American University (AU) is a well-reputed private research university based in Washington, D.C., in the country's capital metropolitan area. It is a mid-size university with approximately 14,000 students. The admissions are selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 47%. The most popular majors are Political Science, International Relations, Business, and Communications. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 79%, and AU graduates earn a median income of roughly INR 59,50,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$71,500).
George Washington University is another well-known private research university in Washington, D.C., having close associations with U.S. government and global institutions. It is a larger university with around 26,000 students. Admissions are also selective with an acceptance rate of around 44%. International Relations, Political Science, Business, and Social Sciences are common majors. The graduation rate for six years is around 82%, and a median income of around INR 65,60,000 (on average ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$79,000) is reported by GWU graduates.
| American University | George Washington University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | - | 5.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 587 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 358 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 582 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 # 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 82 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 176 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 31 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -52 PG Programs -44 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -71 PG Programs -67 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47.0 % | 44.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1180 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1280 TOEFL-99 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 25407 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 27786 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 33417 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 59780 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32250 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27500 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Engineering graduates earn an average pay of $123,238. Median salary of undergraduate programs is $50k. 96% of the students get employed or continue their education. | |
| application requirements | - | Submit official transcripts Submit scores of standardized tests Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 4 reviews | 6.7/10 Read 10 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 121 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 97 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 61 for Business by US News 2025 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 314/340IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -45717 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54632 |
| application dates | Feb 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | American University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1893 | 1821 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 12:1 |
| Male:Female | 37% Male, 63% Female | 40% Male, 60% Female |
| Location Facts | GW has three fully integrated campuses in the Washington, D.C. area. These are the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus | |
| Library | Libraries that are part of the university includes the flagship Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the main campus in Foggy Bottom, Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus in Northwest DC. | |
| Campus Life | Living at GW grants you the rare opportunity to encounter a variety of new cultural experiences while learning and interning at world-class institutions. Residence hall life is an essential aspect of your college experience, and some of your lifelong friends will first be your neighbors and roommates. During your time at GW, you’ll likely find fellow students who share your interests. Whether it's leadership, politics, arts and culture, athletics or service that moves you, GW students engage in more than 450 clubs and student organizations on campus. Pursuing your passions and sharing your diversity plays an integral role in building our community. University's open dining plan provides flexibility and personalization, offering you the opportunity to use yours at more than 80 dining and grocery partners on or near the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, and around the city. | |
| Hostel | #On campus - $15898 #Off campus (not with family) - $15898 #Off campus (with family) - $1621 | #On campus - $13000 #Off campus (not with family) - $13000 #Off campus (with family) - $1500 |
| Famous Alumni | Derek Curtis Bok, President of Harvard University Lee Kun-Hee, Chairman of Samsung Group | |
| City Life | The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median. Your cost of living also depends on where in the metro area's four quadrants you choose to live. | |
| Weather |
American University vs George Washington University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both universities are located in Washington, D.C., and are known for strong programs in political science, international affairs, and public policy. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, George Washington University (GWU) ranks around the 358th range globally, while American University (AU) is ranked slightly lower, closer to the 587th range. GWU is particularly strong in law, business, and public health, while AU is highly regarded for international service, communication, and political science. Both attract students with an interest in government, policy, and global affairs, though GWU tends to have a stronger research presence.
General Information
George Washington University is a large private research university with about 26,000 students, offering a wide array of professional schools and graduate programs. American University is a smaller private institution with around 14,000 students, emphasizing liberal arts, international studies, and communication. Both are situated in D.C., giving students direct access to political, diplomatic, and international institutions.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Admissions are selective at both universities. AU has an acceptance rate of about 47%, while GWU is slightly more competitive at around 44%. Both attract students with strong interests in politics, law, and international service, and admissions take into account extracurricular involvement and demonstrated interest in global and civic engagement.
Research Impact & Facilities
GWU has a broader research infrastructure, especially in law, international affairs, health sciences, and business, with its location near the White House and Capitol Hill offering unparalleled internships and policy research opportunities. AU also leverages its D.C. setting but focuses more on public affairs, journalism, international service, and environmental policy, with smaller-scale but targeted research centers.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities are private and expensive, with tuition costs similar (ranging from USD 55,000–62,000 per year). They offer need-based aid and merit scholarships, though AU has a reputation for providing stronger merit-based awards. GWU’s size gives access to more professional school funding, while AU maintains a more personalized financial aid process.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Both institutions have excellent outcomes in politics, international service, law, and communications, with Washington, D.C., providing abundant internship and career opportunities. GWU graduates often move into government, law, consulting, and global organizations, while AU graduates are particularly known for careers in diplomacy, media, NGOs, and advocacy organizations. GWU’s alumni network is larger due to its scale, while AU’s alumni connections are strong within international affairs and public service sectors.
