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American University

Private nonprofit Washington, DC · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
77%
Graduation Rate
$77,370
Earnings (10yr)
$41,943
Net Price
62%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Seventy-seven percent of students graduate from American University, a solid figure that speaks to student support and engagement. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the school attracts a diverse range of applicants. Enrollment sits at 7,266, creating a vibrant campus atmosphere in Washington, DC.

Graduates from American University earn an average of $77,370 within ten years of completing their degree. While mobility data is not available, the earnings potential suggests that students can expect a strong return on their investment. The school’s focus on fields like social sciences, business, and communications positions graduates well for careers in high-demand areas.

The net price for attending American University is $41,943, with a median debt of $22,750. This financial landscape means students need to plan carefully. Those who thrive here are often driven individuals interested in public service, communications, and creative fields. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 14% indicates a student body that may be less reliant on federal aid, which can reflect broader socioeconomic factors among enrollees.

Rankings

How American Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation77%Earnings 10yr$77KNet Price$42KRetention88%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate14%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$23K$0-30K$20K$30-48K$26K$48-75K$54K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%353.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3637.7%MOBILITY128.44%

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,771
In-State Tuition
$58,771
Out-of-State
$41,943
Avg Net Price
$22,750
Median Debt
14%
Pell Grant Rate
38%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$23,233
Family Income $0–$30K
$20,444
Family Income $30K–$48K
$26,035
Family Income $48K–$75K
$53,673
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$61,328
6 Years After Entry
$70,443
8 Years
$77,370
10 Years
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
79%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$61,328 6yr $70,443 8yr $77,370 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

128.44%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3637.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
353.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$135,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.87
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
17.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.281%
Inventor Rate
18
Total Patents
33
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 62%
Retention Rate 88%
SAT Average 1381
ACT Midpoint 31
SAT Range 1280–1460
ACT Range 29–32
Full-Time Faculty 59%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,722
Diversity Index 0.65
First-Gen Students 16%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 36%
Business & Marketing 13%
Communications 7%
Criminal Justice 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Psychology 4%
Health Professions 3%
Biology & Biomedical 3%