American University Overview

American University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Washington, DC. It has an enrollment of 8,158 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 64.09%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $28,037. Tuition is $53,334.00 without financial aid.

American University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At American University, 90.46% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

American University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

American University Website

American University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 64.09%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1381.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 31.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

American University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $28,037.

The average tuition is:

• $10,818, when family income is less than $30,000

• $11,743, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $15,197, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $21,773, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $40,073, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 33.40% of students received a federal student loan and 14.25% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $53,334.00 without financial aid.

American University Net Price Calculator

American University Majors/Salaries

American University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at American University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,992
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Master’s Degree) – $54,852
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,748
• Area Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $49,058
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,980
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $64,493
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,772
• Journalism. (Master’s Degree) – $38,289
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,432
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Master’s Degree) – $52,941
• Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
• Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,635
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $63,600
• International and Comparative Education. (Master’s Degree) – $58,943
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $57,995
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,136
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $53,775
• Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,728
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $63,203
• Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $67,660
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $31,741
• Literature. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,563
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Statistics. (Master’s Degree) – $75,706
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. (Master’s Degree) – $58,673
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,663
• Philosophy. (Master’s Degree) – $50,606
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,175
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Master’s Degree) – $60,399
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $74,953
• Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $60,771
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,933
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,494
• Economics. (Master’s Degree) – $69,338
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,469
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $63,692
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,655
• Political Science and Government. (Master’s Degree) – $46,087
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,025
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,896
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $38,906
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $32,569
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $57,318
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,725
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $99,458
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,014
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $69,338
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,512
• Taxation. (Master’s Degree) – $97,907
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,852
• History. (Master’s Degree) – $50,231

American University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at American University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.06%
• Asian: 6.83%
• Black: 7.78%
• Hispanic: 11.65%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.07%
• Non-resident alien: 9.92%
• Two or more races: 5.10%
• Unknown: 3.20%
• White: 55.39%

At American University, 1.67% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

American University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at American University?

School spirit at American University is very strong and plays an important role in campus life. The school hosts many events and activities throughout the year to promote school spirit, such as pep rallies, tailgate parties, and sporting events. Students participate in traditions like painting the AU logo, wearing school colors, and “Eagle” hand signs to show their support for the university. Additionally, the university has a strong fan base for their basketball team and a popular mascot named “Clawed the Eagle.” Students and alumni also frequently support and participate in community service projects and events organized by the university, showcasing their school pride and commitment to making a positive impact.

What are some popular extracurriculars at American University?

American University offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to students to get involved on campus. Some popular extracurriculars include: 1. Clubs and organizations such as student government, theatre groups, and student-run publications. 2. Sports teams and intramurals including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and many more. 3. Volunteer programs such as DC Reads, which provides tutoring to underprivileged District of Columbia elementary school children. 4. Professional fraternities and societies such as finance club, pre-law society, and medical societies. 5. Music groups like the University Chorus, Jazz Band, and Chamber Ensemble. American University encourages students to find their passion and develop their skills, no matter how niche their interests may be.

How are the food choices at American University?

American University has a variety of dining options on campus to cater to the diverse food preferences of its students. There are several dining halls, cafes, and food trucks that offer a range of cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free menus. Most dining halls have a rotating menu, which makes the food choices more exciting. Some popular dining options on campus include the Terrace Dining Room, the Bridge Café, and the Megabytes Café. The university also has partnerships with local restaurants in the area, which allows students to access more food options off-campus. Overall, American University strives to provide its students with healthy and delicious food choices.

Is there Greek life at American University?

Yes, Greek life is present at American University. The school currently has 11 recognized sororities and 10 recognized fraternities, known collectively as the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Association (PHA). Greek life at American University provides opportunities for students to make friends, develop leadership skills, and engage in service and philanthropic activities. However, it’s also important to note that not all students choose to participate in Greek life, and there are plenty of other ways to get involved on campus.

What is American University known for?

American University (AU) is known for its commitment to global education, public service, and political activity. AU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as international relations, public policy, business, communication, and journalism. The university has a long-standing reputation for encouraging civic engagement, with a strong emphasis on activism and advocacy. Additionally, American University is recognized for its top-ranked programs in international affairs, its highly regarded School of Public Affairs, and its prestigious Washington College of Law.

What are the most popular school clubs at American University?

American University has a wide variety of school clubs catering to almost every interest. Some of the most popular clubs at American University include: 1. The Political Science Club 2. The Women’s Initiative 3. The American University Student Government 4. The Ultimate Frisbee Club 5. The Environmental Action Group 6. The Young Americans for Liberty 7. The International Student Association 8. The Business and Economics Club 9. The African Student Association 10. The Dance Club. There are many other active clubs at American University- these are some of the top ones.

Is the campus at American University safe?

Yes, American University takes campus safety very seriously and has a relatively low crime rate. The campus security department is staffed 24/7 and provides a variety of services for students, such as a campus escort program and emergency response procedures. American University also has safety resources available on their website, such as crime statistics and safety tips for students.