College Comparison
UNC Chapel Hill 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
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UNC Chapel Hill | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 18.7%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1370–1530wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 30–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $39,330wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,983wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,200 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.1%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,556wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UNC Chapel Hill edges out American University on 8 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.
UNC Chapel Hill Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 18.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1530
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 30–34
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
American University Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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