AU vs. Allegheny College

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Allegheny College in Meadville, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Allegheny College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,171 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Allegheny College is in Meadville, PA (Distant Town setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Allegheny College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Allegheny College 8:1.

AU vs. Allegheny College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Allegheny College? 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 Allegheny College than AU ($26,420 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allegheny College are 21.6% lower than at American University ($14,100 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allegheny College (about $2,221 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $56,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at AU than at Allegheny College (about $2,221 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $56,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allegheny College than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Allegheny College students is 23.8% larger than aid received by American University students ($44,987 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Allegheny College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Allegheny College? 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 Allegheny College and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Allegheny College (1270).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Allegheny College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Allegheny College 1173/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Allegheny College 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Allegheny College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Allegheny College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Allegheny College (3.53).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Allegheny College (54.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 10.4% at Allegheny College.

AU vs. Allegheny College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Allegheny College? 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).

• Allegheny College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Allegheny College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $55,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Allegheny College graduates ($24,250 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allegheny College graduates ($250 vs. $299).
• More Allegheny College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 80%)

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.