American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Visit Website

American University's main campus occupies 90 acres in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest D.C. Students are drawn to its focus on public service and internationalism. Its location in the nation's capital provides access to internships and resources related to government and policy. The university also maintains a strong relationship with the United Methodist Church.

Programs Analyzed
24
Avg Grad Earnings
$42,346/yr
Avg DegreeOutlook Score
39/100
Tuition (Sticker Price)
$56,543/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 13% of students receive Pell Grants and 35% take federal loans.

Family Income Avg Net Price/yr 4-Year Net Cost Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K $21,176 $84,704 5.0x
$30K – $48K $18,630 $74,520 5.7x
$48K – $75K $23,477 $93,908 4.5x
$75K – $110K $34,587 $138,348 3.1x
$110K+ $53,257 $213,028 2.0x
Sticker price (no aid) $56,543 $226,172 1.9x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at American University

24 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program DW Score Earnings AI Risk ROI
Finance and Financial Management Services
Compare across schools
75 $83,505/yr Very High 3.6x
Business Administration
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65 $58,299/yr High 2.9x
Economics
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60 $58,151/yr Very High 2.4x
Public Relations & Advertising
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59 $50,026/yr High 3.2x
Teacher Education
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58 $55,625/yr High 1.9x
Political Science and Government
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52 $48,034/yr Very High 2.5x
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
Compare across schools
48 $45,790/yr Moderate 3.5x
International Relations
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44 $47,551/yr High 2.1x
Public Health
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44 $42,194/yr High 2.0x
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
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42 $46,780/yr High 2.5x
Criminal Justice and Corrections
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42 $37,147/yr Moderate 1.7x
History
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39 $43,809/yr High 1.4x
Communication and Media Studies
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37 $36,980/yr High 2.3x
Sociology
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36 $40,119/yr High 1.8x
Ethnic & Cultural Minority
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33 $46,206/yr Very High 2.0x
Area Studies
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32 $43,671/yr Very High 2.0x
Fine and Studio Arts
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32 $35,115/yr Moderate 0.6x
Journalism
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31 $44,387/yr Very High 1.5x
Biology, General
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26 $33,917/yr High 1.4x
Psychology, General
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24 $25,773/yr High 1.8x
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
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23 $26,767/yr High 2.1x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Compare across schools
17 $23,979/yr Moderate 1.1x
Audiovisual Communications Technologies
Compare across schools
16 $19,337/yr High 1.9x
Literature
Compare across schools
12 $23,164/yr Very High 1.3x
Compare any program at American University with another school. Use the comparison tool →
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →