AU vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College than AU ($34,739 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 19.1% lower than at American University ($14,548 vs. $17,982).
• Muhlenberg College is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $4,034 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Muhlenberg College than at American University (about $4,034 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at American University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 17% larger than aid received by American University students ($42,545 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 40 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

AU vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,240 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($250 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.