American University vs George Washington University
George Washington University is selective with a 43.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than American University (47.4%). Graduates of George Washington University earn $13,503 more per year at the 10-year mark ($90,873 vs $77,370). For families earning $48k–$75k, George Washington University is more affordable at $22,080 net price vs $26,035. Students at George Washington University graduate with less debt ($20,449 vs $22,750).
Admissions & Outcomes
American University has a higher yield rate (22.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. George Washington University has a higher median SAT (1430 vs 1380).
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), George Washington University is more affordable at $17,440 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $53,673 vs $55,337.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. George Washington University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
American University
- 1 Computer Science$73,635
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$66,014
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$55,512
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$49,136
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations$48,725
George Washington University
- 1 Systems Engineering$74,576
- 2 Civil Engineering$74,307
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$73,949
- 4 Computer Science$73,446
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services$72,214
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
American University
- 1 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
George Washington University
- 1 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Public Health
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
American University
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$50,542
- Est. total cost/year$66,315
- School typePublic
George Washington University
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$58,550
- Est. total cost/year$73,351
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is more selective with a 43.5% acceptance rate, compared to 47.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $90,873 compared to $77,370. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: American University or George Washington University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), George Washington University has a lower net price at $22,080 per year vs $26,035. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at American University vs George Washington University?
George Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 84.5%, compared to 77.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at American University and George Washington University?
At American University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $73,635 within two years. At George Washington University, the top-earning major is Systems Engineering at $74,576. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.