Accreditation and Licensure

Accreditation

American Public University System (the System) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The System is comprised of American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University (RU), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN). HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The most current information on our accreditation can be found on our Accreditation page.

APU also has obtained special accreditation for many of its programs offered. Students may find a full listing of all specialized program accreditations at the bottom of our Accreditation page.

Licensure

APU is authorized to operate as an institution of higher education by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC). Additionally, the university is engaged in a continuous process to certify that it is recognized as an accredited institution of higher learning by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In this regard, APU is committed to ensuring that its academic programs, business practices, and operational activities remain in compliance with applicable regulations specific to each jurisdiction. We work through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) process and with states directly to ensure that when authorization or licensure is necessary, required approvals are secured. West Virginia is a member of SARA and APU is an approved SARA institution. Participation in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, please visit http://www.nc-sara.org/.

State specific information is available on the State Licensure page of the American Public University System Catalog.