A mobile app that helps students find their path, stay on track, and believe in what’s possible—whether they’re dreaming of college, just getting started, or pushing toward graduation. Because one app, done right, can change a life.
College has the power to transform lives—but the journey can feel overwhelming before it even begins. American Public University needed a mobile app that could support students at every stage of that journey.
The challenge was to design a single, seamless experience for three very different needs: exploring degree options, completing complex onboarding steps, and staying on track through graduation. The goal was simple—make it easier for more students to take the next step toward a better future.
with the academic advising and engineering teams to surface real user stories and uncover technical constraints.
solutions to communicate ideas quickly and validate them with advisors and developers.
high-fidelity prototypes that brought the vision to life for leadership and key stakeholders.
unmoderated usability testing to gather insights, pressure-test ideas, and move forward with confidence.
They’ve just downloaded the app. They’re not committed yet—but they’re curious. They want to explore programs, compare degrees, and imagine a future they didn’t think was possible.
They’ve made the leap. Now they’re faced with confusing onboarding paperwork, unfamiliar systems, and pressure to start strong.
They’ve got courses, deadlines, and a future to build. They need tools, not distractions.
They haven’t applied yet—but they’re imagining a new future. Maybe it’s the first time they’ve considered going back to school. Maybe it’s a quiet hope they’ve carried for years. These users download the app in search of clarity, inspiration, and a reason to believe it’s all possible.
To support them, the app offers a thoughtful and welcoming space to explore:
Program Exploration that’s easy to browse, compare, and understand—designed to remove barriers, not add more questions.
University News & Events that show what life at APU looks like in motion, helping prospective students feel part of something real.
Clubs and Activities that highlight connection, community, and the experience beyond coursework.
Student Blogs & Resources that offer stories, tips, and insight from real students—because sometimes the most powerful motivation is knowing someone like you has done it before.
They’ve said yes—now the real work begins. New students arrive energized but quickly face a maze of forms, verifications, and deadlines. The goal was to replace that first‑week anxiety with steady forward motion.
To keep their momentum alive, the experience delivers:
A Guided Task Scheduler that breaks onboarding into bite‑sized steps, shows real‑time progress, and celebrates each checkmark—because every finished task is proof they belong here.
Secure Document Uploader for IDs, transcripts, and other essentials, complete with instant status updates so students never wonder, “Did that really go through?”
They’ve made it through the hardest part—starting. Now, their focus shifts to staying organized, making progress, and hitting the milestones that bring graduation closer. These students are often balancing school with work, family, or military service. They need tools that work as hard as they do.
To support their goals, the app includes:
An Interactive Degree Planner with a built-in calendar that helps students map out the right courses for their program and timeline—removing guesswork from an already full life.
Streamlined Course Registration that simplifies how students browse, select, and enroll in classes—no long waits, no hidden steps.
Flexible Student Management Tools that empower them to change their registration status or adjust their course load with just a few taps.
The new mobile experience didn’t just streamline tasks—it gave students back their confidence.
📈 A near 400% increase in user adoption showed that students were eager for a better way—and found real value in the app.
📉 A 28% decrease in outreach to academic advising by students who used MyAPU proved that the design made critical steps clearer and more self-serve.
💬 “I didn’t think college would fit into my life—this app helped me realize it could.” — New APU Student
The numbers tell one part of the story—but the real impact lives in the student who finally applied after months of hesitation. The parent who planned a course schedule that fits around bedtime. The learner who registered for the next semester without a single email for help.
This wasn’t just a redesign. It was a reimagining of what higher education could feel like: approachable, empowering, and built for real life.
