Location: Washington, DC•In-State Tuition: $56,543•Admission Rate: 47%•Avg SAT: 1392
Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,929
72nd percentile
Sample: 70 graduates

Earnings Distribution

How American University graduates compare to all programs nationally

American University earns $68k — 72th percentile among public policy analysis masters programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
American University$67,929$93,951+38%
Harvard University$87,444$109,723+25%
Georgetown University$83,403$99,796+20%
University of Chicago$79,721$99,750+25%
George Washington University$76,399$98,064+28%

Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia

Public Policy Analysis masters's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
American UniversityWashington$56,543$67,929$93,951——
Georgetown UniversityWashington$65,081$83,403$99,796——
George Washington UniversityWashington$64,990$76,399$98,064——
National Median—$61,558———

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public policy analysis 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

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor'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:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Legislators

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.