American University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$226,172
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$26,328/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
133%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
American University's high tuition cost of $56,543 is offset by relatively high earnings for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $50,329, increasing to $61,328 after five years and $77,370 after ten years. The median debt of $22,750 is manageable compared to the earning potential.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable for American University graduates. With a median debt of $22,750 and a starting salary of $50,329, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.45. This suggests graduates can reasonably manage their debt obligations.
Given the earnings data and median debt, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for graduates to earn back their tuition investment, is relatively long. However, the high earning potential suggests a positive return on investment over time.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$56,543
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$61,328
Graduation Rate
79%
Receive Financial Aid
35%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $87,543 | 365% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $120,970 | 660% |
| Law | $92,991 | 413% |
| Political Science and Government | $64,391 | 160% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $58,815 | 111% |
| Public Administration | $97,983 | 457% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $75,287 | 256% |
| Economics | $103,677 | 507% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $87,484 | 364% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $86,053 | 351% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $90,564 | 391% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.