Syracuse University vs American University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Syracuse University and American University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Syracuse University vs American University at a glance
Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and American University 62% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $43,336 at Syracuse University and $41,302 at American University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.5% and 74.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and American University 62%, so Syracuse University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $43,336 a year at Syracuse University and $41,302 at American University; American University costs $2,034 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $21,872 at Syracuse University and $28,397 at American University.
- 80.5% of students graduate within six years at Syracuse University, against 74.8% at American University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $85,054 for Syracuse University and $85,458 for American University; American University is $404 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Syracuse University and $22,250 at American University.
- Syracuse University enrolls 15,477 students (midsize city) and American University 7,266 (large city).
Side by side
Syracuse University and American 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 | Syracuse University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 62% |
| Applicants | 39,682 | 19,650 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1440 | 1280–1460 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $43,336 | $41,302 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,429 | $62,242 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,429 | $62,242 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,852 | $79,369 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $21,872 | $28,397 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $21,339 | $19,487 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,499 | $27,150 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,983 | $31,984 |
| Over $110,000 | $60,127 | $53,571 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.5% | 74.8% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 88.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $85,054 | $85,458 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $22,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $253 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 15,477 | 7,266 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Syracuse, NY | 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
Syracuse University reports 83 bachelor's programs and American University 46; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Syracuse University vs American University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or American University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and American University admits 62%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Syracuse University 1270–1440; American University 1280–1460.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or American University?
American University has the lower average net price after grants: $43,336 a year at Syracuse University against $41,302 at American University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $21,872 and $28,397. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Syracuse University or American University graduates earn more?
American University graduates earn more at the median: $85,054 ten years after entry for Syracuse University and $85,458 for American University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $22,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Syracuse University or American University?
Syracuse University does: 80.5% of Syracuse University students graduate within six years, against 74.8% at American University.
How big are Syracuse University and American University?
Syracuse University has 15,477 students in Syracuse, NY and American University has 7,266 students in Washington, DC.