College Comparison
Florida State 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
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Florida State | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25.4%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1240–1390 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–31 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $18,786wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,997wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $61,675 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 95.6%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,812wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Florida State edges out American University 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.
Florida State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.4%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,997
- ✓Graduation Rate: 83.0%
American University Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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