College Comparison
Indiana 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
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Indiana University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 80.4% | 47.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1170–1400 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,482wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,342wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,742 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 81.2%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 90.5%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 36,571wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Indiana University and American University are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Indiana University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,482
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,342
- ✓Graduation Rate: 81.2%
- ✓Retention Rate: 90.5%
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
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.