APUS Expands Associate Degree Programs

AA Degree Concentrations are Now Stand Alone Degrees for Online University System

Charles Town, W.Va.,– June 3, 2008 – The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has given approval to American Public University System (APUS) to enhance its associate degree programs. One Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, with multiple concentrations, has now been changed to several stand alone associate degrees in those fields. With HLC’s approval of these changes, APUS may now award Federal Student Aid (FSA) funding under Title IV to students enrolled in the stand alone associate degree programs.

“These changes give more choices to APUS students,” said Dr. Frank McCluskey, provost and executive vice president for APUS. “In addition, we are pleased that the new stand alone associate programs are eligible for Federal Student Aid, which will help more students gain access to higher education."

Regionally accredited, APUS serves more than 33,000 part-time students who live and work in all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. With the addition of the new associate degrees, APUS now offers 73 degree programs in fields ranging from homeland security, military studies, intelligence, and criminal justice to technology, business administration, public health, and liberal arts. Current and prospective students may begin to register for the new stand alone associate degree programs later this summer.

“Improving associate degree programs will help further the APUS mission of providing relevant, affordable and student-focused online degree programs to those who serve,” said Wallace E. Boston, Jr., president and chief executive officer of APUS.

The approved changes to the Associate of Arts in General Studies are as follows:

2007 AA Degree Concentrations                         2008 Approved Changes
Associate of Arts in General Studies                   Associate of Arts in General Studies
with a concentration in:             
     Accounting                                                   AA in Accounting
     Business Administration                                AA in Business Administration 
     Communication                                             AA in Communication
     Computer Applications                                   AS in Computer Applications
     Counter-Terrorism Fundamentals                    AA in Counter-Terrorism Studies 
     Explosive Ordnance Disposal                         AS in Explosive Ordnance Disposal
     Fire Science                                                 AS in Fire Science
     Health Services Administration                       AS in Public Health 
     History                                                         AA in History
     Hospitality Restaurant Operations                   AA in Hospitality
     Infant and Toddler Care                                  AA in Early Childhood Care & Education
     Military Studies                                             AA in Military History
     Paralegal Studies                                          AS in Paralegal Studies
     Personnel Administration                               AA in Personnel Administration
     Real Estate Management                               AA in Real Estate Studies
    Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness   AA in Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness

AA – Associate of Arts
AS – Associate of Science

About American Public University System
American Public University System is comprised of American Military University and American Public University. Courses are taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. APUS’s curriculum, affordability and flexibility helps working adults pursue degrees in homeland security, national security and emergency and disaster management. APUS also offers programs in professional studies, management, and liberal arts. A university book grant supplies textbooks at no cost for eligible undergraduate students. Eligible students may apply for Federal Student Aid. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc., (NASDAQ: APEI). For more information, please visit www.americanpubliceducation.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this press release regarding American Public Education, or its subsidiaries, that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about American Public Education and the industry. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should", "will" and "would". Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the various risks described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future. 

Media Advisory
Contact:
Renee Williams Hockaday
American Public University System
703.334.3868
rhockaday@apus.edu