AU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Seattle U? 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 Seattle University than AU ($36,948 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 12.7% lower than at American University ($15,702 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $2,050 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at AU than at Seattle University (about $2,050 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 2.8% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($36,349 vs. $35,351).

AU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 50 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming AU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

AU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($250 vs. $253).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 75%)

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.