800-4FED-AID (800/433-3243).
  • Be enrolled at least half-time if applying to receive a Federal Direct Student Loan
  • Not be incarcerated
  • Not be in default on a Federal Student loan or owe an overpayment on a Federal Student Aid Grant or Loan
  • Not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for the Federal Student Aid
  • If the student is male, he must be registered with Selective Service as required
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) once approved for funding
  • Certify that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes
  • Demonstrate financial need except for certain loans

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Is there a way to find how much financial aid I might receive?

Yes, there is. The FAFSA4caster can give you an estimate of your eligibility for Federal Student Aid (FSA). You'll need tax information (your tax return and/or W-2's) on hand; click here to get started: http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/.

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How do I apply for financial aid?

 Watch brief videos with answers to your questions on Financial Aid TV.

Prior to receiving Federal Student Aid it is extremely important to understand certain policies and procedures that affect your eligibility to receive aid.

Please review the following policies aid procedures and guidelines:

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Can I transfer my military credits?

A student who has previously attended a college or university but has not yet earned a bachelor's degree is considered an undergraduate transfer student and is eligible to apply to one of the following programs:

Associate of Arts
The General Studies degree is designed to provide a solid foundation for further academic achievement. Degree-specific associate programs provide students an opportunity to focus on courses that develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that are readily applicable to the student’s personal or professional interests. Students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted to these programs. All students who enroll in the associate degree program must enroll in COLL100 - Foundations of Online Learning as their first course.

Note: Students pursuing the Associate of Arts in General Studies may not use Federal Student Aid to finance their program.

Bachelor's Degree
The Bachelor’s degree program is open to students who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. This minimum 120- to 124-credit-hour program is the standard “four-year” undergraduate degree desired by most employers and prepares students for graduate study. All students who enroll in the Bachelor's degree program must enroll in COLL100 - Foundations of Online Learning as their first course.

Undergraduate Certificates
AMU offers certificate programs at the undergraduate level to applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Certificate programs allow students to focus on a particular topic of interest through a 6- to 9-course program of study. Students choosing certificate programs usually have either an associate or bachelor’s degree and seek specific knowledge in one subject area. 

Choosing Your Academic Program
Selecting the right degree plan is a key step in ensuring a smooth admissions process and a successful educational experience. Many students come to us unsure of which program to choose and where to begin. Our Admissions Representatives can help you make this important decision. To speak with an Admissions Representative, call 877-777-9081 or e-mail us at info@apus.edu

Tips for Successful Degree Selection
As you’re browsing the degree program pages, keep these tips in mind:

  • Associate and Bachelor level programs are both undergraduate degrees.
  • Though it seems logical to earn an Associate degree first and then go on to the Bachelor's degree, that may not always be the best choice.
  • Keep your end goal in mind and choose the degree that best matches your career goals; this may not be the one that nets you the most in transfer credit.
  • Once you’ve narrowed your options, talk with an Admissions Representative; he or she can assist you in getting a preliminary evaluation of your previous transcripts so you can make a more informed choice.

Admission Requirements
If you are an undergraduate transfer student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree, please submit the following documentation as soon as possible:

  1. Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Application and $50 fee
  2. Official college transcripts or signed Transcript Release Authorization form
  3. ACE-approved Military and Civilian training documentation

AMU will request all official U.S. college transcripts for the evaluation with receipt of the Transcript Release Authorization form (TRA). This form is obtained by simply printing the TCE application. Students will be required to complete, sign, and either fax or e-mail the TRA to us.

For more details on official documentation needed for admission please contact the admissions department via e-mail at info@apus.edu.

Click here to begin an application for admission.

Additional Transfer Credit
All students with American Council on Education (ACE)-evaluated military or professional experience and education that has to be evaluated for credit also should submit a TCE form and supporting documentation. When emailing scanned documents, please make sure they are saved in one of the following formats: .jpg, .tif or .pdf.  We are unable to accept Word documents. AMU will consider military or civilian training evaluated by ACE as well as approved examinations, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).  For full instructions on TCE, please click here.

Coming Soon! Students requesting evaluation of the SMART (Sailor Marine ACE Registry Transcript) document are no longer required to submit this documentation. APUS will request the SMART on behalf of the student once the TCE application has been submitted.

Note: Undergraduate students who apply at the Associate level may transfer up to a maximum of 45 credit hours; those applying at the bachelor's level may transfer up to 90 credit hours. Students with no prior college experience may have their ACE-evaluated military or professional experience considered for transfer credit

Mail or Fax Transfer Credit Documents
American Public University System
10110 Battleview Parkway, Suite 114
Manassas, VA 20109
Attn: Student Records
Documents Fax: 304-724-3788
E-mail: documents@apus.edu

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What other factors do I need to consider?

Other Factors to Consider:

  • In some locations the costs of college and housing (which you would receive payment for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) are less than the payment you would receive under the Montgomery GI Bill
  • In some states veterans do not have to pay tuition at selected state colleges. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may then pay only the housing benefit and the book stipend. (Since you have no tuition costs the Post-9/11 GI Bill will not pay the college any tuition.) Your payments under other GI Bill programs such as the Active-Duty GI Bill may be higher in these cases. View other GI Bill rates. 
  • If you are eligible for a college fund under other GI Bill programs, you will continue to receive your college fund payments. Rather than receiving them monthly, you will be paid a lump sum payment each quarter, semester, or term that you are enrolled. 
  • If you participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP you will not receive that additional benefit under the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Different amounts payable based on time served.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill payment is based on the amount of service completed after September 10, 2001. Your tuition & fees payment, housing allowance, and book stipend are all based on this percentage. You will receive a larger benefit if you served more active duty or mobilization time.

Reminder: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is only payable at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL), you are only eligible for GI Bill benefits for other types of training if you have eligibility under other GI Bill programs such as the Active Duty GI Bill, Reserve GI Bill, REAP, or VEAP. You should contact your Education Service Officer or the VA for more information.

View a breakdown of the benefits under the various GI Bill.

For active-duty personnel, the following table applies:

Active Duty Completed after September 10, 2001

Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable

At least 36 months

100%

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability100%
30 months to 36 months90%
24 months to 30 months80%
18 months to 24 months70%
12 months to 18 months60%
6 months to 12 months50%
90 days to 6 months40%

For reservists, the following table applies:

Active Duty Completed after September 10, 2001

Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable

At least 36 months

100%

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability

100%

30 months to 36 months

90%

24 months to 30 months

80%

18 months to 24 months

70%

12 months to 18 months

60%

6 months to 12 months

50%

90 days to 6 months

40%

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How do I change my degree program?

If you change your program of study or your degree, you are required to complete a 22-1995 - Change of Program or Place of Training and submit it to APUS.

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What resources are available to students to help them succeed?

Students have a multitude of resources at their fingertips. Open 24/7, the online library is a cutting-edge center containing millions of pages of books and scholarly articles licensed from the Deep Web and tailored to the University’s programs. It features the finest staff of subject- and Web-specialist librarians in online education, including the former heads of libraries ranging from NSA to Tulane’s Amistad Research Center. APUS students and alumni have access to an array of career resources such as:

  • Vault Career Library
  • Focus-2 Online Career Assessment Program
  • Resume Review
  • Interviewing Strategies
  • Mentoring Opportunities

In addition, student advisors and support staff are available and committed to your success. Our online Center for Teaching and Learning provides students with resources that set them up for success. This includes ways to improve study skills, research strategies, time management tips, available online tutoring, and tactics to improve your writing.

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I have disabilities and may need assistance, can accommodations be provided to me?

APUS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students with disabilities. In compliance with federal and state regulations, reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified students with disabilities.

For more information about accommodations for students with disabilities, visit our Disability Accommodations page or e-mail us at dsa@apus.edu.

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Who do I contact if I need help?

For questions regarding VA/ GI Bill/ Veterans Benefits, please e-mail us at VAQuestions@apus.edu or call 877-468-6268, choose
Option 1 or  2.

Success Stories

Jarrod Sadulski
Coast Guard, Boatswain Mate First Class
AMU Graduate, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Jarrod Sadulski

Police officer and Coast Guard Reservist Jarrod Sadulski says he could have shaved at least four years off the time he spent pursuing his associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees if he had known the right strategies for a service member.

Jarrod served eight years of active duty, enlisting after high school, now serving in the Coast Guard Reserves and working as a police officer in southern Florida. Jarrod credits his success in both his Coast Guard and police careers to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program at AMU. “My degree elevated my understanding of the concepts that relate to policing,” he says. Equipped with his degree from AMU, Jarrod received Officer of the Year in 2009 and is currently working toward his doctorate in Criminal Justice.

Jarrod is committed to helping other service members make the right education choices, outlining them in his book, Achieving Your Educational Goals While in Military Service, A Real Life Approach. “It’s a guide book that details the many ways the military can help you fund your education and get a head start on credits.” Jarrod’s book tackles such topics as: deciphering military education benefits, using military experience for college credit, earning college credit through military programs, and more. Visit Jarrod's website for more information.

With the help of AMU, Jarrod is now working on his second book, aiming to help service members succeed in their careers by providing education tips and strategies with information on fiscal matters related to service members. “I believe every service member should contact AMU to discover how their goals can be reached.”