AU vs. Seton Hall University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Seton Hall University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 9,571 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Seton Hall University is in South Orange, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seton Hall University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Seton Hall University 14:1.

AU vs. Seton Hall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University than AU ($33,896 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seton Hall University are 0.1% lower than at American University ($17,970 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seton Hall University (about $5,601 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at AU than at Seton Hall University (about $5,601 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $53,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seton Hall University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 4% larger than aid received by Seton Hall University students ($36,349 vs. $34,943).

AU vs. Seton Hall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 60 points higher than at Seton Hall University (1310).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Seton Hall University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Seton Hall University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Seton Hall University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Seton Hall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Seton Hall University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Seton Hall University (3.64).
• Seton Hall University has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 8.8% at Seton Hall University.

AU vs. Seton Hall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University's (66%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Seton Hall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $62,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Seton Hall University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seton Hall University graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seton Hall University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

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.