AU vs. Hollins College

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Hollins College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Hollins University is in Roanoke, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hollins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Hollins University 8:1.

AU vs. Hollins College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Hollins 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 Hollins University than AU ($22,605 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hollins University are 12.1% lower than at American University ($15,800 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hollins College (about $15,211 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $43,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at AU than at Hollins University (about $15,211 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $43,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 0.5% larger than aid received by Hollins University students ($36,349 vs. $36,154).

AU vs. Hollins College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 120 points higher than at Hollins College (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Hollins University 1150/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Hollins College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at AU (3.7).
• Hollins College has a higher acceptance rate (68%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 9.6% at Hollins College.

AU vs. Hollins College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Hollins 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 Hollins University's (63%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $29,200 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hollins College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 57%)

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.