AU vs. Manhattan University

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Manhattan University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Manhattan University is in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Manhattan University 15:1.

AU vs. Manhattan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Manhattan 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 Manhattan University than AU ($29,717 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 4.4% lower than at Manhattan University ($17,982 vs. $18,800).
• American University is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Manhattan University (about $5,371 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at AU than at Manhattan University (about $5,371 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by Manhattan University students ($36,349 vs. $34,078).

AU vs. Manhattan University Admissions comparison

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

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Manhattan University (1270).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Manhattan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Manhattan University 1180/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Manhattan University 25/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Manhattan University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Manhattan University (3.63).
• Manhattan University has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 8% at Manhattan University.

AU vs. Manhattan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Manhattan 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 Manhattan University's (72%).
• Graduates from Manhattan University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Manhattan University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manhattan University graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Manhattan University 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.