AU vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

AU vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than AU ($21,267 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 33.7% lower than at American University ($11,930 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 56.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $21,271 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.7% higher at AU than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $21,271 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students ($36,349 vs. $29,923).

AU vs. VWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 120 points higher than at VWC (1250).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 11.9% at VWC.

AU vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than VWC graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 57%)

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.