Is American University worth it?
American University is a private nonprofit, four-year institution in Washington, District of Columbia (large city). It awarded 4,479 degrees and certificates in 2024, most often in international relations and affairs, law and business administration and management.
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Federal data
Federal context for American University
Published by the federal government for federally aided students. It does not say which employers hire graduates.
Median earnings 1 year after
$50,329
Median earnings 4 years after
$79,081
Median earnings 10 years after
$77,370
Average net price
$41,943
Completion rate
75%
Completions (2024)
4,479
Years to pay back
2.1 years
Students (undergrad)
7,266
Median earnings after completing, by program
| Program | Credential | Median earnings, 1yr | Median earnings, 4yr | Graduates counted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | First professional | $73,725 | $109,523 | 576 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | Bachelor's | $47,551 | $73,865 | 477 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | Master's | $69,872 | $97,808 | 410 |
| Public Administration | Master's | $78,068 | $107,866 | 251 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | Master's | $99,051 | $127,269 | 240 |
| Political Science and Government | Bachelor's | $48,034 | $73,604 | 167 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | Bachelor's | $58,299 | $88,359 | 146 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | Bachelor's | $50,026 | $78,410 | 116 |
| Communication and Media Studies | Master's | $68,299 | $94,424 | 109 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | Bachelor's | $49,486 | $76,552 | 108 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | Master's | $71,635 | $93,310 | 107 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | Master's | $94,453 | $127,356 | 106 |
| Economics | Bachelor's | $58,151 | $85,016 | 84 |
| Journalism | Bachelor's | $44,387 | $66,635 | 70 |
| Public Policy Analysis | Master's | $67,929 | $98,588 | 70 |
Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release, and IPEDS. Earnings cover federally aided students only, so they do not cover every graduate.
Awards conferred, by program
| Program | Award level | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs | Bachelor's | 386 |
| International Relations and Affairs | Master's | 383 |
| Law | Doctoral professional practice | 378 |
| Political Science and Government, General | Bachelor's | 189 |
| Business Administration and Management, General | Bachelor's | 180 |
| Public Administration | Master's | 153 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | Bachelor's | 103 |
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies | Bachelor's | 97 |
| Public Policy Analysis, General | Master's | 97 |
| Elementary Education and Teaching | Master's | 95 |
Similar schools
Other private nonprofit four year schools in District of Columbia
Same state, same sector, nearest by completions.
Howard University
Washington, DC
70%
completion rate
2,912
completions
Graduate data being added
See the pageThe Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
79%
completion rate
1,244
completions
Graduate data being added
See the pageGeorgetown University
Washington, DC
95%
completion rate
7,796
completions
Graduate data being added
See the pageFor school staff
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Sources: federal figures for American University. Federal figures from College Scorecard and IPEDS. Occupation pay from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS for District of Columbia. Counts under 10 are not published.
Updated September 18, 2026 · Methodology · Report a problem with this page