College Comparison
University of Colorado Boulder 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
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | CU Boulder | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 47.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 78.5%wins |
| Retention Rate | 89.2%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, American University edges out CU Boulder on 6 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.
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
- ✓Avg Net Price: $21,480
- ✓Retention Rate: 89.2%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,578
American University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 47.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
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