AU vs. Canisius

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Canisius University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Canisius University 11:1.

AU vs. Canisius Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Canisius? 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 Canisius University than AU ($19,666 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 24.6% lower than at American University ($13,560 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 70.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $24,271 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.4% higher at AU than at Canisius University (about $24,271 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 45.6% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($36,349 vs. $24,972).

AU vs. Canisius Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 180 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming AU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Canisius University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Canisius University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Canisius - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have the same average high school GPA (3.7) as students at Canisius (3.7).
• Canisius has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 13.1% at Canisius.

AU vs. Canisius Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Canisius? 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 Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Canisius graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Canisius graduates ($250 vs. $255).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

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.