College Comparison
American University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 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
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | 1190–1340 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $18,109wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 91.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 28,763wins |
Verdict
American University and Tennessee 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
- ✓Graduation Rate: 78.5%
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,109
- ✓Retention Rate: 91.1%
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