AU vs. George Washington

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); George Washington University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; George Washington University 13:1.

AU vs. George Washington Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or George Washington? 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 American University than George Washington ($39,676 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 5.9% lower than at American University ($16,920 vs. $17,982).
• George Washington University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $8,939 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at George Washington than at American University (about $8,939 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at American University (78% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by American University students ($37,500 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. George Washington Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 60 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; George Washington University 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; George Washington University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; George Washington - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; George Washington Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than George Washington (47.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 19.3% at George Washington.

AU vs. George Washington Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and George Washington? 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).

• George Washington University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $712 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More George Washington graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.