College Comparison
American University vs University of Denver: 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
University of Denver
Denver, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4%wins | 71.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | 1240–1410 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33 | 29–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543wins | $59,340 |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $36,037wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370wins | $71,155 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5%wins | 78.0% |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 87.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593wins | 6,059 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, American University edges out University of Denver on 6 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
American University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 47.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $56,543
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
University of Denver Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $36,037
- ✓Retention Rate: 87.7%
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