Student Body ↓

About

About American University

social sciences focushigh research activityselective private universitysmall class sizes

American University is a private research university in Washington, DC, known for its social sciences focus and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 41%, AU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 1,761 students each year. AU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1290–1430, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 87%, somewhat higher than the regular decision rate of 64%, making it a consideration for students who have confirmed their first choice. AU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $25,082 per year; the sticker price of $68,512 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

American University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

41%
Overall Accept Rate
1360
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1290 – 1430 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 29 – 33

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ED advantage at American University: ED acceptance rate is 87% vs 64% regular decision, notably higher than. If American Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to American University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Demonstrated Interest
AU ranks demonstrated interest as highly important in admissions decisions, so visit campus, attend a virtual or in-person information session, and reach out to your regional admissions counselor to make sure your engagement is on record.
Essay Strategy
American University sits in the heart of Washington DC, so use your essays to articulate exactly how you plan to take advantage of that location, whether through internships on Capitol Hill, nonprofit work, think tanks, or federal agencies, since vague interest in politics will not stand out here.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What American University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$69k/yr$23.2k
30k-48k~$69k/yr$20.4k
48k-75k~$69k/yr$26.0k
75k-110k~$69k/yr$30.1k
110k+~$69k/yr$53.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

79%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$61k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,585
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

56%White
14%Hispanic
8%Black / African American
7%Asian
6%Two or More Races
5%International
3%Unknown / Unreported
Gender38% Men · 62% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status95% Citizens and Immigrants · 5% International
AU, Washington Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch