American University

Washington, DC
4-year Private university

Overview

American University is a private institution established in 1893 with suburban setting located at Washington, DC. It is ranked #105 in National Universities in 2024 edition of Best Colleges.Students at American University benefit from the school’s location in the political hub of the nation. Washington, D.C., is a playground for the politically and socially oriented with its countless museums, restaurants, clubs and year-round events.

#105 in National Universities
Setting
Suburban
Location Washington, DC
Type 4-year Private
Year Founded 1893
Selectivity Moderate
Size Medium
7,917 Undergraduates

Learning

11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Social Sciences
Most Popular Major

Majors Available

  • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
  • Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
  • Communications Technologies/Technicians And Support Services
  • Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
  • Education
  • English Language And Literature/Letters
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
  • Health Professions And Related Programs
  • History
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting And Related Protective Services
  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
  • Mathematics And Statistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Natural Resources And Conservation
  • Philosophy And Religious Studies
  • Physical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual And Performing Arts

Cost

$71,703
Cost of Attendance
$36,480
Average Student Contribution
Instate Tution Fee $48,459
Outstate Tuition Fee $48,459
Room and Board Fees $17,012
$47,279 Median Salary After 2 years of Graduation

Applying

41% (Moderate Selectivity) Acceptance Rate
Admission Difficulty: Difficult
$75 Application Fee
Application Fee Waiver Available
-- Average High School GPA

Application Requirements

SAT/ACT Optional
SAT/ACT Writing (essay) Recommended
SAT Subject Test Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement Required
SAT Score Range
Middle 50% (25% - 75%) scores range
ACT Score Range
Middle 50% (25% - 75%) scores range

How to Apply?

Accepts CommonApp
Apply College's Own Application Portal
Other Applications Accepted Coalition Application

For International Students

85 Minimum TOEFL Score
TOEFL Requirement: Required
IELTS, PTE Other English Language Tests Accepted
(in lieu of TOEFL)
TOEFL Waived if

Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 or equivalent) in U.S.-accredited or IB, CXC or UK curricula (inside or outside the U.S.), where English is the only medium of instruction or, Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 or equivalent) in selected English-speaking countries or in the educational systems of these countries (regardless of location) where English is the only medium of instruction or, Sufficient scores in SAT or ACT.

Deadlines for Fall Intake Applications
Nov
15
Early Decision Deadline
Dec
15
Early Decision II Deadline
Jan
15
Regular Decision Deadline
Transfer Applications
May
01
Transfer Applications Deadline
For Financial Aid
Nov
15
Financial Aid Priority Application Deadline
Jan
15
Financial Aid Application Deadline

Scholarships and Financial Aid

$ Average Financial Aid

Need-based Aid

$41,533 Average Need-based Aid
Cost of Attendance for out-of-state students: $71,703
44% Students with need received Financial Aid
29.2% Students had their need fully met
Deadline for need-based financial application January 15
Forms to be submitted FAFSA,CSS

Merit Scholarships

Available
Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program
Total Worth full tuition, mandatory fees, books, U-Pass, room, and board
Eligibility first year students
Minimum Criteria 3.8 GPA (unweighted) or 4.0 GPA (weighted)
Requirement for maintenance minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA
Separate application needed Yes
Application deadline N/A
Tuition Exchange Scholarship
Total Worth $42,000 per year
Eligibility parent that is employed at one of the member institutions and meets their employer's eligibility requirements
Minimum Criteria based on high school academics
Requirement for maintenance Maintain eligibility at their home institution and submit the recertification application by January 15th of each academic year.Take at least 12 credits every semester.Complete a total of 30 credits within the academic year (fall and spring semesters).Maintains a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher.
Separate application needed --
Application deadline N/A

Other Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships
Total Worth Varies
Details Outstanding freshman and transfer athletes.
United Methodist Scholarship
Total Worth Varies
Details Children of an active, ordained Methodist minister. Applicants must submit a letter identifying themselves as the children of a Methodist minister.

Students

7,917 Total Undergraduate Enrollment
School Size: Medium
90% Freshmen return to Sophomore Year
74% Students graduate within 6 years