AU vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drexel University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($39,676 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 0.6% lower than at Drexel University ($17,982 vs. $18,096).
• Drexel University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $3,641 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Drexel than at American University (about $3,641 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($36,349 vs. $35,051).

AU vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 30 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

AU vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Drexel? 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,993 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($250 vs. $271).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

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.