American University
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
133%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
American University's in-state tuition is $56,543. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $50,329. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $61,328, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $77,370. The median debt for graduates is $22,750, and 35% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio. However, the one-year earnings are less than the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are greater than the tuition cost. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a break-even timeline.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $226,172 | $60,883 | 129% |
| Law. | $226,172 | $92,991 | 413% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $226,172 | $87,543 | 365% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $226,172 | $120,970 | 660% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $226,172 | $78,264 | 283% |
| Political Science and Government. | $226,172 | $62,267 | 141% |
| Public Administration. | $226,172 | $97,983 | 457% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $226,172 | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $226,172 | $58,815 | 111% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $226,172 | $75,287 | 256% |
| Economics. | $226,172 | $69,607 | 206% |
| Public Health. | $226,172 | $56,709 | 92% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.