American University
#105 in National Universities (tie)
Overview
American University is a private institution that was founded in 1893. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,917 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 90 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. American University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #105. Its tuition and fees are $56,544.
Students at American University benefit from the school's location in the political hub of the nation. Washington, D.C., is a playground for the politically and socially oriented with its countless museums, restaurants, clubs and year-round events. The university, located in a suburban pocket of northwest Washington, is close to a stop on the D.C.-area Metrorail transit system. Rides downtown take about 15 minutes. Students at American have been rated among the most politically active in the nation, and there are more than 270 student clubs and organizations on campus. The school also has a sizable Greek system, with more than 25 fraternities and sororities.
The American University Eagles sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League, and the school’s mascot is, accordingly, an eagle. Catching a professional sports contest, such as a Commanders football game or a Nationals baseball game, is a quick trip from campus, too. The university is affiliated with the Methodist church, but its Kay Spiritual Life Center houses nearly 25 groups of different faiths. The confluence of opportunities on and off campus clearly works for most students: American University boasts a notably high freshmen retention rate of nearly 90%.
American University has eight unique schools, including the well-regarded Washington College of Law. All students can take advantage of the school’s cultural hubs, such as the Katzen Arts Center and Greenberg Theatre. For time away from the nation's capital, more than 50% of undergraduates study abroad. American University's School of International Service is one of the top 10 international affairs schools in the country. Dozens of politicians are alumni of American University, including U.S. Reps. Loretta Sanchez and Donald Manzullo and former U.S. Reps. Betsy Markey and Bill Shuster. Mike Panetta, the former shadow representative for Washington, D.C., is also an American University graduate.
American University is a private institution that was founded in 1893. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,917 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 90 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. American University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #105. Its tuition and fees are $56,544.
Students at American University benefit from the school's location in the political hub of the nation. Washington, D.C., is a playground for the politically and socially oriented with its countless museums, restaurants, clubs and year-round events. The university, located in a suburban pocket of northwest Washington, is close to a stop on the D.C.-area Metrorail transit system. Rides downtown take about 15 minutes. Students at American have been rated among the most politically active in the nation, and there are more than 270 student clubs and organizations on campus. The school also has a sizable Greek system, with more than 25 fraternities and sororities.
The American University Eagles sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League, and the school’s mascot is, accordingly, an eagle. Catching a professional sports contest, such as a Commanders football game or a Nationals baseball game, is a quick trip from campus, too. The university is affiliated with the Methodist church, but its Kay Spiritual Life Center houses nearly 25 groups of different faiths. The confluence of opportunities on and off campus clearly works for most students: American University boasts a notably high freshmen retention rate of nearly 90%.
American University has eight unique schools, including the well-regarded Washington College of Law. All students can take advantage of the school’s cultural hubs, such as the Katzen Arts Center and Greenberg Theatre. For time away from the nation's capital, more than 50% of undergraduates study abroad. American University's School of International Service is one of the top 10 international affairs schools in the country. Dozens of politicians are alumni of American University, including U.S. Reps. Loretta Sanchez and Donald Manzullo and former U.S. Reps. Betsy Markey and Bill Shuster. Mike Panetta, the former shadow representative for Washington, D.C., is also an American University graduate.
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At-a-Glance
Setting
Urban
Tuition & Fees
$56,544
Undergraduate Enrollment
7,917
Acceptance Rate
41%
2024 Rankings
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Admissions
Cost
Tuition & Fees
$56,544
Room & Board
$17,012(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$41,533
$28,037
$28,037
Tuition & Fees
$56,544
Room & Board
$17,012(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$41,533
*Average cost after aid
Academics
74%
11:1
61%
Popular Majors
MAJOR
% OF GRADUATES
ALUMNI STARTING SALARY
International Relations and Affairs
23%
N/A
Business Administration and Management, General
12%
N/A
Political Science and Government, General
9%
N/A
Public Relations/Image Management
7%
N/A
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
6%
N/A
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* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.
Faculty Research Impact
Bibliometric Rank
197
Bibliometrics is the statistical analyses of publications and citations for the purpose of measuring faculty research impact.Publications Cited in Top 25% of Journals
65%
Publications Cited in Top 5% of Journals
19%
Total Papers published between 2018-2022
2,584
Citations Per Publication
14:1
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Students
7,917
Graduate Enrollment
5,968
Total Enrollment
13,885
Full-Time Degree-Seeking Students
7,411
Student Diversity
Gender Distribution
Ethnic Diversity
32%
Minority Enrollment
32%
Minority Enrollment
56%
White
12%
Hispanic
9%
International
8%
Black
7%
Asian
5%
Two or more races
3%
Unknown
Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.
Campus Life
Housing and Dorms
Types of campus housing available:
Student Activities
72+
Sports Teams
N/A
Fraternities
N/A
Sororities
After College
Graduation Rate
74%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
53%
Average Debt at Graduation
$31,794
$47,279
$47,279
Graduation Rate
74%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
53%
Average Debt at Graduation
$31,794
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Reviews & Ratings
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Undergraduate data are based on the 2022 school year.
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