AU vs. Goucher College

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Goucher College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,459 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Goucher College is in Baltimore, MD (Small City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Goucher College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Goucher College 9:1.

AU vs. Goucher College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Goucher College? 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 Goucher College than AU ($26,913 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Goucher College are 4.4% lower than at American University ($17,190 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Goucher College (about $5,421 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at AU than at Goucher College (about $5,421 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Goucher College than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Goucher College students is 20.5% larger than aid received by American University students ($43,791 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Goucher College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 160 points higher than at Goucher College (1210).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Goucher College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Goucher College 1090/1325.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Goucher College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Goucher College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Goucher College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Goucher College (3.23).
• Goucher College has a higher acceptance rate (77.7%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 9.7% at Goucher College.

AU vs. Goucher College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Goucher College? 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 Goucher College's (70%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Goucher College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $52,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Goucher College graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Goucher College graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Goucher College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 74%)

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.