AU vs. Franciscan

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Franciscan based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 3,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Franciscan University of Steubenville is in Steubenville, OH (Small City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Franciscan University of Steubenville 17:1.

AU vs. Franciscan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Franciscan? 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville than AU ($23,086 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franciscan University of Steubenville are 44.4% lower than at American University ($10,000 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 72.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franciscan (about $24,671 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $34,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.3% higher at AU than at Franciscan University of Steubenville (about $24,671 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $34,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franciscan University of Steubenville than at American University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 68.9% larger than aid received by Franciscan University of Steubenville students ($36,349 vs. $21,522).

AU vs. Franciscan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 140 points higher than at Franciscan (1230).
• Incoming AU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Franciscan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Franciscan University of Steubenville 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Franciscan University of Steubenville 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Franciscan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Franciscan students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Franciscan (58.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 41.7% at Franciscan.

AU vs. Franciscan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Franciscan? 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville's (70%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $25,000 more per year than Franciscan graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Franciscan graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($227 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franciscan students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

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.