College Comparison
University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Notre Dame | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12.4%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1540wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,693 | $56,543wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,823wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $99,980wins | $77,370 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 98.2%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,923wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Notre Dame edges out American University on 9 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.
Notre Dame Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $27,823
American University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $56,543
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