College Comparison
American University vs UC Davis: 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
UC Davis
Davis, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4% | 41.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $46,024wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $15,288wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370 | $80,838wins |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5% | 85.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 93.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 31,777wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Davis edges out American University on 7 of 9 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
UC Davis Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 41.6%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,024
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,288
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,838
Want a deeper comparison?
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