AU vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Rider University 14:1.

AU vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Rider University? 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 Rider University than AU ($26,506 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 4.2% lower than at American University ($17,230 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 42.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $17,651 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.9% higher at AU than at Rider University (about $17,651 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($36,349 vs. $29,294).

AU vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 160 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Rider University - 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 Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

AU vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Rider University? 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 Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($250 vs. $266).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 73%)

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.