American National University
A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 40%; for-profit institutions have higher scrutiny — research carefully. 68% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
American National University is a private for-profit institution located in Salem, Virginia with approximately 630 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $18,036 per year. The graduation rate is 33%, and the typical graduate earns $23,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
American National University, formerly National Business College, is a private for-profit university with multiple campuses in the United States, including Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. The American National University brand is made up of two institutions. The Virginia institution is the original with history dating back to 1886, when the Kentucky institution joined in 1999. Each institution holds their own accreditation from different accrediting bodies. They both share the same mission: to provide opportunities for individuals who are seeking to achieve their career goals by offering credential and degree programs through distance education and blended learning.
The numbers tell a mixed story here — while median debt at graduation is a relatively low $7,567, a 26% graduation rate means most students who start don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth examining before enrolling. Median earnings of $23,000 a decade after enrollment are below what most families hope a degree will deliver, making it hard to justify the $20,215 annual net price. Worth considering only if you have a very specific program need that isn't met elsewhere and a clear plan to be among the minority who complete the degree.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (630 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA · Private nonprofit
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA · Public
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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