AU vs. Pratt Institute

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Pratt Institute Main in Brooklyn, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Pratt Institute based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 5,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Pratt Institute Main is in Brooklyn, NY (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pratt Institute Main is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Pratt Institute Main 9:1.

AU vs. Pratt Institute Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Pratt Institute? 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 Pratt Institute ($39,676 vs. $54,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pratt Institute Main are 3.6% lower than at American University ($17,336 vs. $17,982).
• Pratt Institute Main is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $3,074 more per year; $61,845.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Pratt Institute than at American University (about $3,074 more per year; $61,845.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pratt Institute Main than at American University (78% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Pratt Institute Main students ($36,349 vs. $26,021).

AU vs. Pratt Institute Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Pratt Institute (1270).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Pratt Institute).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Pratt Institute Main 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Pratt Institute Main 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Pratt Institute - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Pratt Institute Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pratt Institute students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at AU (3.7).
• Pratt Institute has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 18.3% at Pratt Institute.

AU vs. Pratt Institute Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Pratt Institute? 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 Pratt Institute Main's (62%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Pratt Institute graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Pratt Institute graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pratt Institute graduates ($250 vs. $271).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pratt Institute students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 76%)

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.