Political Science and Government at American University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How American University graduates compare to all programs nationally
American University graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all political science and government masters programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Political Science and Government masters's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University | $60,976 | — | — | — |
| Georgetown University | $73,347 | — | — | — |
| George Washington University | $72,470 | $89,553 | — | — |
| National Median | $60,055 | — | — | — |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in District of Columbia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across District of Columbia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University Washington | $65,081 | $73,347 | — |
| George Washington University Washington | $64,990 | $72,470 | — |
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.