AU vs. Queens

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Queens based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,599 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Queens Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Queens? 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 Queens University of Charlotte than AU ($31,839 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Queens University of Charlotte are 2.7% lower than at American University ($17,496 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 28.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Queens (about $12,925 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $45,846.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.2% higher at AU than at Queens University of Charlotte (about $12,925 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $45,846.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Queens University of Charlotte than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 6.6% larger than aid received by Queens University of Charlotte students ($36,349 vs. $34,089).

AU vs. Queens Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 130 points higher than at Queens (1240).
• Incoming AU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Queens).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Queens University of Charlotte 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Queens University of Charlotte 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Queens - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Queens Sep 7, 2026.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Queens (3.41).
• Queens has a higher acceptance rate (62.1%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 8.9% at Queens.

AU vs. Queens Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Queens? 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 Queens University of Charlotte's (61%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than Queens graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Queens graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Queens graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Queens students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 58%)

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.