AU vs. Adelphi University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Adelphi University in Garden City, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Adelphi University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 7,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Adelphi University is in Garden City, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Adelphi University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Adelphi University 12:1.

AU vs. Adelphi University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Adelphi University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adelphi University than AU ($31,303 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 10.2% lower than at Adelphi University ($17,982 vs. $20,028).
• American University is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adelphi University (about $9,661 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at AU than at Adelphi University (about $9,661 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adelphi University than at American University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 13.7% larger than aid received by Adelphi University students ($36,349 vs. $31,976).

AU vs. Adelphi University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Adelphi University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Adelphi University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 140 points higher than at Adelphi University (1230).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Adelphi University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Adelphi University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Adelphi University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Adelphi University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Adelphi University (3.69).
• Adelphi University has a higher acceptance rate (65.9%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 10.3% at Adelphi University.

AU vs. Adelphi University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Adelphi University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Adelphi University's (66%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Adelphi University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Adelphi University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adelphi University graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adelphi University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.