Cost Details
- In-State Tuition
- $56,543
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $56,543
- Average Net Price
- $41,945
- Students Receiving Financial Aid
- 12.7%
- Room & Board (On Campus)
- $17,012
- Room & Board (Off Campus)
- $14,712
- Books & Supplies
- $1,000
- Total Cost of Attendance
- $74,555
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.9%
- Students Taking Federal Loans
- 35.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.7%
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $21,176 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $18,630 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $23,477 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $34,587 |
| $110,001+ | $53,257 |
Cost Estimator
Cost Overview
Most families pay far less than American University's $74,555 sticker price. The average net price is $41,945, which means a four-year degree costs about $168,000 for a typical family. Lower-income families get the best deals: those earning under $30,000 pay just $21,176 per year, while families making $30,000-$48,000 pay only $18,630. Even families earning up to $75,000 pay under $25,000 annually. The financial aid drops off quickly for higher earners, with families making over $110,000 paying $53,257 per year.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,750, which translates to monthly payments of $241. That debt load stays manageable because AU grads earn a median of $77,370 ten years after graduation. The school's location in DC helps explain those strong earnings, as many students land jobs in government, nonprofits, and media. Families earning under $75,000 get the sweetest deal here, paying less than half the sticker price.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,750, which translates to monthly payments of $241. That debt load stays manageable because AU grads earn a median of $77,370 ten years after graduation. The school's location in DC helps explain those strong earnings, as many students land jobs in government, nonprofits, and media. Families earning under $75,000 get the sweetest deal here, paying less than half the sticker price.
Official Net Price Calculator
Get a personalized cost estimate from American University:
Visit Official Net Price CalculatorThis links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.