Howard University vs American 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 13.7 years at Howard University, on median earnings of $77,370 vs $63,066 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Howard University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $50,539 | $41,943 |
| Total net cost | $202,156 | $167,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,066 | $77,370 |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $22,750 |
| Payback | 13.7 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $91,964 | $412,428 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Howard University or American University?
American University, at $41,943 a year after aid versus $50,539 — a gap of $8,596 a year, or $34,384 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Howard University or American University graduates earn more?
American University graduates report a median $77,370 ten years after entry, $14,304 more than the $63,066 at Howard 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, Howard University or American University?
American University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Howard University, a difference of $1,750. 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 70% at Howard 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.