College Comparison
Penn State 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2% | 47.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Penn State 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.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,598
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
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?
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