Nature of the Business

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

American Public Education, Inc., or APEI, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Company,” is a provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education to approximately 82,100 students through two subsidiary institutions:

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American Public University System, Inc., or APUS, provides online postsecondary education directed primarily at the needs of the military, military-affiliated, and public service communities through American Military University, or AMU, and American Public University, or APU. APUS is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and several of its academic programs have specialized accreditation granted by industry-governing organizations.


•	National Education Seminars, Inc., which is referred to herein as Hondros College of Nursing, or HCN, provides nursing education to students at five campuses in Ohio to serve the needs of the nursing and healthcare communities. HCN is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools, or ABHES.

The Company’s institutions are licensed or otherwise authorized, or are in the process of obtaining such licenses or authorizations, to offer postsecondary education programs by state authorities to the extent the institutions believe such licenses or authorizations are required, and are certified by the United States Department of Education, or ED, to participate in student financial aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, or Title IV programs.

The Company’s operations are organized into two reportable segments:


•	American Public Education Segment, or APEI Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities at APUS, other corporate activities, and minority investments.


•	Hondros College of Nursing Segment, or HCN Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of HCN.