College Comparison
George Washington 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
George Washington University
Washington, DC
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | George Washington | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.5%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1350–1500wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,990 | $56,543wins |
| Avg Net Price | $37,454wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,873wins | $77,370 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.2%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 12:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 10,848wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, George Washington edges out American University on 8 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.
George Washington Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1500
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $37,454
American University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $56,543
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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