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American University vs George Washington University

American University is a private university in Washington, DC, and George Washington University is a private university in Washington, DC. George Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 47% of applicants against 62% at American University. George Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,586 a year against $41,943 at American University. About 85% of students graduate at George Washington University, compared with 77% at American University. Ten years after enrolling, George Washington University alumni earn a median of about $90,873, against $77,370 for American University.

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American University

Washington, DC · Private

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,266
11,182
Acceptance rate
62%
47%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1460
1350–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,943
$36,586
Full cost / yr
$76,058
$83,856
In-state tuition
$58,771
$67,710
Out-of-state tuition
$58,771
$67,710
Application fee
$75
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,233
$17,440
$30k - $48k
$20,444
$17,292
$48k - $75k
$26,035
$22,080
$75k - $110k
$30,063
$28,100
Over $110k
$53,673
$55,337
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
85%
Freshman retention
88%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,328
$71,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,370
$90,873
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$20,449
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
16%
First-generation students
16%
16%
International students
5%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is American University or George Washington University harder to get into?
George Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 47% of applicants, compared with 62% at American University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,586 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,943 at American University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at American University and George Washington University?
Before aid, American University costs about $76,058 a year and George Washington University about $83,856. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,440 there, against about $23,233 at American University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 11,182 undergraduates against 7,266 at American University.
Does American University or George Washington University have a better graduation rate?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 77% at American University.
Do graduates of American University or George Washington University earn more?
George Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,873 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,370 for American University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do American University and George Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
American University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. George Washington University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do American University and George Washington University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1460 at American University and 1350–1500 at George Washington University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school