DU vs. AU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

DU vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or AU? 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 DU ($39,676 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Denver are 1.2% lower than at American University ($17,759 vs. $17,982).
• University of Denver is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $2,627 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at DU than at American University (about $2,627 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at American University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by University of Denver students ($36,349 vs. $33,955).

DU vs. AU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 40 points higher than at DU (1330).
• Incoming DU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at AU (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at AU (3.7).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 15.6% at AU.

DU vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and AU? 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).

• University of Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than DU graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $63,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($23,699 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($245 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 72%)

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.