AU vs. EC

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. EC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or EC? 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 Elmira College than AU ($23,682 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 19.1% lower than at American University ($14,550 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 50.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $19,795 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at AU than at Elmira College (about $19,795 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 26.3% larger than aid received by Elmira College students ($36,349 vs. $28,780).

AU vs. EC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 130 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Elmira College 1090/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Elmira College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; EC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 12.3% at EC.

AU vs. EC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and EC? 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 Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 72%)

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.