AU vs. PHC

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than PHC based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Patrick Henry College is in Purcellville, Virginia (Town Fringe setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Patrick Henry College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Patrick Henry College 14:1.

AU vs. PHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or PHC? 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 Patrick Henry College than AU ($25,869 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Patrick Henry College are 38.7% lower than at American University ($11,020 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 106.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than PHC (about $30,346 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.8% higher at AU than at Patrick Henry College (about $30,346 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Patrick Henry College than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 172.4% larger than aid received by Patrick Henry College students ($36,349 vs. $13,345).

AU vs. PHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 40 points higher than at PHC (1330).
• Incoming AU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at PHC (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Patrick Henry College 1240/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Patrick Henry College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; PHC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; PHC Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PHC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at AU (3.7).
• PHC has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 47.6% at PHC.

AU vs. PHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and PHC? 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).

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.