College Comparison
UIUC 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
UIUC
Champaign, IL
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UIUC | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.7%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1510 | 1300–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–34 | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,501wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,201wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,054wins | $77,370 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.9%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 34,623wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UIUC edges out American University on 7 of 9 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.
UIUC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.7%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,501
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,201
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,054
American University Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1450
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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