Head-to-head · 2026
American University vs George Washington University
Compare average net price ($41,943 at American University; $36,586 at George Washington University), ROI score (4.61 vs 6.21), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($77,370 vs $90,873), and admissions selectivity (62% acceptance at American University; 47.1% at George Washington University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | American University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 4.61 | 6.21 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $41,943 | $36,586 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $167,772 | $146,344 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $58,771 | $67,710 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,771 | $67,710 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $77,370 | $90,873 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 62% | 47.1% |
| Graduation rate | 75.5% | 84% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 88.2% | 92.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $20,449 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,266 | 11,182 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1381 | 1433 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | American University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $23,233 | $17,440 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $20,444 | $17,292 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $26,035 | $22,080 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $30,063 | $28,100 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $53,673 ✓ | $55,337 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | American University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 16.6% | 9.1% |
| Law | 7.1% | 6.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.5% | 3.9% |
| Political Science and Government | 5.5% | 5% |
| Public Health | 2% | 6.1% |
| Economics | 3.1% | 2.1% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 3.7% | 1.4% |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | 3% | 1.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
George Washington University reports the lower average net price by $5,357 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $21,428 difference over four years ($146,344 vs $167,772).
George Washington University reports $13,503 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($90,873 vs $77,370). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 88.2% at American University and 92.2% at George Washington University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,750 vs $20,449, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
American University vs George Washington University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
George Washington University is cheaper — average net price $36,586 per year vs $41,943 at American University. The annual difference of $5,357 adds up to about $21,428 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
George Washington University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $90,873 vs $77,370 at American University. The gap in the federal data is $13,503. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
George Washington University is more selective at 47.1% acceptance vs 62% at American University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.