American University
About American University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It is known for its strong programs in international relations, political science, public policy, and journalism. Its location in the nation's capital gives students access to internships in government, media, and nonprofit organizations.
Founded
1893
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Students
12,111
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
62%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
75.5%
Near national average
Tuition
$58,771
Per year
Avg Net Price
$41,943
After financial aid
SAT Average
1381
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$77,370
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
62 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
American University accepts 62% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1381/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88.2%
4-Year Grad
73%
6-Year Grad
79%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
58.7%
$/Student
$19.2K
Class Size
Medium
73% graduate in 4 years, and 88.2% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$58,771
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,982
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$76,058
After Financial Aid
$41,943
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,233
Receive Grants
13.9%
Take Loans
38%
The total cost of attendance runs about $76,058/yr, including $17,982 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $41,943.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at American University fund their education.
While in School
13.9%
Get Grants
Free money
38%
Take Loans
Must repay
$84,200
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$241/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,750. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends American University.
Gender
62.4%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,266
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,845
Graduates
15.6%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 15.6% are first-generation college students. 5.3% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,266
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Washington D.C. location for policy and government
- +Tenleytown is a safe, Metro-accessible neighborhood
- +Strong international studies and public affairs
- +Politically engaged and diverse student body
Cons
- -D.C. cost of living is very high
- -Campus can feel small and enclosed
- -Some students find it overly politically focused
- -Dining options on campus are limited
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
American University fields 8 varsity teams with 384 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Patriot League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
384
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
43% / 57%
166
Men
218
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of American Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$77,370
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6International Relations and National Security Studies
$48K
387 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$58K
264 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$48K
216 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$49K
125 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$50K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$37K
104 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $61K at six years, $56K at eight, and $77K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about American University
What is the acceptance rate at American University?▾
How much does American University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at American University?▾
How much do American University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.