American University
American University is a private non-profit institution located in Washington, DC, offering 120 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Graduates from American University report median earnings of $77,370 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $56,543
- 2024 Average Net Price: $41,945 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 47.38% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 7,593 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 78.49%
- Average SAT Score: 1392
Costs
Tuition Costs
$56,543
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at American University was $56,543.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$41,945
2024 Value
In 2024 American University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $41,945.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$167,780 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$41,945 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$226,172 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for American University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
12.73% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
35.00% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at American University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
47.38% Acceptance Rate
This institution is selective, accepting about half of all applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1392
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.5 - 3.7
Estimated Median GPA: 3.60
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at American University in 2024 is 7,593 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
72.47% 100% Completion Time
78.49% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 72.47% of students graduating from American University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for American University.
Return on Investment
$22,750 Median Student Debt
$77,370 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
29.40% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
361.14% Return on Investment
2.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for American University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
CIP 45.0901: 794 completions
Law (JD): 378 completions
Social Sciences: 277 completions
CIP 52.0201: 273 completions
Other Multidisciplinary Studies: 174 completions
Public Administration: 162 completions
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Administration: 145 completions
Elementary Education & Teaching: 114 completions
General Psychology: 109 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 4,638 completions
Most popular programs at American University.
Employment Outcomes
$61,328 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$70,443 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$77,370 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for American University graduates.
About
American University is a private non-profit institution located in Washington, DC, offering 120 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 7,593 students. It is selective, with an admission rate of 47.38%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1392. The institution maintains a 78.49% graduation rate. Approximately 12.73% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Washington, DC 20016-8001
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 120 distinct degree programs, American University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.