Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 78.5%
- Retention Rate
- 86.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $77,370
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $99,458 | $89,433 |
| Taxation. | Master | $97,907 | |
| Statistics. | Master | $75,706 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $74,953 | $55,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $73,635 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Economics. | Master | $69,338 | $46,108 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $67,660 | $65,926 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,014 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $64,493 | $51,250 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $63,692 | $61,500 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $63,600 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $63,203 | $161,696 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $60,771 | $54,986 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $60,399 |
Outcomes Overview
American University graduates earn a median of $77,370 ten years after graduation, putting them ahead of many liberal arts colleges but behind top business schools. The typical monthly loan payment of $241 represents just 3.7% of that median income, a manageable burden. With median debt of $22,750, graduates have a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, which is quite reasonable. The 94% employment rate reflects AU's strong connections in Washington DC, where many graduates land jobs in government, nonprofits, think tanks, and media companies. The school's location and programs in international relations and public affairs create direct pipelines to these sectors. This represents a strong return on investment for students targeting public service careers.