American University

9/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Washington, DC
0 reviews

#3 Best Colleges in District Of Columbia

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

12,321

Location Washington, District Of Columbia
Website american.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City
Religious Affiliation United Methodist

Best Colleges Rank

#94

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

American University occupies an 84-acre residential campus in the Spring Valley neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C., situated approximately four miles from the White House and other major federal institutions. Founded in 1893 under the auspices of the United Methodist Church, the university maintains a collegiate Gothic architectural style across many of its academic buildings and residence halls. The university operates as a private research institution with particular strengths in international relations, public policy, business, and communications through its eight schools and colleges. The School of International Service stands as one of the largest schools of international affairs in the United States, while the Washington College of Law offers comprehensive legal education programs. Most first- and second-year students reside in on-campus housing, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Eagles in the Patriot League.

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Ratings

AU is rated within the top 19% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

Overall Rating

9 out of 10
Academics

9 out of 10
Resources

9 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for American University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#94
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#84
Best Colleges in District Of Columbia

#3
Best Private Colleges in District Of Columbia

#3
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#262
Best Value Colleges in District Of Columbia

#3

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1280/1460
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 29/32

Acceptance Rate

62%

Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
Enrollment Rate 15.6%
Application Fee $75

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$58,771

Costs for American University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$58,771
Books and Supplies		$1,000
Other Fees		$819
Room and Board		$17,982
Budget for Other Expenses		$1,618
Total One Year Cost		$80,190

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$64,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

77% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at American University are Social Sciences, Business, and Communication. 43% of students major in Social Sciences, 14% in Business, and 8% in Communication.