Location: Washington, DC•In-State Tuition: $56,543•Admission Rate: 47%•Avg SAT: 1392
Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,872
64th percentile
40th percentile in District of Columbia
Sample: 410 graduates

Earnings Distribution

How American University graduates compare to all programs nationally

American University earns $70k — 64th percentile among international relations and national security studies masters programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
American University$69,872$87,543+25%
Georgetown University$88,199$108,290+23%
Johns Hopkins University$76,550$98,597+29%
George Washington University$70,707$91,907+30%
Institute of World Politics$77,008$91,635+19%

Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia

International Relations and National Security Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
American UniversityWashington$56,543$69,872$87,543——
Georgetown UniversityWashington$65,081$88,199$108,290——
Institute of World PoliticsWashington—$77,008$91,635——
George Washington UniversityWashington$64,990$70,707$91,907——
National Median—$66,510———

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international relations and national security studies graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.