American University vs George Washington University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for American University and George Washington University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
American University vs George Washington University at a glance
American University admits 62% of applicants and George Washington University 47.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $41,302 at American University and $35,760 at George Washington University. Six-year graduation rates are 74.8% and 82.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- American University admits 62% of applicants and George Washington University 47.1%, so George Washington University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $41,302 a year at American University and $35,760 at George Washington University; George Washington University costs $5,542 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $28,397 at American University and $19,440 at George Washington University.
- 74.8% of students graduate within six years at American University, against 82.5% at George Washington University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $85,458 for American University and $96,691 for George Washington University; George Washington University is $11,233 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $22,250 at American University and $19,857 at George Washington University.
- American University enrolls 7,266 students (large city) and George Washington University 11,182 (large city).
Side by side
American University and George Washington University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | American University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 62% | 47.1% |
| Applicants | 19,650 | 27,236 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1280–1460 | 1350–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $41,302 | $35,760 |
| Tuition, in state | $62,242 | $70,170 |
| Tuition, out of state | $62,242 | $70,170 |
| Cost of attendance | $79,369 | $87,253 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $28,397 | $19,440 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $19,487 | $17,768 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $27,150 | $21,338 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $31,984 | $28,010 |
| Over $110,000 | $53,571 | $52,577 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 74.8% | 82.5% |
| First-year retention | 88.2% | 92.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $85,458 | $96,691 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $22,250 | $19,857 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $253 | $226 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,266 | 11,182 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
American University reports 46 bachelor's programs and George Washington University 83; 41 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about American University vs George Washington University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: American University admits 62% of applicants and George Washington University admits 47.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: American University 1280–1460; George Washington University 1350–1500.
Which is cheaper, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the lower average net price after grants: $41,302 a year at American University against $35,760 at George Washington University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $28,397 and $19,440. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do American University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more at the median: $85,458 ten years after entry for American University and $96,691 for George Washington University. Median federal debt at graduation is $22,250 and $19,857.
Which has a higher graduation rate, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University does: 74.8% of American University students graduate within six years, against 82.5% at George Washington University.
How big are American University and George Washington University?
American University has 7,266 students in Washington, DC and George Washington University has 11,182 students in Washington, DC.