American University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City
Overall Grade
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About American University
The American University (AU or American) is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Its main campus spans 90 acres (36 ha) on Ward Circle, in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest D.C. American was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893 at the urging of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst, who sought to create an institution that promoted public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism. The university was founded by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as a national Methodist institution. It remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church, however, religious affiliation is not a criterion for admission, employment, nor an academic requirement. AU broke ground in 1902, opened as a graduate education institution in 1914, and admitted its first undergraduates in 1925. AU consists of eight schools and colleges: the School of International Service; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Kogod School of Business; the School of Communication; the School of Professional and Extended Studies; the School of Public Affairs; the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education; and the Washingto
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
62%
Acceptance
$41,943
Net price
7,266
Enrollment
75%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
62%
Acceptance rate
1,381
SAT average
31
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$41,943
Average net price
$58,771
In-state tuition
$58,771
Out-of-state tuition
$17,982
Room & board
$1,000
Books & supplies
$76,058
Total cost of attendance
14%
Students receiving Pell grants
38%
Students with federal loans
$22,750
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$77,370
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$61,328
Median earnings (6 yrs)
75%
Graduation rate
88%
Retention rate
88%
Earn more than a HS grad
$19,197
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
7,266
Total enrollment
3%
Part-time
19
Avg. age at entry
16%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
American University FAQ
Is American University a public or private school?
American University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, DC.
What is the acceptance rate at American University?
American University has an acceptance rate of 62%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does American University cost?
The average annual net price at American University is $41,943 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $58,771.
What is the graduation rate at American University?
About 75% of students at American University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do American University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, American University students earn a median of $77,370 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for American University?
Admitted students at American University have an average SAT score of 1,381 and an ACT midpoint of 31. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend American University?
American University enrolls about 7,266 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Samschoe · CC BY-SA 4.0. Additional images are representative.
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