At $20,215/yr net price, American National University graduates earn $26,370/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,215 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $26,370/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-7,630/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,814 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,989/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,392/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $22,253 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,262 | $12,084 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,855 | $18,477 |
The Risk Factor
26.3% of students at American National University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
American National University's numbers point to a weak financial return. You pay $20,215 a year in net price, yet the median graduate earns $26,370 a decade after enrolling. That earnings figure sits below what many high school graduates make, so the degree is not moving the needle the way the price tag suggests it should.
The completion odds work against you. Only about one in four students finishes, and roughly a quarter of those who start don't come back for a second year. If you drop out, you keep the debt without the credential, and that risk is real here given the graduation rate.
Two bachelor's programs stand out. Accounting graduates earn the most on this campus, clearing the median by a wide margin, with business administration close behind. If you enroll, these are the majors where the math is least bad, tied to steady demand for bookkeeping and management roles in the Salem and Roanoke area. Outside these two fields, there's no listed program data showing a payoff, so treat other paths with caution.
The net price barely changes across income levels. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $19,989, and families in the $48,000-$75,000 range pay $20,392 , nearly the same. Lower-income families get little price relief here, so the cost lands hard regardless of what you earn.
The one bright spot is debt. The median borrower leaves with $12,814, lower than at many four-year schools. That keeps your downside contained if things don't work out.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing the accounting or business program and want a local, career-focused path. If you're unsure you'll graduate, or you're chasing higher lifetime earnings, a community college transfer path or a public university will likely serve your wallet better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American National University worth the cost?
American National University's graduates earn a median of $26,370 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,215 per year and a graduation rate of only 26%, the return on investment is poor for most students.
What are the best paying programs at American National University?
Accounting programs at American National University offer the highest earnings potential at $34,704 annually, followed by some Business Administration tracks at $31,670. Most other programs, including Health Administrative Services, produce earnings below $30,000.
How much debt do American National University graduates have?
The median debt for American National University graduates is $12,814, which is relatively low compared to other schools. However, with low graduation rates and modest earning potential, even this debt level may be difficult for some graduates to manage.
What is American National University's graduation rate?
American National University has a 26% graduation rate, meaning nearly three-quarters of students who enroll do not complete their degree. This significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without getting the credential needed for higher earnings.