American University
American University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
American University at a Glance
The American University is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Its main campus spans 90 acres on Ward Circle, in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest D.C.
1893
133 years old
$1.1B
$1.12 billion (2025)
13,019
7,571 undergrad · 3,613 grad
90 acres
Identity
Is American University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, American University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $77,370 — 44% above average — while paying $41,943/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 77% graduation rate means roughly 23% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at American University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How American University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 15 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 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #2 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #3 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #4 | Southern Methodist University | 40 | $40,892 | $78,354 |
| #5 | Fordham University | 39 | $44,338 | $85,569 |
| #6 | American University | 36 | $41,943 | $77,370 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of American University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at American University
The highest-earning program at American University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $50,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Literature at $23,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from American University earns $50,700, while a Literature graduate earns $23,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $24,031 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Literature.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,943/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $50,700 | $50,700 | $24,031 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,000 | $47,000 | $24,218 |
| Economics | $45,300 | $45,300 | $22,875 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $44,300 | $44,300 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $42,900 | $42,900 | $23,250 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $42,800 | $42,800 | $22,698 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,100 | $42,100 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $40,700 | $40,700 | $21,750 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $39,800 | $39,800 | $23,238 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $38,300 | $38,300 | $23,250 |
| Sociology | $37,600 | $37,600 | N/A |
| History | $36,700 | $36,700 | $25,951 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $34,600 | $34,600 | $24,500 |
| Public Health | $34,300 | $34,300 | $23,125 |
| Journalism | $33,300 | $33,300 | $25,906 |
| Biology, General | $32,500 | $32,500 | $24,625 |
| Area Studies | $32,000 | $32,000 | $25,813 |
| Psychology, General | $30,700 | $30,700 | $24,219 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $24,700 | $24,700 | $26,000 |
| Literature | $23,900 | $23,900 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Student Body
- 7,266 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 77%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,943
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $77,370
- Median Student Debt
- $22,750