AU vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Drew 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 Drew University than AU ($28,425 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drew University are 1.9% lower than at American University ($17,640 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 24.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drew University (about $11,671 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.8% higher at AU than at Drew University (about $11,671 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at American University (97% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 1.3% larger than aid received by American University students ($36,807 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 150 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Drew University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Drew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Drew University has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

AU vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Drew 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 Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Drew University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew 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.