College Comparison
American University vs Rutgers University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
American University
Washington, DC
School
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4%wins | 65.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | 1270–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33wins | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $36,001wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $23,519wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370wins | $74,479 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5% | 85.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 92.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 36,357wins |
Verdict
American University and Rutgers are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
American University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 47.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.0%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.6%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.