American National University
- Graduation Rate
- 31% F
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $26,370 F
- Below average for college graduates
- Net Price
- $18,036 C
- Close to the national average
- Enrollment
- 630
Bottom line: A D+ overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 8.2× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $8.2 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $8.2 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $519,552.
What The Data Says
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A D+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Graduate earnings fall 35% below the national college median.
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Graduation of 31% — 47% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $8.2 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About American National University
American National University is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private for-profit College
- Carnegie Class
- Baccalaureate College
- Enrollment
- 630
- Setting
- Suburban
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Legal Studies, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT
Why students choose American National University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
This school does not report a competitive admit rate — most qualified applicants are admitted.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $18,036 a year after grants and scholarships — 5% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $26,370 ten years after enrolling — 35% below the typical college, against $12,814 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.0% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 79% nationally for mobility.
See mobility →Overview
At American National University in Salem, Virginia, students can find a supportive environment tailored for those pursuing practical careers. With around 630 enrollees, this school is particularly suited for individuals interested in Health Professions, Legal Studies, Business & Marketing, and Computer Science & IT. The focused approach on these fields means students can dive deep into their chosen area, preparing them for specific roles in the workforce.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell an important story. Graduates earn a median salary of $26,370 after ten years, which can be a solid stepping stone for many. The affordability factor is also key here, as 68% of students receive Pell Grants, making it easier for those from lower-income backgrounds to access education and improve their long-term earning potential. While the graduation rate stands at 31%, which indicates that it can be a challenging journey, those who do graduate often find themselves in a better position economically.
The financial aspect is crucial for any student considering their options. After financial aid, the net price to attend American National University is $18,036, with a median debt of $12,814, which is manageable for many graduates. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are focused on career-specific training and who appreciate a more personalized learning environment. This school could be a good fit for those ready to commit to their professional goals and navigate the challenges of higher education with determination.
Can I Get In?
How selective American National University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into American National University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Salem, Virginia, American National University enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 31%.
- Retention Rate
- 83%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $4,119
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.68
- First-Gen Students
- 59%
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend American National University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at American National University is $10,961, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $18,036. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,281 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $12,814 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $10,961
- Out-of-State
- $10,961
- Avg Net Price
- $18,036
- Median Debt
- $12,814
- Pell Grant Rate
- 68%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 72%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $17,281
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $15,465
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $20,692
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at American National University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is American National University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of American National University report median earnings of $26,370, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $23,830
- 8 Years
- $25,768
- 10 Years
- $26,370
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.49x
- Earning > $25K
- 30%
Earnings Trajectory
How American Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is American National University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, American National University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $18,036/year ($72,144 total). Graduates earn $26,370 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $591,696 in total earnings — a net gain of $519,552 (8.2× your investment). The median debt is $12,814, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 31% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $72,144
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $591,696
- Net Return
- $519,552
- ROI Multiple
- 8.2×
- Cost Per Year
- $18,036
- Median Debt
- $12,814
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does American National University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
American National University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 0.97%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 29.3% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 3.3% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $38,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 0.97%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 3.3%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 29.3%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $52,036
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Top Programs
The fields American National University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Health Professions 48% $36,820 early-career
- Legal Studies 31%
- Business & Marketing 16% $41,235 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 4% $29,384 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for American National University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- B-Software Developer$132,270 · 25% growthVulnerable 40
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into American National University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Salem, Virginia, American National University enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 31%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend American National University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at American National University is $10,961, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $18,036. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,281 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $12,814 in federal student loans.
Is American National University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of American National University report median earnings of $26,370, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
Does American National University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
American National University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 0.97%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 29.3% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 3.3% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $38,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
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