Survey Underscores Importance of Keeping Higher Education Affordable, Career-Relevant and Convenient, Says American Public University System President Wallace E. Boston, Jr.

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va.--(Business Wire)--
Results of a major nationwide survey examining the effect of the recession on
adult learners underscore the importance of keeping higher education tuition
affordable, and reinforce American Public University System`s
(http://www.apus.edu) (APUS) focus on offering high-value, career-relevant,
online degree programs, APUS President Wallace E. Boston, Jr. said today.

Higher education research and consulting firm Eduventures, Inc. conducted the
survey of more than 1,500 prospective adult students. The recently released
results indicate that while most adult learners believe that additional
education is of increased personal value, their higher education choices have
been impacted by the recession. Of the respondents, 59% said they were more
likely to enroll in a less expensive course or school, and 42% said they were
more likely to enroll in an online course or program, in response to current
economic conditions.

"For far too long, we`ve taken it as an article of faith that a college
education must be costly, and that tuitions will always increase," said Mr.
Boston. "The Eduventures survey shows that those past practices of assuming the
student will pay the increased tuition need to change, and sends a very clear
message to all of us in higher education. Adult learners continue to place a
high value on post-secondary education, and the survey indicates that they are
now increasingly attracted to degree programs that are affordable, online, and
have direct relevance to their careers."

APUS universities, American Military University (AMU) and American Public
University (APU), are respected adult-serving institutions of higher education
with a reputation for high quality, affordable online degree programs, according
to Mr. Boston. "As a nation, we all share a responsibility for promoting
educational attainment. At APUS, our mission aligns with that of our country`s
public policy-to make higher education more accessible, affordable and
attainable," he added.

About American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited and serves
more than 45,000 students worldwide through two universities - American Public
University (www.studyatapus.com) and American Military University
(http://www.amuonline.com). APUS`s relevant curriculum, affordability and
flexibility allows working adults to pursue degrees that will help them advance
in a variety of career fields, including business, information technology,
education and management. APUS also provides specialized education in homeland
security, national security and emergency and disaster management. A university
book grant provides textbooks at no cost to eligible undergraduate students.
American Public University System is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American
Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI). For more information, please visit
http://www.americanpubliceducation.com/.

American Public University System
Renée Williams Hockaday, 703-334-3868
rhockaday@apus.edu

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