Students at American University achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The university's Washington DC location and alumni network create unique career advantages that translate into meaningful earning power across multiple fields.
American University ranks among the top private institutions nationally for long-term earnings outcomes, placing in the 91st percentile for graduate earnings ten years after enrollment. Located in Washington DC, AU combines strong academic programs with unparalleled access to government, policy, and international career opportunities. The university serves a selective student body, with only 12.7% of students receiving Pell Grants and 15.6% being first-generation college students, reflecting its position as a destination for academically prepared students from higher-income families.
What distinguishes American University is its ability to deliver exceptional career outcomes despite serving a relatively privileged student population. Graduates earn a median of $77,370 ten years after enrollment, significantly outperforming national averages and reflecting the university's strength in high-return fields like international relations, business administration, and computer science. The institution's location in the nation's capital creates unique internship and networking opportunities that translate into strong early-career placement and long-term earning potential.
As a medium-sized private research university, AU offers the personalized attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and connections of a major university. For families who can manage higher upfront costs, American University represents a clear investment in career advancement and professional networking, particularly for students interested in public service, international affairs, or business careers that benefit from Washington DC's unique professional ecosystem.
American University's program portfolio reflects its Washington DC location and mission, with particular strength in fields that benefit from proximity to government, international organizations, and policy institutions. International Relations and Affairs dominates the university's offerings, graduating 434 students annually and generating the highest aggregate economic return despite moderate individual earnings of $42,469. This program's scale and AU's reputation in international affairs create substantial career networking and placement advantages.
Business Administration and Management represents AU's second-largest program with 205 graduates earning around $48,725, benefiting from Washington's robust consulting, government contracting, and nonprofit sectors. Computer Science, though much smaller with only 21 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $73,635, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the DC market. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Psychology show the benefits of AU's location and network, with graduates positioned for careers in government research, policy analysis, and consulting.
The university's program mix emphasizes fields where Washington DC provides unique advantages—international affairs, public policy, business, and communications. This strategic focus, combined with AU's alumni network throughout government and international organizations, creates career pathways that justify the university's premium pricing for families who can afford the investment.
American University delivers exceptionally strong long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. Ten years after enrollment, AU alumni earn a median of $77,370, placing the university in the 91st percentile nationally for graduate earnings. This performance reflects both the university's academic quality and its strategic location in Washington DC, where graduates gain access to high-paying careers in government, consulting, international organizations, and the private sector.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. International Relations and Affairs stands out as AU's highest aggregate return major, graduating 434 students annually with median earnings of $42,469 ten years out, creating substantial economic impact through sheer scale. Business Administration and Management represents the largest single program with 205 graduates earning around $48,725, while Computer Science, though smaller with just 21 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $73,635. Even programs like Psychology, which typically show more modest earnings nationally, benefit from AU's location and network effects.
AU's Washington DC location provides graduates with cost-of-living considerations, as the region has higher living expenses than many parts of the country. However, the strong earnings outcomes and career advancement opportunities available in the capital region typically offset these higher costs, particularly for graduates entering government, policy, consulting, or international business roles where AU's alumni network and institutional reputation provide meaningful career advantages.
American University presents significant affordability challenges, particularly for middle- and high-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $21,176 annually after aid, which is relatively manageable given the strong outcomes, but middle-income families face net prices around $23,477, and high-income families pay about $53,257 per year. These costs place AU among the more expensive private universities nationally, with affordability ranking in just the 3.5th percentile.
The university's aid structure reflects its selective nature and the financial capacity of its typical student body. With only 12.7% of students receiving Pell Grants, AU primarily serves families with substantial financial resources who can manage higher educational costs. The aid that is available tends to be concentrated among the lowest-income students who qualify for the most generous federal and institutional support.
Despite the high sticker price, many families view AU as a worthwhile investment given the strong career outcomes and unique opportunities available in Washington DC. The university's location provides access to internships, networking, and career opportunities that can justify the higher upfront costs for families who can afford them. However, the affordability profile makes AU primarily accessible to students from higher-income backgrounds who can manage substantial educational expenses.
American University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
