Overview
American Military University was founded in 1991 by retired Marine Corps officer James P. Etter to provide accessible, high-quality distance education to military personnel stationed around the world. It operates under the umbrella of American Public University System (APUS), alongside its sister institution American Public University. AMU built its reputation on flexible online delivery, military-relevant curricula, and affordability, becoming one of the largest providers of higher education to active-duty service members and veterans in the United States.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Charles Town, West Virginia |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Total students | 35,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 38% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,640 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,640 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $4,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- National Security Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Intelligence Studies
- Military History
- Emergency & Disaster Management
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.