For-profit American Public U strikes transfer agreement with California Community Colleges
October 25, 2021
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf
Dive Brief:
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The California Community Colleges system has signed a transfer agreement with American Public University System, a for-profit group that operates American Public University and American Military University.
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Under the agreement, students who graduate from the California system’s degree transfer program can go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in 38 academic areas at American Military University and American Public University. They will transfer with junior status and without losing credits.
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The deal quickly generated criticism that California’s community colleges are working with a for-profit institution with a history of poor student outcomes. But system leaders say students were already transferring to the for-profit system and that the new deal ensures they receive credit for their community college work.
Dive Insight:
The American Public University System has historically catered to U.S. active military members and veterans. But its owner, for-profit operator American Public Education Inc., has begun to expand its footprint in the last couple of years.
