Find College Degrees Online

American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City

B+

Overall Grade

Find College Degrees rating

Add to compare

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

A-

Academics

Graduation & retention rates

B-

Value

Earnings vs. cost of attendance

A

Career Outcomes

Graduate earnings after 10 years

D

Affordability

Average net price after aid

C+

Selectivity

How hard it is to get in

B+

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

SAT Reading660740
SAT Math620720
ACT Composite2932

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

$0–30K
$23,233
$30–48K
$20,444
$48–75K
$26,035
$75–110K
$30,063
$110K+
$53,673

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

62% women
38% men

Race & ethnicity

White
56%
Hispanic
14%
Black
8%
Asian
7%
Two or more races
6%

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.

Student Reviews

No reviews yet

Attended American University? Be the first to share your experience.

Similar Colleges