American University
Washington, District of Columbia · Private Non-Profit
Avg Earnings (5yr)
$61,328
Acceptance Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
79%
Annual Tuition
$56,543
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of American University earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry — 43% above the national median. Acceptance rate 47.4%, average SAT score 1381, in-state tuition $56,543.
At a Glance
Total Students
7,593
Retention Rate
86%
Faculty Ratio
10
Financial Aid
35%
Median Debt
$22,750
Campus Setting
City
Institution Type
Private Non-Profit
Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores
Average SAT Score
1,381
SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)
660–740
SAT Math (middle 50%)
620–720
ACT Composite (middle 50%)
29–32
Institution Overview
American University is a private, non-profit institution with 7,593 students. The university has an acceptance rate of 47.4% and a graduation rate of 79%. The retention rate is 86.2%. The in-state tuition is $56,543, and 35% of students receive financial aid.
Graduates of American University report earnings of $50,329 one year after graduation, $61,328 after five years, and $77,370 after ten years. The median debt for students is $22,750.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$50k
1 YEAR
$61k
5 YEARS
$77k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, American University alumni earn a median salary of $50,329. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $61,328, and after ten years, median earnings reach $77,370. The median debt for students is $22,750, and 35% of students receive financial aid.
American University has a student body of 7,593 students with an acceptance rate of 47.4%. The graduation rate is 79%, and the retention rate is 86.2%. The in-state tuition cost is $56,543.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.
International Relations and National Security Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Law
Political Science and Government
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Public Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Economics
Communication and Media Studies
Finance and Financial Management Services
Accounting and Related Services
Public Health
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Journalism
Educational Administration and Supervision
Psychology, General
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
History
Public Policy Analysis
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
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Campus Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, DC 20016-8001
American University is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The campus is in a city setting.