American University
Acceptance
62%
Avg SAT
1381
Tuition
$58,771
Grad Rate (4yr)
68%
Retention
88%
Earnings
$77,370
AI Overview
American University leverages its Washington, DC location to immerse students in hands-on policy work and advocacy—expect internships at NGOs, think tanks, and government agencies woven directly into coursework. The campus attracts politically engaged, socially conscious students who thrive in spirited classroom debates and activism. With an acceptance rate around 47%, it's moderately selective. The standout differentiator: unparalleled access to the nation's political epicenter, where students don't just study issues—they work alongside the people shaping them.
AI-generated interpretation, separate from the federal statistics on this page · refreshed Mar 2026
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Tuition
$58,771
Room & Board
$17,982
Average Net Price
$41,943
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants & scholarships
Receive Pell Grants
14%
Take Federal Loans
38%
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
6-Year Graduation Rate
1st Year Retention Rate
Median Earnings
10 years after enrollment
$77,370Median Debt
At graduation for completers
$22,750Top Programs by Earnings
Bachelor's degree graduatesFinance and Financial Management Services
65 graduates
$134,332
4 yrs after graduation
Accounting and Related Services
13 graduates
$119,020
4 yrs after graduation
Computer Science
29 graduates
$117,293
4 yrs after graduation
Business Administration, Management and Operations
264 graduates
$88,359
4 yrs after graduation
Economics
71 graduates
$85,016
4 yrs after graduation
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
107 graduates
$78,410
4 yrs after graduation
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
125 graduates
$76,552
4 yrs after graduation
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
11 graduates
$75,461
4 yrs after graduation
International Relations and National Security Studies
387 graduates
$73,865
4 yrs after graduation
Political Science and Government
216 graduates
$73,604
4 yrs after graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
Available Programs
83+ programsAnd 71 more programs available
Is American University right for you?
Get your personalized match report in minutes
See if American University is right for you