American University vs Trinity Washington University: which has better ROI?
American University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $167,772 in 5.8 years versus 6.8 years at Trinity Washington University, on median earnings of $77,370 vs $53,804 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American University | Trinity Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $41,943 | $9,302 |
| Total net cost | $167,772 | $37,208 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $77,370 | $53,804 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $28,250 |
| Payback | 5.8 yrs | 6.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $412,428 | $71,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, American University or Trinity Washington University?
Trinity Washington University, at $9,302 a year after aid versus $41,943 — a gap of $32,641 a year, or $130,564 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do American University or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?
American University graduates report a median $77,370 ten years after entry, $23,566 more than the $53,804 at Trinity Washington University. 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.
Which leaves students with less debt, American University or Trinity Washington University?
American University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $28,250 at Trinity Washington University, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at American University, against 49% at Trinity Washington University. 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.