AU vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Villanova based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 10,041 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Villanova? 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 Villanova University than AU ($37,201 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 1.6% lower than at American University ($17,694 vs. $17,982).
• Villanova University is 15.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $9,005 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at Villanova than at American University (about $9,005 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at Villanova University (67% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 31% larger than aid received by American University students ($47,609 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Villanova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Villanova and AU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 80 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (33 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: American University 1280/1460; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: American University 29/32; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Villanova students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

AU vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Villanova? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,247 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($250 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.