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On [DATE], American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 
APU Student Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: April 24, 2026

Awarding a Certificate

Stand Alone Certificate

The certificate review process begins when a student submits the online Certificate Completion Application form. Certificates are awarded on the first of each month when processed separately from a degree.

Once a student submits their Certificate Application, the following processes are triggered:

  • Academic Audit - A review of the student academic record to confirm that all certificate requirements for completion have been met.
  • Finance Audit - A review of the Student Account to ensure there is no outstanding balance.
  • Library Audit - Ensures all books or materials reserved from the library have been returned to APUS and there are no outstanding fees.

For a student to be eligible for the award of their certificate program, they must have:

  • Completed the Certificate Completion Application
  • Fulfilled all course requirements in their program.
  • A GPA of 2.0 in an undergraduate program, or 3.0 in a master's level program. If the passing courses do not meet the GPA requirement, students may take excessive courses to improve their GPA; however, these courses may not be covered by TA, FSA, or VA.
  • Complete all program requirements within the published program deadline.
  • Fulfill all course requirements within 150% of courses attempted vs. courses successfully passed.
  • No outstanding balances.