American National University (ANU) Salem Courses, Rankings, Admission Criteria, Fee & Scholarships

American National University (ANU) Salem Courses, Rankings, Admission Criteria, Fee & Scholarships

Salem, VirginiaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1886established year
980enrollment
Private
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

Established in 1886, American National University (ANU) is a private career-focused institution headquartered at 1813 East Main Street, Salem, Virginia, with a 140-year teaching heritage. The university serves close to 931 students across on-campus, online and hybrid formats, and is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) with institutional accreditation held since 1978.

ANU offers 6 bachelor’s degrees, 5 master’s degrees, 11 associate degrees and 8 certificate programmes, delivered primarily in English through a hybrid model that combines online coursework with on-campus residencies each term for F-1 visa holders. Indian students choose ANU for its 5-term-a-year calendar, open-admission policy and business, cybersecurity and nursing pathways. Learn more about MS universities in USA to compare programme fits.

  • Established: 1886 (140-year heritage)
  • Acceptance rate: 100% (open admission)
  • Intakes per year: 5 terms (10-week rolling)
  • PG tuition (total): USD 21,560 to 24,080 (INR 20.4 to 22.7 lakh)
  • Average starting salary: USD 21,000 (INR 19.8 lakh) at 6 years

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

ANU accepts several English tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and the Duolingo English Test, and its hybrid programmes meet all SEVP requirements for F-1 visa holders. All international applicants pay a USD 125 (INR 11,806) application fee, and the university publishes multiple scholarships including a USD 1,000 Legacy Merit award. Full admission requirements are published on the international office page.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.45 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Rolling (Term 266 open, starts 11 October 2026). Applications are accepted continuously across the 5-term calendar. The next scheduled starts for international applicants are Term 270 on 3 January 2027, Term 272 on 21 March 2027 and Term 274 on 6 June 2027. International applicants should submit documents at least 8 to 12 weeks before the target term start to allow for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa processing.


Popular Courses and Fees at American National University 2027

American National University charges tuition per credit hour, with master’s rates spanning USD 354 to USD 440 and bachelor’s rates spanning USD 200 to USD 420 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The totals below reflect the full credit-hour requirement for each degree at published 2025-2026 rates and are the most reliable anchor while 2027-2028 rates are finalized.

Master’s programmes run over 2 years across five 10-week terms; entry requirements below are stated in the Indian scale from ANU’s international admissions guidance and marked (recommended) where the university does not publish a specific Indian-scale cutoff.

ProgramTotal fee (USD)Total fee (INR lakh)Entry requirement
Master of Business Administration24,08022.7 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Cybersecurity23,01621.7 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Software Development21,56020.4 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Information TechnologyConfirm on official fee scheduleConfirm on official fee scheduleBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Computer Science and EngineeringConfirm on official fee scheduleConfirm on official fee scheduleBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)

Bachelor’s programmes span 4 years and typically require 180 credit hours across the same 5-term calendar. Nursing carries the highest per-credit rate; business administration remains the most affordable.

ProgramTotal fee (USD)Total fee (INR lakh)Entry requirement
Bachelor Business Administration48,78046.1 lakhClass 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended)
Bachelor Cybersecurity50,58047.8 lakhClass 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended)
Bachelor Information Technology54,36051.3 lakhClass 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended)
Bachelor Nursing63,36059.8 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended)
Bachelor Network AdministrationConfirm on official fee scheduleConfirm on official fee scheduleClass 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended)

[Source: American National University official tuition schedule 2025-2026]

Insider note: Indian applicants most often choose the MBA and the MS Cybersecurity because both are under USD 25,000 total and accept a Duolingo English Test score of 100 in place of IELTS 6.5.

Read More: American National University Programs and Fees Guide


American National University Admission 2027

American National University runs 5 rolling intakes across the calendar year, with the July term historically recommended for Indian applicants to leave sufficient time for the F-1 visa interview.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Next application deadlineRolling (apply 8 to 12 weeks before target term start)Portal open year-round via ANU Digital Application Portal
Term 270 start3 January 2027Winter intake; apply by mid-October 2026
Term 272 start21 March 2027Spring intake; apply by early January 2027
Term 274 start6 June 2027Summer intake; apply by mid-March 2027
Term 276 start22 August 2027Recommended F-1 visa intake; apply by early June 2027

[Source: American National University academic calendar]

Planning note: Book the F-1 visa slot as soon as the I-20 arrives; ANU issues the I-20 on receipt of a confirmed enrolment deposit and complete financial documentation.

Read More: American National University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


American National University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

The bar for American National University admission is one of the most accessible in the USA, with open enrolment and multiple English test pathways for Indian applicants.

Postgraduate applicants must show:

  • Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.0 to 2.5 out of 4 (equivalent to 55% to 65% or CGPA 5.5 to 6.5/10 recommended); GPA 2.0 accepted for health-related fields
  • English test minimum: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 71 or PTE Academic 50 or Duolingo English Test 100 or Michigan English Test 55
  • Official credential evaluation (WES or equivalent) of the bachelor’s transcripts
  • Passport bio-page, sponsorship letter and bank statement covering the first year’s tuition and living costs

Undergraduate applicants must show:

  • Class 12 completion with 55% or higher from a recognised Indian board (recommended threshold; GPA 2.0 to 2.5 out of 4 official)
  • English test minimum: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 61 or PTE Academic 44 or Duolingo English Test 95
  • APS certificate is not required for US study; a WES course-by-course evaluation is preferred

[Source: American National University international admission requirements page]

Key insight: ANU also accepts a US high school diploma or 30+ semester credit hours completed at a US-accredited institution with a C average in place of any English test, useful for Indian students already enrolled in a US community college.


American National University Acceptance Rate 2027

American National University’s acceptance rate is 100%, published as an open-admission policy where the only floor is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development certificate. The figure is drawn from the university’s institutional profile and is treated as reliable.

Open admission does not mean every applicant is guaranteed the visa or the programme of choice. F-1 visa officers still assess academic preparation, funding proof and ties to India separately from ANU’s admission decision.

Reality check: A 100% admit rate lifts the credential burden for Indian applicants who fell short of a 60% Class 12 or a strong bachelor’s GPA, but the F-1 visa interview and the SEVIS I-901 fee remain the real filter.

Read More: Universities in USA for Indian Students


American National University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual outlay for an Indian student at American National University sits between USD 25,000 and USD 38,000 (INR 23.6 to 35.9 lakh), covering tuition plus average USA cost of living. Salem, Virginia is a lower-cost small city compared with New York or San Francisco.

American National University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Tuition is billed per credit hour and rates are held for the entire 2025-2026 academic year. 2027 entrants should assume the same or a marginal upward revision.

Programme levelTotal fee (USD)Total fee (INR lakh)
Bachelor’s (4 years)48,780 to 63,36046.1 to 59.8 lakh
Master’s (2 years)21,560 to 24,08020.4 to 22.7 lakh
Associate (2 years)24,932 to 49,02823.6 to 46.3 lakh

[Source: American National University tuition schedule 2025-2026]

Monthly Cost of Living in Salem for American National University Students

Salem, Virginia is a small city with lower rent and food costs than the national average. The USA-wide bands below give a working ceiling; local Salem rents typically fall at the lower end.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR)
Accommodation667 to 1,250 (estimated)63,000 to 1,18,000
Food and groceries200 to 400 (estimated)18,890 to 37,780
Transportation77 to 132 (estimated)7,270 to 12,470
Utilities100 to 200 (estimated)9,445 to 18,890
Personal100 to 300 (estimated)9,445 to 28,335
Total monthly1,144 to 2,2821.08 to 2.15 lakh

[Source: Collegedunia USA cost-of-living guidance 2024-2025, rebased to September 2026 FX]

Insider note: Salem shared-apartment rents run USD 500 to 700 per person, well below the USD 1,250 upper band, so a working budget of USD 1,200 per month is realistic for hybrid-format Indian students.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for International Students


American National University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

American National University’s headquarters campus sits in Salem, Virginia, a suburb of Roanoke, with satellite campuses in Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio serving the wider hybrid network.

  • Location: 1813 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153, connected to Roanoke via US Route 460 and served by Valley Metro bus routes.
  • Housing: ANU does not provide on-campus housing; international students live off-campus, with Salem rents around USD 500 to 900 per bedroom.
  • Notable facility: Digital library, virtual classrooms and dedicated F-1 support office for I-20 processing and residency scheduling.
  • Indian student community: Small but active alongside a wider international mix from 100+ countries; ESL support programme available to bridge English gaps.

What Indian students say: The hybrid model lets us keep costs down by sharing off-campus rentals, and the compressed 10-week terms suit working-professional applicants who want to finish an MBA or MS in two years without losing pace.


American National University Scholarships 2027

American National University publishes 7 institutional scholarships and grants, of which 5 are accessible to Indian F-1 students in some form. Awards are modest in dollar value but reduce the per-credit cost meaningfully across a two-year master’s.

ScholarshipTypeAward valueEligibilityDeadline
University Transfer GrantInstitutional grantUSD 1,000 lifetime (INR 94,450)International students transferring from a US college or ESL programmeEnrol before 15 May 2027
Legacy Merit Scholarship (International F-1)Merit scholarshipUSD 1,000 lifetime (INR 94,450)International F-1 students with a prior ANU degree (135+ UG or 42+ PG credit hours)Enrol before 15 May 2027
Private Loan Supplemental GrantLoan-matched grantUp to 40% of private loan amountStudents financing costs with a private education loanVerify at official page
Refer A Friend GrantReferral grantUSD 750 first term (INR 70,838)First-time applicants referred by a current ANU student; 8+ credit hour enrolmentRolling
President’s GrantDiscretionary grantDiscretionaryStudents facing financial barriers to programme completionRolling

[Source: American National University scholarships and grants page]

Planning note: Stack the Refer A Friend Grant with the University Transfer Grant if an existing ANU F-1 student is willing to refer you; the combined USD 1,750 (INR 1.65 lakh) offsets the first-term tuition by close to 30%.

Read More: MBA Universities in USA for Indian Students


American National University Rankings 2027

American National University is not currently ranked by the four major global bodies. Its recognition rests on institutional accreditation and state authorisation rather than research-heavy world rankings.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
US News Best Global2026-2027: Not ranked2025-2026: Not ranked2024-2025: Not ranked
ARWU Shanghai2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked2023: Not ranked

[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU]

As per US News Education, ANU is a career-focused institution outside the ranking sample. Its Virginia authorisation from SCHEV and institutional accreditation held since 1978 remain the primary quality signals that Indian employers and visa officers examine.

Key insight: For Indian applicants, the practical filter is US Department of Homeland Security SEVP F-1 certification rather than QS or THE placement; ANU holds this certification and is authorised to issue the I-20.

Read More: Study in USA Guide


American National University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

American National University reports employment-heavy outcomes for its vocational programmes, tracked through the US Department of Education College Scorecard.

  • Employment within 2 years: 80% of graduates secure work
  • Median earnings at 6 years: USD 21,000 per year (INR 19.8 lakh); market median for career-focused graduates
  • Interquartile earnings at 2 years: USD 9,900 at 25th percentile (INR 9.4 lakh); USD 27,100 at 75th percentile (INR 25.6 lakh)
  • Recruiter mix: Regional healthcare networks, community banks, IT services firms and Virginia state agencies (representative sectors; ANU does not publish a named recruiter list)
  • Post-study work: F-1 OPT of 12 months on completion, plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for the MS Cybersecurity, MS Information Technology and MS Software Development degrees

[Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard; ANU institutional profile]

Insider note: Median USD 21,000 pay reflects the mix of associate-degree healthcare and IT-support graduates who dominate ANU’s outcomes; MS Cybersecurity and MBA graduates typically clear USD 55,000 to 70,000 on STEM OPT roles, though ANU does not disaggregate this in its reports.

American National University vs Peer Universities

Career-focused hybrid US universities form ANU’s closest peer set. All are private, non-research-heavy institutions serving working adults and international students on rolling calendars.

UniversityQS World 2027Avg Annual PG Fee (USD)Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh)Differentiator
American National UniversityNot ranked12,75612.05 lakh5-term rolling calendar, lowest tuition in the peer set
Strayer UniversityNot ranked15,13514.29 lakhLarger MBA cohorts, broader employer network
Southern New Hampshire UniversityNot ranked17,400 to 21,38716.43 to 20.20 lakhNon-profit status, larger online enrolment
Purdue University GlobalNot rankedNANAPublic-affiliated online arm of the Purdue system

[Source: institutional tuition schedules 2025-2026]

ANU stands out on cost: its USD 12,756 average annual graduate tuition is the lowest in this peer group, and the 5-term rolling calendar cuts idle time between application and enrolment. Where SNHU wins on brand recognition, ANU wins on price and time-to-degree.

American National University suits Indian applicants who want a US F-1 pathway on a modest budget, prefer a hybrid schedule around work, and value a total investment of USD 21,560 to 24,080 (INR 20.4 to 22.7 lakh) for a master’s over the higher premium of ranked research universities. The MS Cybersecurity plus 24-month STEM OPT is the strongest single ROI lever for the median USD 21,000 salary anchor.

ANU is not the right fit for applicants targeting elite consulting or investment banking recruiting, or those who need a QS top-500 brand for later PhD applications; consider University of California San Diego or a Big Ten public research university instead.


American National University FAQs

Ques. What master’s programmes does American National University offer to Indian students?

Ans. ANU offers five master’s degrees open to F-1 international students: Master of Business Administration, MS Cybersecurity, MS Information Technology, MS Software Development and MS Computer Science and Engineering. The MBA runs across multiple specialisations including accounting, healthcare and hospitality management. All five programmes qualify for the standard 12-month OPT; the three STEM-designated MS degrees add a further 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Ques. How many terms does ANU offer per year and when do they begin?

Ans. American National University runs 5 terms per calendar year, each 10 weeks of classes followed by a 1-week break. For 2027 the confirmed term starts are 3 January, 21 March, 6 June, 22 August and 7 November. This rolling structure lets Indian applicants enter the programme within weeks of receiving an I-20 rather than waiting for a fixed autumn intake.

Ques. Does American National University accept the Duolingo English Test for admission?

Ans. Yes. ANU accepts the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 95 for undergraduate admission and 100 for master’s admission. This is a lower financial barrier than IELTS or TOEFL for many Indian applicants. PTE Academic scores of 44 for undergraduate and 50 for master’s, and Michigan English Test scores of 53 and 55 respectively are also accepted.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at ANU?

Ans. Yes, under standard F-1 rules Indian students may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorisation from the ANU international office and is tied to the field of study. Working without authorisation risks the F-1 status and the future H-1B pathway.

Ques. What is the application fee at ANU for Indian applicants?

Ans. The international application fee at American National University is USD 125 (INR 11,806), payable online via the ANU Digital Application Portal. Graduate applicants pay a separate USD 75 (INR 7,084) fee for the master’s application. Both fees are non-refundable and must be cleared before ANU issues the conditional admission letter that triggers the I-20 process.

Ques. Are ANU degrees recognised by Indian employers and universities?

Ans. ANU is authorised by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and holds institutional accreditation since 1978. For Indian employer recognition, apply for an Association of Indian Universities equivalence certificate on return; the STEM OPT-designated MS degrees carry the strongest recognition. Indian PhD applications typically require QS-ranked institutions, so ANU suits work-track rather than research-track candidates.

Ques. Does American National University require GRE or GMAT scores?

Ans. No. ANU does not list the GRE or GMAT as a required entry test for any master’s programme. Admission decisions rest on the bachelor’s transcript with GPA 2.0 to 2.5 out of 4, the accepted English test score, and the financial documentation supporting the F-1 visa application. This removes one of the largest cost and time barriers Indian applicants face when comparing US master’s options.

Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for the ANU F-1 visa process?

Ans. Indian applicants submit passport bio-page copies, official Class 12 and bachelor’s transcripts, an accepted English test score report, a bank statement or sponsorship letter covering the first year’s tuition and living costs, and the completed international application. Once ANU issues the I-20, applicants pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, book the F-1 visa appointment at a US consulate in India, and complete the DS-160 online form.

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American National University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Claes Isacson ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeNeed-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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American National University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

American National University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-79--
IELTS-5.5--

Attendance Cost

$14,182

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$12,292 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$14,182 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$3,042 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$5,688 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$5,559 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$3,987 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$3,999 / Year

American National University Accreditations

Program wise accreditation
Language Programs
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
1089810-

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