Overview
American University (AU), located in Washington, D.C., offers students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning in the heart of the nation's capital. Established in 1893, AU is known for its strong programs in international relations, public affairs, and political science. The campus features the Katzen Arts Center, which houses galleries and performance spaces, and the AU Museum at the Katzen, offering students and the public access to contemporary art exhibitions.
There are currently 7,593 undergraduates at American and the school’s acceptance rate is 47%. The tuition at American is $56,543.
American is affiliated with the United Methodist faith. Many schools have religious affiliations but only some of them incorporate their affiliation in a way that shapes the student experience. If you have any questions about the role of the United Methodist faith at American, be sure to reach out to their admissions officers.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$76,175
$34,230
$41,945
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$76,175The sticker price at American is $76,175. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at American would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
American University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at American you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for American is 001434 and the CSS Profile Code is 5007.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more college scholarshipsPell Grants at American University
13% of students at American University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at American. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
American University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at American, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.american.edu/financialaid/
- Email: [email protected]
Admissions
47%
31
1323
1323 is the median SAT score and 31 is the median ACT score for admitted students at American. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does American have a supplemental essay?
Yes, American University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer American's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
American Supplemental Essay Guide
Is American test-optional?
American University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into American University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to American University receive between a 29 and a 33 on their ACT, or a 1250 and a 1415 on their SAT.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at American?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at American during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At American students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 15.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 15.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
78%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
35%
35% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
17%
17% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
9%
9% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
8%
8% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
4%
4% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
4%
4% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
3%
3% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,593
Pell Grant 13%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Percent Male / Female 36% / 64%
Ethnic Diversity at American
57% White
13% Hispanic
8% Black
7% Asian / Pacific Islander
7% International / Non-Citizen
6% Multiracial
3% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$77,370
Median Debt $22,750
Debt 10 years after graduation $241
Graduation Rate 78%
What is the graduation rate at American University?
78% of students who start at American University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 20% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of American University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at American University is $77,370. This is $26,979 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from American University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at American take out in loans?
Graduates of American take out a median of $22,750 in federal student loans. This is $9,250 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent American University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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