Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of Maryland-College Park vs American University

College Park, MD · Washington, DC · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of Maryland-College ParkAmerican University
Acceptance Rate44.8%47.4%
In-State Tuition$11,505$56,543
Out-of-State Tuition$40,306$56,543
Average Net Price$15,833$24,338
Graduation Rate89.0%78.0%

GradFax Analysis

University of Maryland-College Park accepts 44.8% of applicants. American University accepts 47.4%. University of Maryland-College Park's in-state tuition is $11,505. American University's is $56,543. That's a $45,038 difference per year. University of Maryland-College Park graduates 89% of students in 6 years. American University graduates 78%.

Bottom Line

University of Maryland-College Park is public; American University is private. If you're an in-state student, University of Maryland-College Park will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of Maryland-College Park profileAmerican University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of Maryland-College Park or American University?

University of Maryland-College Park. It accepts 44.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of Maryland-College Park or American University more affordable?

University of Maryland-College Park has lower published tuition: $11,505 versus $56,543. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Maryland-College Park: 89% of students finish in 6 years. American University is at 78%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of Maryland-College Park vs American University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax