AU vs. HPU

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with High Point University in High Point, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than HPU based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); High Point University is in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; High Point University 21:1.

AU vs. HPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or HPU? 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 HPU ($39,676 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 5% lower than at High Point University ($17,982 vs. $18,924).
• American University is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than HPU (about $13,459 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $45,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at AU than at High Point University (about $13,459 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $45,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at American University (95% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 60.4% larger than aid received by High Point University students ($36,349 vs. $22,664).

AU vs. HPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 150 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at HPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; High Point University 1110/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; High Point University 24/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; HPU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; HPU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 11.5% at HPU.

AU vs. HPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and HPU? 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).

• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $1,829 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($22,421 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($231 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HPU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 69%)

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.