At $41,945/yr net price, American University graduates earn $77,370/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,370/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $41,945 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $167,780 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,370/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,370/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,176/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,630/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,477/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,587/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,257/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
78.5% of students at American University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American University runs a mixed financial picture. You'll pay a net price near $42,000 a year, but graduate with median debt of $22,750 and earn about $77,370 a decade out. That earnings figure sits above the debt load, which keeps the return positive, but the sticker only works if your major and your income tier line up.
Program earnings vary widely here. Computer Science and Accounting graduates clear $66,000 to $74,000, and those are the degrees that justify the cost. Finance sits lower at $55,512 against $22,625 in debt, so your payoff depends heavily on landing a strong first role. The weaker end is Teacher Education, where you leave with $27,000 in debt (the highest of the listed programs) and earn just $49,136. Business Administration lands in the same soft zone at $48,725. If you're paying full price for one of these, the math turns against you fast.
Washington, DC gives Accounting, Finance, and CS graduates a deep regional market of federal agencies, contractors, and financial firms, which supports the higher-earning programs. The specific risk here is choosing a low-earning major at a high-price private school. A teaching degree at this net price will strain your budget for years.
The net price tiers cut sharply. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay roughly $18,600 to $21,200 a year, which makes the school reachable. Above $110,000, the price jumps to $53,257 with little discount. The middle tiers climb steeply, from $23,477 at $48-75k to $34,587 at $75-110k.
American University fits you if you're aiming at Computer Science, Accounting, or Finance and land in a lower income tier. If you want to teach or major in general business, and especially if your family earns over $110,000, the return is thin and you should compare cheaper options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American University worth the high tuition cost?
American University's $41,945 annual net price is steep for graduates earning $77,370 after 10 years. The school works best for students targeting high-paying programs like business administration ($99,458) or taxation ($97,907), but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at American University?
Business administration leads at $99,458 annually, followed by taxation at $97,907. These programs offer strong ROI given the school's cost, while other popular majors like public administration ($74,953) and computer science ($73,635) provide more modest returns.
How much debt do American University students graduate with?
The median debt is $22,750, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this figure doesn't include parent loans or students who borrowed more than the median, so actual debt loads vary widely.
Does American University provide good financial aid to lower costs?
The $41,945 net price suggests decent financial aid, but this is still expensive for most families. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as the school's Washington DC location drives up both tuition and living costs.