College Comparison
American University vs UC Irvine: 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 Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4% | 25.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370 | $80,735wins |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5% | 86.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 93.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Irvine 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 Irvine Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,735
Want a deeper comparison?
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