AU vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Case Western Reserve University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (12,475 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Case Western? 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 Case Western ($39,676 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 4.2% lower than at Case Western Reserve University ($17,982 vs. $18,762).
• Case Western Reserve University is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $7,837 more per year; $66,608.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Case Western than at American University (about $7,837 more per year; $66,608.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at American University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Case Western Reserve University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by American University students ($41,913 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Case Western Reserve University (1490) is 120 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Case Western students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Case Western students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Case Western (36.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

AU vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Case Western? 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).

• Case Western Reserve University's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Case Western Reserve University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($84,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Case Western Reserve University graduates have a $184 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($24,066 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Case Western graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($248 vs. $250).
• More Case Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.