UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a−101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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Exchange Act of 1934

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American Public Education, Inc.

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See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions. E45080-P04084 AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC. *** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on June 1, 2018. AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC. 111 W. CONGRESS STREET CHARLES TOWN, WV 25414 Meeting Information You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the company named above. This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. Meeting Type: Annual Meeting For holders as of: April 5, 2018 Date: June 1, 2018 Time: 7:30 AM EDT Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745

E45081-P04084 Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before May 18, 2018 to facilitate timely delivery. How to View Online: Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) in the subject line. Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: × XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX × XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL REPORT How To Vote Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods Vote In Person: Many stockholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the proxy statement for any special requirements for meeting attendance and for directions to the meeting. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have available the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) and follow the instructions. Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. × XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Voting Items E45082-P04084 1a. Eric C. Andersen 1f. Timothy J. Landon 1c. Barbara G. Fast 1g. William G. Robinson, Jr. 1b. Wallace E. Boston, Jr. 1d. Jean C. Halle 1e. Barbara L. Kurshan 1. Election of Directors The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 2. Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers as disclosed in the Company's proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting. NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: Nominees:

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