AU vs. Skidmore College

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Skidmore College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Skidmore College is in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Skidmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Skidmore College 8:1.

AU vs. Skidmore College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Skidmore 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 Skidmore College than AU ($31,187 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Skidmore College are 0.2% lower than at American University ($17,940 vs. $17,982).
• Skidmore College is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $8,519 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Skidmore College than at American University (about $8,519 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at Skidmore College (67% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Skidmore College students is 48.8% larger than aid received by American University students ($54,083 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Skidmore College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Skidmore College (1410) is 40 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Skidmore College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Skidmore College 1340/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Skidmore College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Skidmore College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Skidmore College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Skidmore College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Skidmore College (21.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 26.6% at Skidmore College.

AU vs. Skidmore College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Skidmore 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).

• Skidmore College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Skidmore College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($201 vs. $250).
• More Skidmore College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.