American National University vs. NCA

Comparable Facts

Compare American National University in Salem, VA with Northwest College of Art & Design in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American National University is larger than NCA based on total student enrollment (770 students vs. 139 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American National University is located in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting); Northwest College of Art & Design is in Tacoma, WA (Rural Fringe setting).
• American National University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Northwest College of Art & Design is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American National University 12:1; Northwest College of Art & Design 34:1.

American National University vs. NCA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, American National University or NCA? 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 Northwest College of Art & Design than American National University ($14,818 vs. $18,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American National University are 48% lower than at Northwest College of Art & Design ($7,992 vs. $15,384).
• Northwest College of Art & Design is 65.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than American National University (about $7,139 more per year; $18,100.00 vs. $10,961.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.1% higher at NCA than at American National University (about $7,139 more per year; $18,100.00 vs. $10,961.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest College of Art & Design than at American National University (87% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest College of Art & Design students is 103% larger than aid received by American National University students ($14,406 vs. $7,098).

American National University vs. NCA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, American National University or NCA? 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 NCA and American National University.

• American National University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: American National University - Open admission; NCA - Test-free.

American National University vs. NCA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for American National University and NCA? 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).

• Graduates from Northwest College of Art & Design earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than American National University graduates about ten years after starting college ($29,600 vs. $23,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American National University graduates have a $3,602 lower median loan debt than NCA graduates ($27,398 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, American National University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NCA graduates ($283 vs. $320).
• More NCA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former American National University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 14%)

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.