College Comparison
Rutgers 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 47.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Rutgers 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.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.0%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.6%
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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