College Comparison
American University vs University of Maryland: 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 Maryland
College Park, MD
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | American University | University of Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 47.4% | 44.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1300–1450 | 1370–1520wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–33 | 32–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $56,543 | $40,306wins |
| Avg Net Price | $41,945 | $15,590wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,370 | $82,860wins |
| Graduation Rate | 78.5% | 88.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 86.2% | 95.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,593 | 30,246wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, University of Maryland edges out American University on 9 of 10 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
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
University of Maryland Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 44.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,306
Want a deeper comparison?
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