X0303 4 2010-01-15 0 0001201792 AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC APEI 0001333510 Wilkins Harry T 111 W. CONGRESS STREET CHARLES TOWN WV 25414 0 1 0 0 EVP, Chief Financial Officer Common Stock, par value $.01 2010-01-15 4 S 0 2000 38.22 D 101965 D Common Stock, par value $.01 44111.5 I By Wilkins Asset Management, Inc. Common Stock, par value $.01 300 I By son The sales reported in this Form 4 were effected pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan adopted by the reporting person on November 21, 2008, as modified on May 29, 2009, which is intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1. The price of $38.22 per share represents a weighted average of sales prices ranging from $37.86 to $38.28 per share. The reporting person undertakes to provide upon request by the Commission staff, the issuer, or a security holder of the issuer, full information regarding the number of shares purchased or sold at each separate price. The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership, except to the extent of his pecuniary benefit, of the securities owned by Wilkins Asset Management, Inc., and this report shall not be deemed an admission that the reporting person is the beneficial owner of the securities for purposes of Section 16 or for any other purpose. The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by his son, and this report should not be deemed an admission that the reporting person is the beneficial owner of his son's shares for purposes of Section 16 or for any other purpose. /s/ Harry T. Wilkins 2010-01-20