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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