American Military University

I just recently graduated with my BS in Information Systems Security. Let me first say that AMU was a great online school. The curriculum was far better than I had originally expected. I admit I was looking for an easy degree and was met with a much harder curriculum than expected. I must say I do not regret that at all because it made me work harder. Negative.... My only complaint was that AMU recently went to all digital books. I guess I am old school because I preferred the hard copy and ended up buying all my books. That would be my only complaint with the school. AMU did help me get a Pell Grant that did cover the cost which turned the negative into just extra work. Staff.... AMU has a very strict policy on the instructors that they must respond to any correspondence in a timely manner and I never had to wait over 24 hours for a reply. The instructors were very courteous and worked with me on my many short notice TDYs that would have resulted in late assignments and decreased GPA however, they allowed me to submit them as soon as I could with no penalty. Overall the school answered any questions or concerns that I had in a timely manner as well. I have seen a review or two complaining about AMU not handling military tuition or GI bill stuff well and must say that is not my experience. Every time I had a question it was answered promptly and explained in detail what I either needed to do or what was going to happen. As long as I did my part with TA everything went great. Online Experience.... The online experience was amazing. I had attended Troy University online prior to AMU and I must say that the online setup at AMU is much better. Yes, there was the occasional bug in the system but AMU was quick to get it fixed and always notified of a system downtime well in advance.

I began at AMU back in 2002 with a Spousal Scholarship. It was my first attempt at online learning and I found out it was the best way for me to learn. Due to finances and health issues I had to take a leave of absence until last year, at which time I returned and completed my degree. Yes, there are instructors who are slow to grade assignments, yet there are also those who grade as soon as the assignments are submitted. For every complaint there is a praise... the same holds true for brick-and-mortar schools. The labs were interesting, but educational. It was nice to be able to put into practice what I was learning. The same for my database class. Having the workbook to perform activities that followed the textbook aided in my retention of the concepts covered. I learn by reading and hands-on, so the labs and workbooks were extremely helpful. I am strongly considering returning for my MA.

Do not let the name or the fact that this is an online only school fool you. Having been to many traditional universities and now AMU to finish my Bachelors Degree, I can tell you that AMU is more than worth it. Three things really make AMU great. First, AMU's professors are the real deal and do NOT expect this to be a walk in the park. As far as general education AMU is just as good as the other schools out there. However, when it comes to core classes (In my case computer science classes)AMU requires a lot of you. Most of the professors were experts in their respective fields and I actually learned more at AMU than any of the physical universitie I went too. I went to Park and McKendree Universities before coming to AMU. Secondly, AMU provides all this at an amazing value. I was once considering other schools such a Capella but they wanted to charge around $500 or more a credit hour! AMU (at the time of this review) only charges $250 a credit hour. Thirdly, AMU is accredited regionally which is critical to using your degree to get a graduate degree. I've already checked with Websters University and Lindenwood University and verified that they would definitely accept an AMU Bachelors Degree for admission to their respective graduate schools. In closing, there are so many choices out there but unless you are able to go to an IVY league school then AMU should be at the top of your list for consideration. I enjoyed my time at AMU and the immense challenge it brought. You will too. Respectfully, Adam

APUS/AMU uses technology to deliver courses which are current and equal to courses at "B&M" universities. The assignments and assessments are challenging but the support and interaction with staff and fellow students make completing courses easier. The course content is truly current and up to date. I'm completing my third year and the growth of the school is impressive but the level of support is still TOP NOTCH. Financial aid, services are excellent. I highly recommend the school. The degree earned at APUS/AMU does have “street value” and will open more employment doors.