Strayer University-Global Region 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 not at all at Strayer University-Global Region, on median earnings of $77,370 vs $40,092 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Strayer University-Global Region | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,833 | $41,943 |
| Total net cost | $71,332 | $167,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,092 | $77,370 |
| Median debt | $40,621 | $22,750 |
| Payback | — | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$236,692 | $412,428 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Strayer University-Global Region or American University?
Strayer University-Global Region, at $17,833 a year after aid versus $41,943 — a gap of $24,110 a year, or $96,440 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Strayer University-Global Region or American University graduates earn more?
American University graduates report a median $77,370 ten years after entry, $37,278 more than the $40,092 at Strayer University-Global Region. 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, Strayer University-Global Region or American University?
American University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $40,621 at Strayer University-Global Region, a difference of $17,871. 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 14% at Strayer University-Global Region. 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.