AU vs. MCPHS

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with MCPHS University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than MCPHS based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 5,945 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. MCPHS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or MCPHS? 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 MCPHS ($39,676 vs. $41,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 27.2% lower than at MCPHS University ($17,982 vs. $24,704).
• American University is 45% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCPHS (about $18,241 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $40,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45% higher at AU than at MCPHS University (about $18,241 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $40,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at MCPHS University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 52.9% larger than aid received by MCPHS University students ($36,349 vs. $23,767).

AU vs. MCPHS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 80 points higher than at MCPHS (1290).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at MCPHS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; MCPHS University 1160/1416.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; MCPHS University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; MCPHS - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at MCPHS (3.41).
• MCPHS has a higher acceptance rate (85.2%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 13.1% at MCPHS.

AU vs. MCPHS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and MCPHS? 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 MCPHS University's (69%).
• Graduates from MCPHS University earn a median of about $37,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than MCPHS graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCPHS graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More MCPHS 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.