American National University: $10,735 Tuition

$10,735Tuition

643Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$26,370Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About American National University

American National University focuses on career preparation through hands-on programs in healthcare, business, and technology. This private career college serves 643 students in Salem's suburban setting. The school has adapted to working adults since 1886, offering flexible scheduling that lets students balance education with jobs and family responsibilities.

Students pay an average net price of $20,215 after financial aid, with 71% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $26,370 ten years after starting college, creating a challenging financial picture. The typical graduate leaves with $12,814 in debt and monthly loan payments of $136. Only 16% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule, suggesting many struggle financially after graduation.

Women make up 81% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and business fields that traditionally attract female students. The 26% six-year graduation rate indicates many students face obstacles completing their programs. However, 90% of graduates find employment, showing the school's career-focused approach does help students land jobs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that working adults often need to succeed academically.

Academics & Faculty

American National University focuses on career-ready programs in healthcare, business, and technology designed for working adults. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes. However, only 26% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and school. Women make up 81% of enrollment, drawn to programs like nursing and medical assisting. The quarter system allows faster course completion and multiple start dates throughout the year. Most students attend part-time while working, which explains the lower traditional graduation metrics. Programs emphasize hands-on training and industry certifications rather than theoretical coursework, preparing graduates for immediate employment in growing fields.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.3%
Retention Rate: 71.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $26,370
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$34,704
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$31,670
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$30,988
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$28,598
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$27,222
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$24,730
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$24,035
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$23,386
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$23,262
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$22,855

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

American National University sits in Salem, Virginia, about 20 minutes from Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 643 students on a suburban campus, you'll experience Virginia's four distinct seasons and need both winter coats and shorts throughout the year. The 81% female student body reflects the school's strong healthcare and business programs that dominate campus life.

Most students commute to campus rather than live in dorms, creating a professional atmosphere focused on career preparation. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know your name and career goals. Students often balance work and family responsibilities alongside their studies, with many attending part-time or taking evening classes. Weekends typically involve studying, working, or spending time with family rather than traditional college social activities. The quarter system keeps pace fast, with new courses starting frequently. Salem's location near the Appalachian Trail offers outdoor recreation, while Roanoke provides urban amenities and internship opportunities for the career-focused student body.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1886

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–47°F
July Avg: 67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 14.8"

Student Demographics

American National University draws students who need flexible career training that fits around work and family obligations. Women make up over 80% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting. Nearly 90% of students come from out of state, suggesting the school attracts working adults seeking online and hybrid programs nationwide. About 71% receive Pell Grants, showing the institution serves students from lower-income backgrounds who want practical skills training. The diverse student mix includes significant representation from both white and Black communities, typical of career-focused colleges serving non-traditional learners.

Men: 18.7%
Women: 81.3%
White: 43.7%
Black: 38.4%
Hispanic: 2.2%
Asian: 8.9%
In-State Students: 10.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 71.5%

Location

Salem sits in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, about 25 miles west of Roanoke, the region's largest city with roughly 100,000 residents. The area blends small-town charm with outdoor recreation opportunities, as the Appalachian Trail runs nearby and Smith Mountain Lake draws visitors year-round. Salem itself has around 25,000 residents and maintains a quiet suburban feel while hosting Roanoke College and several smaller institutions. The region's economy traditionally centered on manufacturing and agriculture, though healthcare and service industries have grown . Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare American National University with similar career-focused institutions in the region.

Address: Salem, Virginia 24153

American National University campus in Danville, Virginia

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $26,370
Median Earnings (5 years): $31,718
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $19,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 16.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $136/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,814

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at American National University?

American National University maintains an open enrollment policy as a career-focused institution designed to serve working adults. With 643 students enrolled, the school prioritizes accessibility over selectivity. The university draws students primarily seeking practical training in healthcare, business, and technology fields.

How much does American National University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,215 annually, with 71.47% receiving financial aid. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's focus on serving lower-income students. Monthly loan payments average $136, though the loan repayment rate sits at just 16.02%.

What is the student-faculty ratio at American National University?

The university maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-oriented programs. Classes operate on a quarter system to accommodate working professionals. The school emphasizes hands-on training in healthcare, business, and technology rather than traditional liberal arts education.

What are the graduation rates at American National University?

Only 26.30% of students graduate within six years, with the four-year rate nearly identical at 26.03%. The 71.43% retention rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. These outcomes reflect challenges common among for-profit institutions serving non-traditional student populations.

Where is American National University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Salem, Virginia, a mid-sized suburban community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Women comprise 81.34% of the student body, typical for career colleges with strong healthcare programs. The small enrollment of 643 students creates an intimate learning environment focused on professional development rather than traditional college experiences.

Does American National University provide good career outcomes for graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $26,370 ten years after enrollment, with a 90.3% employment rate. The university's career-focused curriculum in healthcare and business aims to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. However, the relatively low earnings compared to debt levels may challenge long-term financial stability for some graduates.