Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Washington, District Of Columbia |
| Online | american.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
American University (AU), situated in the residential area of Northwest Washington, D.C., encompasses a 90-acre campus known for its green spaces and a mix of modern and historic architecture, including the notable neoclassical-style McKinley Building. Established in 1893, AU is a private research institution that emphasizes international relations, political science, and communications, among other fields. The university fosters a diverse academic environment and is recognized for its School of International Service. With a highly competitive admissions process, AU attracts a substantial number of applicants each year. The institution offers on-campus housing options for students, encouraging a living-learning community. American University?s athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I, though its prominence is primarily in the realm of its scholastic achievements rather than its athletic prowess.
In the most recent statistical year 19,510 prospective students applied, and 7,926 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,761 enrolled in the school. 10,840 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 3,045 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $53,070 plus fees of $819. AU is ranked 93 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
AU is rated within the top 19% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for American University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#93 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#82 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in District Of Columbia
#3 in Best Private Colleges in District Of Columbia
#416 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Value Colleges in District Of Columbia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1290/1430 |
| ACT | 29/32 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.7 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $819 |
| Room and Board | $15,706 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,308 |
| Total One Year Cost | $71,703 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 43% |
| Business | 14% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 6% |
| Psychology | 3% |
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Students considering AU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about American University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=131159 IPEDS survey data for American University.
Current students may use the American University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024