College Comparison
Boston University vs American University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $56,543wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238wins | $77,370 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston University edges out American University on 8 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.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $26,996
American University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $56,543
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.