Introduction
In this article, we will compare two prestigious institutions in the United States – American University and the University of Rochester. We will provide an overview of each school, and analyze their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By comparing these factors, we aim to provide valuable information for students who are considering studying at one of these universities.
American University
Overview
American University (AU) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1893 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including international relations, business, and communications.
Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at AU is $68,357 which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available, with over 80% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
Admissions
Admissions at AU are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 36%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Standardized test scores are optional but can be submitted if desired.
Degrees Offered
AU offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields including arts and sciences, business, communication, international service, and public affairs.
Academics
AU has a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning students have access to individualized attention and support from their professors. The university also emphasizes experiential learning through internships and study abroad opportunities.
Diversity
AU has a diverse student body, with students from over 140 countries and all 50 states. The university also offers various resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Students
AU has approximately 14,000 students, with about 8,500 undergraduates and 5,500 graduate students. Students can participate in over 200 clubs and organizations on campus.
Campus
The university’s campus is located in a residential area of Washington, D.C., offering students access to the city’s resources and opportunities.
Alumni
Notable AU alumni include media personalities, politicians, and diplomats, such as Wolf Blitzer, Connie Morella, and Thomas R. Pickering.
Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, AU ranked #76 among National Universities.
Outcomes
According to PayScale, the early career salary for AU graduates is around $54,300, and the mid-career salary is around $104,600.
University of Rochester
Overview
The University of Rochester (UR) is a private research university located in Rochester, New York. It was founded in 1850 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, music, and medicine.
Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at UR is $78,670 which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available, with more than 85% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
Admissions
Admissions at UR are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 29%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Standardized test scores are optional but can be submitted if desired.
Degrees Offered
UR offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts and sciences, engineering, music, nursing, and medicine.
Academics
UR has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized attention and support from their professors. The university also emphasizes research and experiential learning opportunities for students.
Diversity
UR has a diverse student body, with students from over 120 countries and all 50 states. The university offers resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Students
UR has approximately 12,000 students, with about 6,700 undergraduates and 5,300 graduate students. Students can participate in over 275 clubs and organizations on campus.
Campus
The university is located on a 600-acre campus near the Genesee River in Rochester, New York.
Alumni
Notable UR alumni include Nobel laureates, scientists, and musicians, such as Steven Chu, Arthur Kornberg, and Renee Fleming.
Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, UR ranked #34 among National Universities.
Outcomes
According to PayScale, the early career salary for UR graduates is around $61,200, and the mid-career salary is around $113,800.
American University vs University of Rochester: Cost Comparison
American University’s estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $68,357, while the University of Rochester’s estimated cost is $78,670. Both universities offer financial aid to a large percentage of their students, with over 80% of AU students and more than 85% of UR students receiving some form of assistance.
American University vs University of Rochester: Admissions Difficulty
Both American University and the University of Rochester have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 36% and 29% respectively. Prospective students for both universities must submit similar application materials, including high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Standardized test scores are optional for both universities but can be submitted to strengthen applications.
American University vs University of Rochester: Academic Difficulty
American University has a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, while the University of Rochester has a 10:1 ratio. Both universities emphasize personalized attention and support from faculty, as well as experiential learning opportunities such as internships and research. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
American University vs University of Rochester: Outcome Comparison
According to PayScale, the early career salary for American University graduates is around $54,300, and the mid-career salary is around $104,600. In comparison, University of Rochester graduates have an early career salary of around $61,200 and a mid-career salary of around $113,800.