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Head-to-head comparison

American University vs University of the District of Columbia: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Washington DC · vs · Public, Washington DC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Washington, DC

American University

Net price / year
$41,943
Earnings, 10 years
$77,370
Payback
5.8 yrs

Option B Washington, DC

University of the District of Columbia

Net price / year
$10,648
Earnings, 10 years
$44,236
Payback
No payback
The verdict

American University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $167,772 in 5.8 years versus not at all at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $77,370 vs $44,236 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican UniversityUniversity of the District of Columbia
Net price / yr$41,943$10,648
Total net cost$167,772$21,296
Median earnings, 10 yrs$77,370$44,236
Median debt$22,750$24,872
Payback5.8 yrs—
20-year net return$412,428-$103,776

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, American University or University of the District of Columbia?

University of the District of Columbia, at $10,648 a year after aid versus $41,943 — a gap of $31,295 a year, or $146,476 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do American University or University of the District of Columbia graduates earn more?

American University graduates report a median $77,370 ten years after entry, $33,134 more than the $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, American University or University of the District of Columbia?

American University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $24,872 at University of the District of Columbia, a difference of $2,122. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

75% of students finish at American University, against 33% at University of the District of Columbia. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

American University vs University of the District of Columbia: frequently asked questions

Is American University or University of the District of Columbia a better value?
American University. It clears its $167,772 net cost in about 5.8 years versus no clear payback at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $77,370 vs $44,236 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, American University or University of the District of Columbia?
University of the District of Columbia: $10,648/yr net price after aid versus $41,943/yr at American University — a difference of $31,295 a year, or about $146,476 over four years.
Do American University or University of the District of Columbia graduates earn more?
American University graduates earn a median $77,370 ten years after entry, versus $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia — a $33,134 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.