AU vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or U of R? 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 U of R ($39,676 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 9.1% lower than at University of Rochester ($17,982 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $8,309 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at U of R than at American University (about $8,309 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at American University (72% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 25.2% larger than aid received by American University students ($45,500 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. U of R Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 110 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming U of R students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 15.4% at U of R.

AU vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and U of R? 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 Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($250 vs. $253).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 79%)

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.