College Comparison
University of Virginia 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
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UVA | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 16.9%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1410–1530wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,014 | $56,543wins |
| Avg Net Price | $22,881wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $86,863wins | $77,370 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.3%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 17,315wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UVA 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.
UVA Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 16.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1410–1530
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $22,881
American University Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $56,543
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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