Head-to-head · 2026
American University vs Strayer University-Global Region
Compare average net price ($41,943 at American University; $17,833 at Strayer University-Global Region), ROI score (4.61 vs 5.62), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($77,370 vs $40,092), and admissions context (62% at American University; Open / not reported at Strayer University-Global Region) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | American University | Strayer University-Global Region |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 4.61 | 5.62 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $41,943 | $17,833 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $167,772 | $71,332 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $58,771 | $13,920 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,771 | $13,920 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $77,370 ✓ | $40,092 |
| Acceptance rate | 62% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 75.5% ✓ | 14.3% |
| Retention rate | 88.2% ✓ | 60% |
| Median debt | $22,750 ✓ | $40,621 |
| Enrollment | 7,266 | 9,376 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private For-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1381 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | American University | Strayer University-Global Region |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $23,233 | $17,833 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $20,444 | — |
| Family income $48–75k | $26,035 | — |
| Family income $75–110k | $30,063 | — |
| Family income $110k+ | $53,673 | — |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | American University | Strayer University-Global Region |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.5% | 42.4% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% | 1% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.3% | 3.1% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 2.9% | 1.2% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2.3% | 1.6% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 0.8% | 2.4% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 0% | 3.2% |
| Information Science/Studies | 1.1% | 1.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Strayer University-Global Region reports the lower average net price by $24,110 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $96,440 difference over four years ($71,332 vs $167,772).
American University reports $37,278 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($77,370 vs $40,092). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 88.2% at American University and 60% at Strayer University-Global Region. Median federal debt among completers is $22,750 vs $40,621, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
American University vs Strayer University-Global Region, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Strayer University-Global Region is cheaper — average net price $17,833 per year vs $41,943 at American University. The annual difference of $24,110 adds up to about $96,440 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
American University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $77,370 vs $40,092 at Strayer University-Global Region. The gap in the federal data is $37,278. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.