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Washington , DC
American University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1893, it has emerged as one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines such as arts and sciences, business, communication, international service, and public affairs.
Known for its vibrant and politically active campus, American University attracts students with a strong interest in politics, international relations, and social justice. The location in the nation's capital offers countless opportunities for students to engage in internships, research projects, and community service, providing them with valuable real-world experiences. Moreover, the university's impressive faculty includes renowned scholars, activists, and practitioners who are committed to fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility.
American University also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, laboratories, and a stunning campus situated in the Tenleytown neighborhood of D.C. The university's commitment to sustainability is evident through its LEED-certified buildings, campus-wide recycling initiatives, and sustainable practices. Additionally, American University promotes a vibrant and inclusive campus culture, offering a range of extracurricular activities and student organizations for students to explore their passions, build lifelong friendships, and develop leadership skills.
In summary, American University provides a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for students to pursue their academic and professional goals. With its location in the heart of Washington, D.C., rigorous academic programs, and dedication to social justice, the university equips students with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make a positive impact in their respective fields and the world at large.
Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private university. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 61%. The freshman retention rate at American University is 88.2% and the six-year graduation rate is 75%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is January 15. Here are some essential information on important things to consider about American University.
Quick Facts
7,476
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$60,270
Tuition
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
75%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will significantly improve. Here are the most vital information you need to know about admission at American University.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 10,613 in 2025. American University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the candidates who choose to submit them.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 22% and ACT scores 8%. 41.55% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 55.4% between 1,200 and 1,399 and 3.05% between 1,000 and 1,199. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 69.83, 29.61 between 24-29 and 0.56 in the range between 18-23.
Deadlines
The final day for applications to this school is January 15.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university freshmen who return for their sophomore year. When you create your list of possible schools to attend, make sure to consider the freshmen retention rate.
The freshman retention rate for American University was 88.2% in 2025, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 75%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Picking a school that is the right place for you is not a simple task. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the institution enrolled 12,321 students.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 97. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 7,476, 382 of which were international students. The school reported to have a total of 119 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 3,805 male and 6,331 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to expanding the diversity of its student population and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 539 Asian students and 597 Afro-American students in 2025. 1,014 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 428 as multirace. The school also had 3 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 3 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 232 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at American University? Here is what you need to know.
As a full-time domestic student, you were required to pay tuition of $60,270 in 2025. Since this is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2025 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $1,450.
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at American University was $21,060 in 2025. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school added up to $14,730, according to the data from 2025. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $16,514.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 60,270 |
| Room and Board | $ 21,060 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 82,530 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial support: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid at American University.
The most recent records show that 793 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $42,738 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
3,118 students were granted some form of need-based financial aid. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 3,302. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $8,108,989, and state $67,342.
$13,691
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 1,526 students overall (including freshmen) at American University in 2025. 437 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $43,180,755. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
Majors
Faculty
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
In 2025, this ratio at American University was 12:1. That means that there were 12 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 1,444 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 734 men and 710 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some details about campus life at American University.
Student Organizations
Participating in multiple student organizations can add depth and fulfillment to your educational journey.
There are 200 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. In case you're interested in acting, there is a drama club you can consider joining. Interested in media and communication? American University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At American University, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The school has electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol available 24/7. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of American University.
All in all, campus life at American University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at American University.
Career Counselling
There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career.
FAQ
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American University is located in Washington, DC.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for American University is 60,270 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for American University is 61%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for American University is 88.2%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
