Washington, DC
American University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, DC's large city setting. The university serves approximately 7,266 undergraduates with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and a graduation rate of 77.0%.
American University admits 61.9% of applicants, indicating moderate selectivity where most qualified applicants gain admission. An applicant's acceptance likelihood depends significantly on how their credentials align with admitted students' profiles.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 5,990 | 3,096 | 51.7% | 711 |
| Women | 11,796 | 5,331 | 45.2% | 1,145 |
American University admits 62% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
American University's cost of attendance is $79,371, while the average net price students pay is $41,943. Students with financial aid pay substantially less than the full cost of attendance.
* One or more income brackets show an unusually low net price, reflecting need-based aid that can reduce cost to near zero for families in that range.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $241.
After aid, American University costs $41,943 a year — about 86% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
American University has a 77.0% graduation rate. Median earnings are $61,328 at six years after entry and $77,370 at ten years after entry.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs | 386 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 189 |
| Business Administration and Management,... | 180 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 103 |
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies | 97 |
| Psychology, General | 72 |
| Journalism | 59 |
| Public Relations/Image Management | 56 |
| Economics, General | 48 |
| Public Health, General | 48 |
Median earnings eight years after entering American University are $70,443, and 79% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former American University students earn $61,328 — 35% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
American University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, DC's large city setting. The undergraduate student body of 7,266 students includes 62.4% women, 15.6% first-generation students, and 13.9% Pell grant recipients.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
305 of 7,357 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
19 of 7,817 undergraduates study entirely at a distance, against 1,103 of 5,202 graduate students.
American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
American University is in Washington, DC, in what IPEDS classifies as a large city setting. The campus sits about 4.5 miles from the center of Washington. There are 20 other colleges within 25 miles, and Washington, DC is 4.5 miles away.
District of Columbia scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 5.4% of Washington's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures American University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, American University reported 4 arrests and 131 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about American University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
American University has an acceptance rate of 61.9%. In the most recent admission cycle, the university received 17,786 applications and admitted 8,427 students, with 1,856 choosing to enroll.
The cost of attendance at American University is $79,371 annually. Tuition and fees are $58,771 per year. However, the average net price students actually pay is $41,943 after accounting for financial aid.
American University provides need-based financial aid to help make education affordable. The average net price is $41,943, and 13.9% of students receive Pell grants. The median federal debt at graduation is $22,750, with 38.0% of students borrowing federal loans.
American University has a graduation rate of 77.0%. The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, which supports student success and academic engagement.
Six years after enrollment, the median earnings for American University graduates are $61,328. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings increase to $77,370, demonstrating strong career outcomes.
American University graduates demonstrate strong loan repayment performance, with a three-year loan repayment rate of 78.9%. This reflects graduates' financial stability and ability to manage student debt responsibly.
American University is located in Washington, DC, a large city setting. This urban location provides students with access to internship opportunities, cultural institutions, and professional networks in the nation's capital.
American University has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,266 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, ensuring personalized attention and access to faculty members.
First-generation college students comprise 15.6% of the American University student body. The university is a private nonprofit institution committed to serving diverse student populations.
Women represent 62.4% of the undergraduate student body at American University. The university serves a diverse student population with varying backgrounds and experiences.