Head-to-head · 2026
American University vs University of the District of Columbia
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for American University, 2 for University of the District of Columbia — American University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | American University | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 4.61 | 10.39 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $41,943 | $10,648 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $77,370 ✓ | $44,236 |
| Acceptance rate | 62% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 75.5% ✓ | 33.2% |
| Median debt | $22,750 ✓ | $24,872 |
| Enrollment | 7,266 | 3,351 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1381 | — |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
American University costs $31,295 more per year than University of the District of Columbia ($41,943 vs $10,648). American University graduates report $33,134 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,370 vs $44,236). On EduGradify's model that puts University of the District of Columbia ahead on projected ROI (10.39 vs 4.61, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of the District of Columbia) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, American University reports 62% acceptance; University of the District of Columbia does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
American University vs University of the District of Columbia, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is American University or University of the District of Columbia the better value?
University of the District of Columbia has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.39 vs 4.61), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of the District of Columbia is cheaper — average net price $10,648 per year vs $41,943 at American University. The annual difference of $31,295 adds up to about $125,180 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
American University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,370 vs $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,134.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. American University reports a D value grade; University of the District of Columbia reports B.