Overview
American University is a research institution located in a residential neighborhood of Washington, DC. AU has eight schools on its carbon-neutral campus featuring more than 160 programs. American University is also home to many research centers, including the Alper Initiative for Washington Art, Nuclear Studies Institute, Antiracist Research & Policy Center, and the Center for Environmental Policy. Students can take advantage of special programs offered at AU, including the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars program which recognizes "exceptional incoming first-year student leaders committed to multidimensional excellence."
Acceptance Rate:
41%
Average Net Price:
$37,319
Campus Setting:
Major city
Average GPA
3.7
Average ACT Composite
31
Average SAT Composite
1318
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $56,543 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $56,543 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,012 |
| Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
75%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
12%
Average Aid Per Year
$27,138
12%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,767
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$26,094
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
1%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$475
15%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,767
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$96,620,256
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$38,090,030
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
45%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,129
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$20,862
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$229
Students receiving federal loans
44%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,138
Average Other Loans Per Year
$29,878
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- United Methodist
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
19510
Students Applied
62%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
148
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 15 | |
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | May 1 | May 1 |
| Spring Regular Decision | October 1 | |
| Other | January 15 |
Application Fee
$75
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
17%
Submitting ACT
25%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 31
Average SAT Composite: 1318
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.7
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
13,885
Total Number of Undergrads
7,917
0
100
74%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
79%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
102
Faculty Overview
0
100
51%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Major city
US States Represented
50
Countries Represented
99
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
16%
Student Organizations
200
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Eagles
School Colors
red, white, and blue
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Total Male Athletes
110
Total Female Athletes
135
Intramural Sports
10
Sports Club
11
Sports Team (Men)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
American University Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$67,700
Top 5 Cities
Washington
New York
Boston
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Top 5 Employers
American University
U.S. Department of State
Deloitte
Booz Allen Hamilton
U.S. House of Representatives
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Media and Communication
Community and Social Services
Operations
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$20,862
Loan Default Rate
3%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$229
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingAs a student of International Relations, I don't think I could have chosen a better school. My professors were not only well-versed on theory, but they had made (and were STILL making) valuable contributions to their fields. Relative to other schools, AU also has VERY small class sizes (particularly in the Honors program), which makes professors very approachable, and AU offers a wide variety of specialized one-time-only classes that expand the course offerings DRAMATICALLY. In my 4 years there, I took classes on the Baby Boomer's influence on the sexual revolution, the politics of human rights in Cuba, drug cartels in Colombia, and humanitarian response in complex emergencies.
Justine from Topeka, KS
The professors here at American are some of the best I've met between visiting campuses or friends at other colleges. They are very approachable, and dedicated to their fields of study. I haven't met one yet that doesn't have some sort of higher degree, and all have extra activities going on outside being a teacher.
Kendall from Ridgefield, CT
American University is by far one of the most under ranked universities in my opinion. The courses I've taken thus far have all been taught by professors that are not only passionate about the subject but have also made major contributions to their field. I am continuously challenged and have begun to look at domestic and world affairs in a new light.
Victoria from Minneapolis, MN
American is a school that is made up of a student body that passionate about several different areas but we all come together on campus. There is someone who is interested in just about every type of field and major that we have to offer and often people have multiple interests that will overlap with each other. To me AU brings the best parts of college and living in DC together.
Chloe from Mandeville, LA
American University has a wonderful, intensive general education program. It gives a great foundation and helps you to become a well-rounded student. In addition, the School of International Service (SIS) has an excellent International Relations major/program. I am very happy with the amount of learning I'm receiving here.
Molly from Eaton, OH
AU is the best school in the nation for Internships. It really helps you widen your horizons with an extreme amount of opportunities. It is a tight community and I wouldn't change my decision for the world.
Molly from Hillsborough, NJ
AU is perfect for International Relations, great for liberal arts majors and good for science majors.
Emily from Hallandale Beach, FL
AU is a wonderful place for students wanting to be in Washington D.C. for future careers in government, the mentorship program for all SIS students is a perfect way to introduce the students to this part of D.C. AU is a very tied-in community with tons of clubs, political activism, and campus activities on the quad all the time.
AU Eagle
AU offers a lot and I am so psyched to start my freshman year! The School of International Service is superb.
Sophie from Burlington, VT
Wonderful campus, international student body and engaged and engaging professors have made this a fabulous experience so far. I have had the opportunity to create my own major within the School of Public Affairs. As a student in the Honors Program, classes are small, which has given me an opportunity to get to know my professors and vice versa.
Isabel from Wilton, CT
Similar Colleges
Providence, RI
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
College Park, MD
Chestnut Hill, MA
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Bronx, NY
New York, NY
Syracuse, NY
