APU Student Handbook
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Last Revision: January 30, 2024

Accreditation and Licensure

Accreditation

American Public University System is an accredited, licensed, proprietary distance learning higher education organization.

American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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

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

Licensure

The American Public University System is authorized to operate as an institution of higher education by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC). Additionally, the American Public University System 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, the University 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 APUS 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 by clicking on the following link: http://www.apus.edu/about/state-authorization/index