How much does American University tuition cost per year?
The 2025 tuition & fees of American University is $58,771 and the 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $36,754. Its undergraduate tuition & fees is much higher than the average tuition for R2 Universities' tuition of $31,790.
Based on the last year increase rate, The 2026 estimated tuition & fees at American is $61,087 for District of Columbia residents and $61,087 for out-of-state students, a 3.9% increase compared to 2025's rate.
American 2025 Tuition & Fees
| Year | Tuition & Fees | R2 Universities' Average |
| 2023-2024 | $56,543 | $30,674 |
| 2024-2025 | $58,771 | $31,790 |
| Change % 2024-2025 | 3.94% | 3.64% |
| 2025-2026 Estimate | $61,087 | $32,947 |
How much do you actually pay at American?
The living costs at American is $19,600 when living on campus. The on-campus living costs increased by 5.20% compared to the previous year. The off-campus living costs increased by 32.05%.
The American's 2025 COA is $79,371 for on-campus living and off-campus COA is $82,373.
51% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $33,548. It could cover 57.08% of the full tuition amount.
After receiving the financial aid, the net price is $45,823.
American University 2025 Cost of Attendance (COA) | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
| Tuition & Fees | $58,771 |
| Room & Board | $17,982 | $19,336 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,618 | $3,266 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 |
| COA | $79,371 | $82,373 |
|---|
| COA with Financial Aid | $45,823 | $48,825 |
American 4-Years Tuition
How Much is American tuition for 4 years?
American's 4-years tuition is $240,707, based on current tuition and change rate.
Since the tuition & fees at American University have risen very slightly (very lower than national average) over the last 4 years, the actual costs may differ from the estimation based on the school or University system's new tuition policy.
American 4 Years Tuition & Fees Estimates
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $59,328 | $59,890 | $60,458 | $61,031 | $240,707 |
|---|
| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $59,890 | $60,458 | $61,031 | $61,609 | $242,988 |
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| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $60,458 | $61,031 | $61,609 | $62,193 | $245,291 |
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| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $61,031 | $61,609 | $62,193 | $62,783 | $247,616 |
|---|
| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $61,609 | $62,193 | $62,783 | $63,378 | $249,963 |
|---|
Net Price for 4 Years at American
Based on recent tuition increase rate, for the students who were admitted in Fall 2025, the estimated 4-years COA is $325,557.
American 4 Years COA
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $80,170 | $80,977 | $81,793 | $82,617 | $325,557 |
|---|
| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $80,977 | $81,793 | $82,617 | $83,450 | $328,837 |
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| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $81,793 | $82,617 | $83,450 | $84,291 | $332,150 |
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| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $82,617 | $83,450 | $84,291 | $85,141 | $335,498 |
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| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $83,450 | $84,291 | $85,141 | $85,999 | $338,880 |
|---|
Actual COA after Receiving Financial Aid
After receiving the financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $191,365.
American 4 Years COA after Receiving Financial Aid
| Admission Year | Freshmen | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | 4 Years Total |
| Class of 2029 | Fall 2025 | $46,622 | $47,429 | $48,245 | $49,069 | $191,365 |
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| Class of 2030 | Fall 2026 | $47,429 | $48,245 | $49,069 | $49,902 | $194,645 |
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| Class of 2031 | Fall 2027 | $48,245 | $49,069 | $49,902 | $50,743 | $197,958 |
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| Class of 2032 | Fall 2028 | $49,069 | $49,902 | $50,743 | $51,593 | $201,306 |
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| Class of 2033 | Fall 2029 | $49,902 | $50,743 | $51,593 | $52,451 | $204,688 |
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American's Graduate Tuition
The graduate school tuition at American University is $36,754. Detailed graduate program tuition and majors can be found at American graduate program page.
American University has a law school and its tuition is different from other graduate programs, usually higher. The law school tuition is $71,852. See the detailed law school tuition at Washington College of Law page.
American Graduate Tuition & Fees
| Year | Gradaute Tuition & Fees |
| 2023-2024 | $33,239 |
| 2024-2025 | $36,754 |
| Change % 2024-2025 | 10.57% |
| 2025-2026 | $40,641 |
Tuition Per Credit Hour
For part-time and/or full-time students who take additional credits at American is $1,930. The graduate tuition per credit hour is $2,095.
Per Credit Hour Charge at American
| Year | Tuition Per Credit Hour |
| Undergraduate | 2023-2024 | $1,856 |
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| 2024-2025 | $1,930 |
|---|
| 2025-2026 (Estimate) | $2,007 |
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| Graduate | 2023-2024 | $2,077 |
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| 2024-2025 | $2,095 |
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| 2025-2026 (Estimate) | $2,113 |
American Tuition Charts
The following charts visualize tuition, fees, living costs, and other expenses at American. You can enlarge the chart to view detailed information.
Compare Tuition with Similar Colleges
The following table compares tuition & fees between American University and its similar schools.
American Tuition Frequently Asked Questions
For the academic year 2024-2025, the undergraduate tuition & fees at American are $58,771 for all students.
The total cost of attendance (COA) at American for the academic year 2024-2025 includes tuition & fees, books & supplies, and living expenses. For in-state students, the estimated COA is $79,371 per year. Actual costs may vary depending on housing choices and personal expenses.
The 2025 undergraduate tuition has been risen by 3.94% compared to the previous year. The graduate tuition has been risen by 10.57% compared to the previous year.
51% of American undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $33,548 per student. Additional financial aid options are available through American's financial aid office.
The projected 4-year cost for a degree is approximately $325,557. The tuition and fees are around $61,031 per year, totaling about $240,707 over four years.
American charges $1,930 per credit hour for all undergraduates. Graduate students pay $2,095 per credit hour.
The undergraduate tuition at American is a little bit higher than the average for similar schools ($50,844 - private (not-for-profit) Research University (high research activity)).The graduate tuition at American is a little bit higher than the average for similar schools ($30,754 - private (not-for-profit) Research University (high research activity)).