AU vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Marist University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Marist 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 American University than Marist University ($39,676 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 2.6% lower than at Marist University ($17,982 vs. $18,460).
• American University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marist University (about $11,021 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at AU than at Marist University (about $11,021 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marist University than at American University (96% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 45% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($36,349 vs. $25,067).

AU vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Marist University (1270).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Marist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Marist University (3.56).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Marist University (56.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

AU vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Marist 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).

• Marist University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Marist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $59,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Marist University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marist University graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Marist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.