American University's published cost of attendance is $76,058, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $23,233; middle-income families pay around $26,035; higher-income families pay approximately $53,673.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $76,058 |
| Tuition and Fees | $58,771 |
| Room and Board | $17,982 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$34,115 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $41,943 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $23,233 |
| $30–48k | $20,444 |
| $48–75k | $26,035 |
| $75–110k | $30,063 |
| $110k+ | $53,673 |
American University's published cost of attendance is $76,058, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $23,233; middle-income families pay around $26,035; higher-income families pay approximately $53,673. Azimuth ranks American University #1359 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. American University meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students through need-based aid packages that combine grants, loans, and work-study. The aid structure prioritizes grants over loans where possible, and families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Merit aid is not part of the primary aid structure, keeping the focus on need-based support. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,750, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $39,169; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $79,081, median federal debt of $22,750 projects to a monthly payment of about $257 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of American University earn median 4-year earnings of $79,081, placing American University in the 86.2 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $1,251 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing American University in the 52.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks American University #288 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects American University's concentration in social sciences and professional fields. International Relations and National Security Studies is the largest program with 382 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $73,865, performing at 1.1x the national benchmark for the field. The Business Administration program graduates 247 students earning $88,359 four years after enrollment, while Political Science and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication round out the top programs with four-year earnings of $73,604 and $78,410 respectively. These programs anchor the institution's return profile, with International Relations and National Security Studies combining substantial enrollment scale with strong earnings outcomes to drive overall institutional performance.
