Degree Dividend
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Emory & Henry University vs American National University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Emory VA · vs · Private for-profit, Salem VA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Emory & Henry University comes closer — median earnings $47,385 against a $76,244 total, vs $26,370 at American National University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEmory & Henry UniversityAmerican National University
Net price / yr$19,061$18,036
Total net cost$76,244$36,072
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,385$26,370
Median debt$26,332$12,814
Payback
20-year net return-$95,744-$475,872

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

Which is cheaper, Emory & Henry University or American National University?

American National University, at $18,036 a year after aid versus $19,061 — a gap of $1,025 a year, or $40,172 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Emory & Henry University or American National University graduates earn more?

Emory & Henry University graduates report a median $47,385 ten years after entry, $21,015 more than the $26,370 at American National 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, Emory & Henry University or American National University?

American National University: its completers carry a median $12,814 in federal loans versus $26,332 at Emory & Henry University, a difference of $13,518. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Emory & Henry University, against 33% at American National 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.

Emory & Henry University vs American National University: frequently asked questions

Is Emory & Henry University or American National University a better value?
Emory & Henry University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Emory & Henry University or American National University?
American National University: $18,036/yr net price after aid versus $19,061/yr at Emory & Henry University — a difference of $1,025 a year, or about $40,172 over four years.
Do Emory & Henry University or American National University graduates earn more?
Emory & Henry University graduates earn a median $47,385 ten years after entry, versus $26,370 at American National University — a $21,015 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.