Nuno Fernandes on higher education
From Nuno Fernandes, President at American Public University System | NexPulse Speaker Series · · Nexford University
“I always look at a higher education degree as a key that opens doors. But then once the door is open, it's entirely up to you what you want to do. If you don't have that key, it's very hard to open that door.”
On , Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University at AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, spoke about higher education during Nuno Fernandes, President at American Public University System | NexPulse Speaker Series on Nexford University.
About Nuno Fernandes
Nuno Fernandes, president of American Public University System (APUS), has spoken in several podcasts and public appearances about the role of technology and artificial intelligence in higher education. In a June 2025 NexPulse Speaker Series appearance, Fernandes said he has an "optimistic approach" to AI, predicting that while some jobs will change, many new jobs will be created. He argued that universities should embrace AI and that faculty have an opportunity to rethink student evaluation, including through project-based learning. Fernandes also stated that data shows higher education degree holders produce "almost double the revenue on average" over their careers compared to those without a degree, and described a degree as "a key that opens doors." Fernandes has also discussed APUS's institutional strategy and pricing. In a November 2024 podcast, he noted that over the past 20 years, average U.S. tuition increased about 300 percent, while APUS increased tuition by about 15 percent. He described the university as an "Open Access" institution and said the model in higher education is shifting from a university-centric to a student-centric approach. Fernandes has also spoken about his earlier career as a co-founder of the fitness brand Crank, saying in a November 2025 podcast that the brand aimed to create a community feel and that "if you want your business to succeed, you have to adapt and evolve."