American University vs The Catholic University of America
American University is a private university in Washington, DC, and The Catholic University of America is a private university in Washington, DC. American University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 83% at The Catholic University of America. The Catholic University of America is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,561 a year against $41,943 at American University. About 80% of students graduate at The Catholic University of America, compared with 77% at American University. Ten years after enrolling, American University alumni earn a median of about $77,370, against $73,250 for The Catholic University of America.
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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.
- Is American University or The Catholic University of America harder to get into?
- American University is harder to get into. It admits about 62% of applicants, compared with 83% at The Catholic University of America. 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 The Catholic University of America?
- The Catholic University of America is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,561 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 The Catholic University of America?
- Before aid, The Catholic University of America costs about $75,481 a year and American University about $76,058. 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 The Catholic University of America?
- The Catholic University of America. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,358 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 The Catholic University of America?
- American University is the larger of the two, with about 7,266 undergraduates against 3,154 at The Catholic University of America.
- Does American University or The Catholic University of America have a better graduation rate?
- The Catholic University of America has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 77% at American University.
- Do graduates of American University or The Catholic University of America earn more?
- American University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,370 ten years after enrolling, against about $73,250 for The Catholic University of America. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do American University and The Catholic University of America require SAT or ACT scores?
- American University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The Catholic University of America is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do American University and The Catholic University of America look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1460 at American University and 1140–1320 at The Catholic University of America. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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