American National University
American National University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is American National University Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, American National University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $26,370 — 51% below average — while paying $18,036/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.7-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 31% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at American National University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How American National University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 17 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Huertas College | 68 | $4,401 | $22,927 |
| #2 | West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown | 34 | $15,520 | $31,912 |
| #3 | Plaza College | 26 | $19,860 | $31,519 |
| #4 | American Medical Sciences Center | 25 | $21,629 | $29,972 |
| #5 | St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton | 22 | $24,395 | $32,217 |
| #6 | Miami Regional University | 22 | $22,113 | $29,081 |
| #13 | American National University | 11 | $18,036 | $26,370 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of American National University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at American National University
The highest-earning program at American National University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $30,300/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from American National University earns $30,300, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $30,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $48,778 in median debt vs. $48,778 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,036/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,300 | $30,300 | $48,778 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Salem, VA
- Student Body
- 630 students
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,036
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $26,370
- Median Student Debt
- $12,814