AU vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University than AU ($21,875 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 21.1% lower than at American University ($14,188 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 43.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $17,923 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.9% higher at AU than at Caldwell University (about $17,923 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($36,349 vs. $32,340).

AU vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 120 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

AU vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($250 vs. $266).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 50%)

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.