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College comparison
American vs BU
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  American Washington, DC |  BU Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBoston University is more selective | 62% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1280–1460 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,266 | 18,248 |
| Avg net price | $41,943 | $24,402 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings | $77,370 | $83,238 |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 89% |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $23,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.3% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Quick answers
- Is American University or Boston University harder to get into?
- Boston University is more selective: American University's acceptance rate is approximately 62% and Boston University's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for American University vs Boston University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1280–1460 at American University and 1420–1530 at Boston University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.