American Military University (AMU) is an online university that has historically focused on military personnel, veterans, public-service professionals and working adults. Founded in 1991 by retired U.S. Marine Corps Major James P. Etter, the university was created to make higher education more accessible to military personnel whose careers could involve frequent relocations, deployments and changing schedules.
Today, AMU offers much more than military studies. Its programs cover cybersecurity, intelligence, homeland security, criminal justice, business, information technology, nursing, public health, emergency management, history, political science, public administration, space studies and other fields.
AMU is part of the American Public University System (APUS) and operates primarily online. It is not a traditional residential university with a large student campus.
A major 2026 development is that on August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing. AMU continues to operate as part of the expanded system.
This guide covers American Military University programs, tuition, accreditation, admissions, military benefits, transfer credits, online learning, rankings and important things prospective students should know before enrolling.
What Is American Military University?
American Military University is an online university within American Public University System.
Although the university was originally created for military personnel, civilians can also enroll. Its current programs serve military members, veterans, public-service professionals, working adults and other students.
AMU offers:
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
- Undergraduate certificates
- Graduate certificates
- Professional programs
- Individual courses
The university currently lists more than 200 programs and program tracks.
Its online structure is designed to provide flexibility for students who may be working, serving in the military or managing family responsibilities.
American Military University History
American Military University was founded in 1991 by retired Marine Corps Major James P. Etter.
The university initially concentrated on military education at the graduate level. Its early programs focused on areas such as military studies, warfare and defense management.
During the 1990s, AMU expanded into undergraduate education, adding subjects including military history, military management and intelligence operations.
The university subsequently expanded into criminal justice, emergency management, homeland security, national security, intelligence, defense management and history.
Online education became increasingly important during the 1990s. AMU’s undergraduate programs became fully online in 1999, followed by its graduate programs in 2000.
This history explains why online education remains central to the university’s identity.
Is American Military University a Real University?
Yes. American Military University is an established degree-granting university operating within American Public University System.
APUS is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
AMU is also not owned or operated by the U.S. military.
The word “Military” in its name reflects the university’s history and educational mission. AMU specifically states that it is not affiliated with the U.S. Military.
It is also important not to confuse AMU with American University in Washington, D.C. They are completely separate institutions.
Is American Military University Accredited?
American Public University System, which includes American Military University, is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Some individual AMU programs may also have specialized accreditation or professional recognition.
For example, AMU’s business programs have received accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), while some sports-management programs have received specialized accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
Students entering professional fields should always check the accreditation requirements for their particular program because institutional accreditation and professional program accreditation are not necessarily the same thing.
Where Is American Military University Located?
AMU is primarily an online university and does not operate a traditional residential campus.
The university system maintains offices in the Charles Town and Ranson area of West Virginia.
The headquarters address is associated with:
111 West Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
The mailing address is:
303 West 3rd Avenue, Ranson, WV 25438
For most students, the physical location is less important because coursework is completed online.
American Military University Online Learning
Online education is at the center of the AMU experience.
Students access their courses through an online learning environment where they can complete assignments, participate in discussions, communicate with instructors, view grades and use academic resources.
AMU courses have monthly start dates, giving students more flexibility than universities that primarily begin programs once or twice a year.
This format can be useful for:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Veterans
- Working professionals
- Parents
- Adult learners
- Students living far from traditional universities
Online education still requires discipline. Students are responsible for managing deadlines, coursework, reading and exams without the daily structure of a physical classroom.
American Military University Programs
AMU offers programs across a wide range of academic fields.
Major areas include:
- Business
- Cybersecurity
- Information technology
- Intelligence
- Military studies
- Homeland security
- Criminal justice
- Emergency management
- Fire science
- Public administration
- Political science
- International relations
- Nursing
- Public health
- History
- Psychology
- Education
- Environmental science
- Space studies
- Transportation and logistics
- Sports management
Students can choose programs at different academic levels depending on their previous education and career goals.
American Military University Bachelor’s Degrees
Many AMU bachelor’s programs require approximately 120 semester hours, although requirements vary by program.
Popular areas include military history, intelligence, cybersecurity, criminal justice, homeland security, business and information technology.
Military History
The Bachelor of Arts in Military History examines warfare and military affairs from historical, strategic and social perspectives.
Topics can include:
- Military strategy
- Leadership
- Warfare
- Military technology
- Foreign policy
- Historical conflicts
- Social consequences of war
The program requires 120 credits and may allow substantial transfer credit for eligible previous education.
Intelligence
Intelligence programs focus on collecting, analyzing and evaluating information used in national security and other professional environments.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity programs cover information security, cyber threats, technology and organizational security.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice programs can prepare students for careers related to law enforcement, investigations, corrections and other public-service fields.
Homeland Security
Homeland-security programs cover subjects such as emergency preparedness, infrastructure protection, national security and disaster response.
American Military University Master’s Degrees
AMU also offers a broad selection of master’s programs.
Programs are available in areas such as:
- Cybersecurity
- Intelligence
- Military studies
- History
- Business administration
- Management
- Public administration
- Criminal justice
- Homeland security
- Emergency management
- Information technology
- International relations
- Public health
- Space studies
- Transportation and logistics
Many master’s programs are designed for professionals who want to continue working while completing graduate education.
American Military University MBA
AMU offers graduate business programs for students interested in advancing their management and business education.
An online MBA can be particularly convenient for working professionals because students do not have to relocate or attend traditional classroom sessions.
Before choosing any MBA program, prospective students should compare accreditation, curriculum, faculty, tuition, career services, employer recognition, alumni network and program flexibility.
American Military University Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of AMU’s major academic areas.
Students can study topics related to:
- Information security
- Cyber defense
- Security operations
- Risk management
- Network security
- Threat analysis
- Government cybersecurity
- Information technology
Potential careers include cybersecurity analyst, security analyst, information-security specialist, security operations specialist and risk analyst.
A cybersecurity degree alone does not guarantee employment. Practical technical skills, certifications, projects and professional experience can also be important.
American Military University Intelligence Programs
Intelligence education is closely connected to AMU’s history.
Programs can cover:
- Intelligence analysis
- National security
- Threat assessment
- Strategic analysis
- Counterterrorism
- Information collection
- Security
Possible career areas include intelligence analyst, security analyst, counterterrorism analyst, program analyst and intelligence-related government positions.
Some government and intelligence careers may require additional experience, eligibility requirements or security clearances.
American Military University Homeland Security
Homeland-security programs address subjects such as:
- Emergency preparedness
- Disaster response
- Infrastructure protection
- National security
- Border security
- Counterterrorism
- Risk management
- Public safety
The programs can be relevant to students interested in government, emergency management, law enforcement, security and public service.
American Military University Tuition 2026
AMU publishes different tuition rates depending on the student’s eligibility.
| Program | Standard rate | Preferred Military Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $360/credit | $250/credit |
| Master’s | $470/credit | $250/credit |
The Preferred Military Rate is available to eligible active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists and eligible military family members.
AMU also lists additional grants for eligible veterans and first responders.
Because tuition rates can change, students should confirm the current rate before enrolling.
How Much Does an AMU Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Using the published undergraduate rates as a simple example:
Standard rate: 120 credits × $360 = $43,200
Preferred Military Rate: 120 credits × $250 = $30,000
These are simplified tuition calculations.
The actual amount can be different because of transfer credits, program requirements, grants, military benefits, additional fees and changes in tuition rates.
A student transferring a significant number of credits could require considerably fewer paid credits.
American Military University Cost of Attendance
For financial-aid purposes, AMU’s 2026–27 cost-of-attendance figures for a full-time undergraduate student include tuition along with estimated living and personal expenses.
| Expense | Standard |
|---|---|
| Tuition for 24 credits | $8,640 |
| Housing & food | $9,568 |
| Personal expenses | $3,008 |
| Total | $21,216 |
For students receiving the Preferred Military Rate, the listed tuition is $6,000 and the total is approximately $18,576.
These are financial-aid cost-of-attendance figures rather than a guaranteed amount every student will spend.
Because AMU is online, actual living costs depend heavily on where the student lives.
Are Books Free at American Military University?
AMU currently states that ebooks are provided at no cost for undergraduate and graduate students.
When an ebook is unavailable, the university says a hard-copy textbook can be supplied under its book-grant policy.
This can reduce the additional cost of course materials.
Students should still check individual courses for any special materials or requirements.
American Military University Military Tuition Assistance
Military education benefits are an important part of AMU’s model.
Eligible students can receive the Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit hour.
AMU also supports military tuition-assistance programs and accepts eligible military education and training for transfer credit.
Potential sources of applicable transfer credit can include:
- Joint Services Transcript
- Community College of the Air Force
- DANTES
- Military education and training
- ACE-evaluated learning
The amount of credit awarded depends on the student’s records and degree program.
American Military University GI Bill
AMU serves students who use military education benefits, including eligible GI Bill benefits.
Students should verify their individual eligibility and remaining entitlement directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and AMU before enrolling.
Benefits can differ depending on military service history, benefit program, enrollment status and other factors.
American Military University Transfer Credits
Transfer credit can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.
AMU’s general policies allow substantial transfer credit for eligible programs:
| Degree | Potential maximum transfer credit |
|---|---|
| Associate | Up to 45 credits |
| Reduced-hour bachelor’s | Up to 66 credits |
| Bachelor’s | Up to 90 credits |
| Master’s | Up to 15 credits |
The actual amount accepted depends on the student’s previous coursework and the requirements of the chosen program.
Military education and professional learning may also qualify for credit in certain circumstances.
American Military University Admissions
AMU’s admissions process is designed to be relatively accessible.
The university currently lists no application fee for undergraduate and master’s-level programs.
For undergraduate admission, students generally need a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Students with previous college education may be able to transfer applicable credits toward their degree.
International applicants may have additional documentation and credential-evaluation requirements.
Does American Military University Require SAT or ACT?
AMU states that SAT and ACT scores are not considered for undergraduate enrollment.
This makes its admissions process different from many traditional universities where standardized tests may be part of the application process.
For master’s programs, AMU states that the GRE and GMAT are generally not required, although individual programs can have additional requirements.
American Military University Minimum Age
AMU’s general admission policy states that students must generally be at least 16 years old.
Additional identity and documentation requirements can apply depending on the applicant’s circumstances and program.
American Military University for International Students
International students can apply to AMU.
Applicants may need to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Credential evaluations
- Identification documents
- English-language documentation where applicable
- Other program-specific materials
International students should also verify whether an AMU degree will meet the educational or professional requirements of their home country.
This is particularly important for regulated careers and students planning to transfer into another university.
American Military University Ranking
There is no single ranking number that fully describes American Military University.
AMU is primarily an online institution with a specialized mission, so students should be cautious when comparing it directly with traditional residential research universities.
The university system has appeared in online-college rankings in previous years, but older ranking results should not be presented as current 2026 rankings.
For prospective students, more useful factors can include:
- Accreditation
- Program quality
- Tuition
- Military benefits
- Transfer-credit policies
- Online learning
- Career support
- Program-specific accreditation
Students should always check the date and methodology of any ranking before using it in a college comparison.
Is American Military University a Military College?
Despite its name, AMU is not owned or operated by the U.S. military.
The university was founded specifically to serve military personnel, which explains its name and long-standing military focus.
AMU itself states that it is not affiliated with the U.S. Military.
It is a private higher-education institution operating within American Public University System.
Can Civilians Attend American Military University?
Yes.
Civilians can enroll at AMU.
Although the institution has a strong military and public-service identity, its programs also serve students interested in business, cybersecurity, information technology, psychology, public health, history, political science, environmental science, education, nursing and criminal justice.
This means a student does not need to be a member of the military to study at AMU.
American Military University Career Services
AMU provides career resources covering numerous professional areas.
Career resources include fields such as:
- Business
- Cybersecurity
- Criminal justice
- Counterterrorism
- Education
- Emergency management
- Fire science
- Government
- Homeland security
- Information technology
- Intelligence
- International relations
- Nursing
- Political science
- Public administration
- Public health
- Security management
- Space studies
- Transportation and logistics
These resources can help students understand potential careers associated with their programs.
However, career resources should not be interpreted as a guarantee of employment.
American Military University Student Life
Student life at AMU is different from that of a traditional residential university.
There are no conventional dormitories, large physical lecture halls or traditional campus routines.
Most interaction takes place through the online learning environment.
AMU also provides online student organizations and communities connected to areas such as political science, public health, psychology, international studies, defense studies, human resources, STEM and social sciences.
This allows online students to connect with others who share similar academic and professional interests.
American Military University Pros and Cons
Potential Advantages
Flexible online education: Students can study without relocating and can fit coursework around work or military responsibilities.
Military-focused support: AMU has decades of experience serving military personnel and veterans.
Preferred military tuition: Eligible military students can receive the $250-per-credit Preferred Military Rate.
Large program selection: AMU offers more than 200 programs and tracks.
Transfer-credit opportunities: Many bachelor’s programs allow substantial transfer credit.
Monthly course starts: Students have more flexibility about when to begin courses.
Things to Consider
Online format: Students who prefer daily face-to-face classroom interaction may prefer a traditional university.
Self-discipline: Online learning requires strong time-management skills.
Career outcomes vary: A degree does not guarantee employment. Experience, skills, certifications and networking can also matter.
Program-specific requirements: Students pursuing regulated professions should verify the specific accreditation and licensing requirements for their intended career.
American Military University vs American University
These two institutions are frequently confused because their names are similar.
| Feature | American Military University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | West Virginia-based online institution | Washington, D.C. |
| Main format | Online | Residential + other formats |
| Founded | 1991 | 1893 |
| Military focus | Strong | No |
| Parent organization | American Public University System | Independent university |
| Physical campus | No traditional campus | Yes |
| Main academic identity | Military, intelligence, cybersecurity, public service and professional education | International affairs, public affairs, communications, business and other fields |
They are completely separate universities.
American Military University vs American Public University
American Military University and American Public University are separate institutions within the same university system.
AMU was the original institution and has retained its military and national-security identity.
American Public University was established later to provide broader educational opportunities for working adults and public-service professionals.
Both are part of American Public University System.
2026 American Public University System Development
A major change occurred on August 4, 2026, when American Public University System combined with:
- Rasmussen University
- Hondros College of Nursing
The expanded system includes:
- American Military University
- American Public University
- Rasmussen University
- Hondros College of Nursing
AMU continues to operate as an online university within the system.
This development does not turn AMU into a traditional residential university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Military University accredited?
Yes. American Public University System, which includes AMU, is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Is American Military University a real university?
Yes. AMU was founded in 1991 and operates as part of American Public University System.
Is American Military University owned by the military?
No. AMU is not owned or operated by the U.S. military.
Can civilians attend AMU?
Yes. Civilians, veterans, military personnel and working professionals can enroll.
Is American Military University online?
Yes. AMU is primarily an online university and does not operate a traditional residential campus.
How much does American Military University cost?
For 2026, standard undergraduate tuition is listed at $360 per credit hour, while the Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for eligible students.
How much is an AMU master’s degree?
Standard master’s tuition is currently listed at $470 per credit hour, while eligible students can receive the $250 Preferred Military Rate.
Does AMU accept transfer credits?
Yes. Many bachelor’s programs can accept up to 90 transfer credits, subject to program requirements.
Does AMU require SAT or ACT?
No. AMU states that SAT and ACT scores are not considered for undergraduate enrollment.
Does AMU require GRE or GMAT?
AMU states that GRE and GMAT exams are generally not required for master’s-level programs, although individual programs may have additional requirements.
Does AMU offer cybersecurity?
Yes. Cybersecurity is one of the university’s major academic areas, with undergraduate and graduate options.
Does AMU offer military history?
Yes. AMU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Military History along with other history-related programs.
Does AMU offer an MBA?
Yes. AMU offers graduate business programs, including an MBA.
Can international students attend AMU?
Yes. AMU accepts international students, although additional academic and documentation requirements can apply.
Does AMU have a physical campus?
AMU is primarily online and does not operate a traditional residential campus.
Final Review: American Military University in 2026
American Military University has a distinctive place in American higher education.
Founded in 1991, it was originally created to provide military personnel with portable higher education that could fit around military careers and frequent relocation.
Today, AMU is much broader.
Its more than 200 programs cover areas including cybersecurity, intelligence, homeland security, criminal justice, business, information technology, nursing, public health, military history, emergency management and public administration.
The university’s online model is particularly suited to working adults, military personnel, veterans and students who need flexibility.
Cost is another important part of its model. The 2026 standard undergraduate tuition is $360 per credit, while eligible military students can receive the $250-per-credit Preferred Military Rate.
Transfer credit can also substantially reduce the number of credits a student needs to complete.
AMU is institutionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission as part of American Public University System.
The university should not be confused with American University in Washington, D.C., and it is not an institution operated by the U.S. military.
For prospective students, the most useful approach is to look at the specific program, total cost, transfer credits, military benefits, accreditation, online-learning format and career requirements before enrolling.
For students who need a flexible online degree with a strong military, security or public-service orientation, AMU offers a model specifically designed around those needs.
For students seeking a traditional residential campus, daily in-person classes and conventional college life, AMU represents a very different type of university.
American Military University 2026 Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | American Military University |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Retired Marine Corps Major James P. Etter |
| Main format | Online |
| Parent system | American Public University System |
| Institutional accreditor | Higher Learning Commission |
| Standard undergraduate tuition | $360/credit |
| Preferred Military Rate | $250/credit |
| Standard master’s tuition | $470/credit |
| Preferred Military master’s rate | $250/credit |
| Bachelor’s transfer credit | Up to 90 credits for many programs |
| Application fee | $0 for undergraduate/master’s programs |
| Course starts | Monthly |
| SAT/ACT | Not considered |
| GRE/GMAT | Generally not required for master’s programs |
| Traditional campus | No |
| Headquarters | Charles Town/Ranson, West Virginia |
| Major areas | Military studies, cybersecurity, intelligence, business, public service and more |