AU vs. Miami

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Miami is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (19,852 students vs. 12,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); University of Miami is in Coral Gables, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Miami is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; University of Miami 11:1.

AU vs. Miami Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Miami? 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 Miami ($39,676 vs. $45,397).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 24.4% lower than at University of Miami ($17,982 vs. $23,790).
• University of Miami is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $3,845 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Miami than at American University (about $3,845 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Miami than at American University (79% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Miami students is 12.8% larger than aid received by American University students ($40,992 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Miami Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Miami (1400) is 30 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Miami students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; University of Miami 1320/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; University of Miami 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Miami - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Miami Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have the same average high school GPA (3.7) as students at Miami (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Miami (18.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 24.3% at Miami.

AU vs. Miami Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Miami? 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).

• University of Miami's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Miami earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,200 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Miami graduates have a $4,404 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($19,846 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Miami graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($205 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Miami 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.