College Comparison
Purdue 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
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 47.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Purdue 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.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Graduation Rate: 83.1%
- ✓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?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.