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American University

American University is a large, private institution located in Washington, DC. Founded in 1893, American University offers undergraduate degrees in 162 majors.

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Key stats

college-type 4 Year, Private
athletics Division 1
undergraduates 7,669 undergraduates
cost $53,889 undergraduate tuition
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Admissions Academics Annual tuition & cost Ways to pay Students Campus life FAQs

Admissions

Will I get into American University? Here’s what we know about who has! SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required to apply. Check here for college application deadline info or visit the school’s website.

Acceptance rate 40.6%
SAT score average 1386
ACT score average 30
Average high school GPA N/A
Application fee $75
Learn more

Key deadlines

June
30
59 days away FAFSA® deadline

Apply ASAP. A lot of aid is first come, first served!

Apply for the FAFSA®
November
01
183 days away Early Decision date

Visit the school's website for more about this option.

November
01
183 days away Early Action date

Visit the school's website for more about this option.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship*

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Academics

The degree program or major you pursue is major! American University is known for one of its top majors: International Relations and National Security Studies. Their student-faculty ratio is 11:1.

Graduation rate
Retention Rate
11 :1
Student to faculty ratio

Popular degree programs

Public Policy and Administration
Law and Legal Studies
Social Sciences and Psychology
Business and Management
Other
Education and Teaching
Health and Medical Professions

Popular majors

International Relations and National Security Studies
Law
Political Science and Government
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Public Administration
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Criminal Justice and Corrections

Annual tuition & cost

In state

Undergraduate tuition $53,889
Additional expenses
Room & board $15,706
Books & supplies $800
Other expenses $1,308
Cost of attendance* $71,703
Average financial aid package $39,837
Estimated cost $31,866 See my potential costs

Out of state

Undergraduate tuition $53,889
Additional expenses
Room & board $15,706
Books & supplies $800
Other expenses $1,308
Cost of attendance* $71,703
Average financial aid package $39,837
Estimated cost $31,866 See my potential costs

June 30 FAFSA® deadline

Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the only way to see if you qualify for financial aid.  

Learn more
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*Cost of attendance is the average expenses including tuition, room, board and other estimated living expenses.

Scholarships from American University

Scholarships are a great way to cover your education costs—it’s free money you don’t need to pay back. Check out these opportunities and apply!

American University Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship No essay $10,000 Apply Now
American University Southern Management Scholarship No essay $20,000 Apply Now
American University National Merit Scholarships No essay $2,000 Apply Now

Student population

Who’s going to be there? American University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,669, with gender binary students split 36% male and 64% female.

Total enrollment

13,019

Enrollment by gender

Male
Female

Enrollment & ethnicity

White %
34%
African American %
5%
Hispanic American %
8%
Asian %
4%
Native American %
0%
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander %
0%
Multiracial %
3%
Unknown %
46%

Student type

Full-time
Living on campus
International

Campus life

Find your people & try new things

At American University, students love their Kennedy Political Union. Student athletes compete in Division 1 sports.

Campus info

map 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016-8001
phone 202-885-1000
address www.american.edu/
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Popular clubs & activities

Kennedy political union

Habitat for humanity

Student government

Amnesty international

Multiple ethnic and religious organizations

clubs
announcement

Athletics

NCAA Division levelDivision 1
Varsity sportsYes
Intramural sportsYes
greek-life

Greek life

Female
Male

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about American University to help you figure out where you want to apply.

Where is American University?

American University is located in Washington, DC.

What is the acceptance rate at American University? 

The acceptance rate for American University is 41%.

What’s the average GPA for American University?

The average high school GPA for American University students was N/A.

How much does it cost for 4 years at American University?  

The estimated cost for 4 years at American University including tuition, room and board, and books and other fees is $286,812.

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*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2025.
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SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.

Certain content is referenced from Peterson’s Data 2024.

N/A means the information was not available or reported.