Cost & ROI · 2026
Is American University worth it?
Pay $41,943/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $77,370 ten years out — about 1.8× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
American University vs District of Columbia avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical District of Columbia college and the typical US college.
| Metric | American University | District of Columbia avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $41,943 | $28,119 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▲ $77,370 | $65,476 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $22,750 | $24,549 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▲ 75.5% | 60.9% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▼ 62% | 57.7% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $304,232 over four years. Most students get $34,115/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $22,750 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 29% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're well below that threshold.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median American University grad earns about $1,294,800 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about American University
The average student at American University pays $41,943 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $76,058 published sticker price. That is above the DC average net price of $28,119.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $77,370 — above the DC median of $65,476. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $22,750, roughly $247 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a manageable load at about 29% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper District of Columbia colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of American University.
Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at American University?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $41,943 per year. That's $34,115/yr in financial aid against the $76,058 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $167,772.
How much do American University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, American University graduates earn a median of $77,370 per year — above the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.8× the annual net cost.
How much debt do American University graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $22,750 — about $247/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 38% of students take federal loans.
Is American University worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns American University a value grade of D — top 85% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $41,943/yr, earn $77,370/yr ten years out, ROI score of 4.61. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at American University?
13.9% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 38% take federal student loans. On average, students get $34,115 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at American University?
In-state tuition is $58,771 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $58,771 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at American University?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $23,233. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $53,673. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →