College Comparison
American University vs UC San Diego: 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 San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $46,042wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370 | $84,943wins |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5% | 87.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 93.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego 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 San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,042
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
Want a deeper comparison?
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