Washington, DC 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 7,669 undergraduates at American and the school’s acceptance rate is 41%. The tuition at American is $53,889.
American is a United Methodist school. That means that the administration is affiliated with the United Methodist faith. Classes may be designed with religious principles in mind, or some schools may even incorporate prayer into their schedule. Other schools with a religious affiliation may not be as active in their incorporation of the faith. It's a good idea to ask an admissions officer or current student what role faith has at American to help you make an educated decision.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,669
Pell Grant 12%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 36% / 64%
Ethnic Diversity at American
56% White
12% Hispanic
9% International / Non-Citizen
8% Black
7% Asian / Pacific Islander
5% Multiracial
3% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
11:1
Graduation Rate
79%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
34%
34% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
17%
17% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
11%
11% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
8%
8% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
4%
4% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
4%
4% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$71,703
$28,291
$43,412
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$71,703for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at American is $71,703. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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.
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American University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at American need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for American is 001434 and the CSS Profile Code is 5007.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at American University? American offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check American's website for more information!
Pell Grants at American University
13% of students at American University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to American University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
American students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
American University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at American or have questions that are specific to your personal 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 Snapshot
41%
31
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.
Coalition Colleges
American is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to American via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does American have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to American University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into American University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT 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 32 on their ACT, or a 1245 and a 1400 on their SAT.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to American?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to American University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
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.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to American?
Applying to American with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$77,370
Median Debt $22,750
Debt 10 years after graduation $241
Graduation Rate 79%
What is the graduation rate at American University?
79% of students who start at American University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 21% 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?
10 years after starting school at American University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $77,370. This is $26,979 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at American take out in loans?
Graduates of American have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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.
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