Choosing the right university is a crucial decision that will significantly impact your future. In this comparison, we will examine American University (AU) and George Washington University (GW), two prominent universities in Washington, D.C. Both institutions have their strengths and weaknesses, and by comparing them across various factors, we hope to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
American University Overview
American University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1893, the university is known for its programs in international relations, political science, business administration, and public affairs. With a total enrollment of around 14,000 students, AU offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
American University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at American University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $49,889. Other fees, such as room and board, can bring the total annual cost to around $68,000. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, with 80% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
American University Admissions
Admissions at American University are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 36%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score range of 1240-1410 and an ACT score range of 28-32.
American University Degrees Offered
American University offers 71 undergraduate majors, 87 graduate programs, and 10 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular programs include International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Communication, and Public Affairs.
American University Academics
AU’s faculty-to-student ratio is 12:1, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The university also offers a variety of research opportunities and study abroad programs to enhance students’ academic experiences.
American University Diversity
American University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The campus is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and offers numerous resources and support services for students from various backgrounds.
American University Students
American University has a total enrollment of approximately 14,000 students, including around 8,500 undergraduates and 5,500 graduate students. The campus is known for its politically engaged student body, with many students participating in internships and other opportunities within the nation’s capital.
American University Campus
The 84-acre campus of American University is located in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., offering students easy access to the city’s resources and opportunities. The campus is known for its beautiful and eco-friendly design, featuring LEED-certified buildings and a commitment to sustainability.
American University Alumni
Notable alumni of American University include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Fahrenthold, former U.S. Representative and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and journalist and author Cokie Roberts.
American University Rankings
American University is ranked #76 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for the 2021 edition. Additionally, the university is ranked #58 in Best Value Schools and #26 in Most Innovative Schools.
American University Outcomes
The average starting salary for American University graduates is around $52,000. The university has a strong commitment to providing career support, with 92% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
George Washington University Overview
George Washington University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1821, GW has a strong reputation for its programs in political science, international affairs, public health, and business. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students.
George Washington University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at George Washington University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,550. Additional fees, such as room and board, can bring the total annual cost to around $78,000. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, with 64% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
George Washington University Admissions
Admissions at George Washington University are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 41%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score range of 1280-1460 and an ACT score range of 30-33.
George Washington University Degrees Offered
GW offers more than 75 undergraduate majors, 110 master’s programs, and 50 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular programs include Political Science, International Affairs, Business, Public Health, and Engineering.
George Washington University Academics
With a 13:1 faculty-to-student ratio, GW provides a supportive academic environment for its students. Many students participate in internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs to enhance their educational experiences.
George Washington University Diversity
George Washington University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The campus is committed to fostering inclusivity and provides numerous resources and support services for students from various backgrounds.
George Washington University Students
GW has a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students, including around 12,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate students. The university is known for its politically engaged student body, and many students take advantage of the numerous opportunities available within the nation’s capital.
George Washington University Campus
The urban campus of GW spans across 43 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C. This prime location offers students unparalleled access to the city’s resources and opportunities, such as internships, networking events, and cultural experiences.
George Washington University Alumni
Notable alumni of George Washington University include former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
George Washington University Rankings
George Washington University is ranked #66 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for the 2021 edition. Additionally, the university is ranked #69 in Best Value Schools and #62 in Most Innovative Schools.
George Washington University Outcomes
The average starting salary for GW graduates is around $62,000. The university is committed to providing career support, with 91% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
American University vs George Washington University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending American University and George Washington University, it’s important to consider both tuition and additional fees. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at AU is $49,889, while tuition at GW is $58,550. Including room and board, the total annual cost for AU is around $68,000, compared to $78,000 for GW. Both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, with 80% of AU undergraduates and 64% of GW undergraduates receiving assistance.
American University vs George Washington University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both American University and George Washington University are competitive. AU has an acceptance rate of around 36%, while GW’s acceptance rate is approximately 41%. The middle 50% of accepted students at AU have SAT scores between 1240 and 1410 and ACT scores between 28 and 32, while GW’s accepted students have SAT scores between 1280 and 1460 and ACT scores between 30 and 33.
American University vs George Washington University Academic Difficulty
Both American University and George Washington University are known for their rigorous academics. Students at both institutions have access to challenging coursework, research opportunities, and study abroad programs. The faculty-to-student ratio at AU is 12:1, and GW has a slightly higher ratio of 13:1. This means that both universities provide a supportive learning environment with personalized attention for students.
American University vs George Washington University Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates of American University and George Washington University are generally positive. The average starting salary for AU graduates is around $52,000, while GW graduates earn an average of $62,000. Both universities have strong career support networks, with 92% of AU graduates and 91% of GW graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
