Fall 2022 Admitted Student Profile
3.70-4.20
GPA Middle 50%
(School reported)1310-1440
SAT Middle 50%
(Critical Reading and Math)30-33
ACT Middle 50%
Our Academic Profile
A student-centered research institution situated in a residential neighborhood of the nation's capital, we are home to eight prestigious schools and colleges, over 170 programs, and more than 14,000 students.
Schools and Colleges
With eight schools and over 170 programs including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, American University students choose a personalized curriculum of theoretical study and experiential learning, taught by internationally-recognized faculty in courses that take them from the classroom, to the nation’s capital, and all around the globe.
- College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences
The largest school at American University, the College of Arts and Sciences features more than 100 degree programs that span the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Our diverse, scholarly community offers outstanding opportunities for hands-on interdisciplinary research, internships, and creative expression.
- Kogod School of Business
Kogod School of Business
A top-ranked, AACSB-accredited institution, the Kogod School of Business offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs, including an MBA. Students gain real-world experience through programs grounded in experiential learning and expert faculty that prepare them to lead in all sectors of business: public, private, and nonprofit.
- School of Communication
School of Communication
From journalism to strategic communication to independent filmmaking and games, the School of Communication inspires tomorrow's digital storytellers. Students learn to produce media that matter with the support of faculty who have received the highest honors in their professional field, including Academy and Emmy awards and the Pulitzer Prize.
- School of Education
School of Education
With a vibrant community and passion for change, the School of Education is dedicated to creating and ensuring excellent learning experiences for every child. Through cutting-edge research, innovative outreach programs, and the development of inspiring coursework, students address the most challenging issues in the field.
- School of International Service
School of International Service
A top-10 school of international affairs, the School of International Service prepares graduate and undergraduate students for global service in government, nonprofits, and business while connecting them to an active international network of more than 20,000 alumni. Our students graduate prepared to combine knowledge with practice and wage peace in our world.
- Professional Studies & Executive Education
Professional Studies & Executive Education
Dedicated to professional and experiential learning, the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies (OGPS) offers an array of options for lifelong learners spanning the applied social sciences. Programs range from executive training courses to market-driven online master's degrees for professionals at critical junctures in their careers.
- School of Public Affairs
School of Public Affairs
Set in the heart of our nation's capital, the School of Public Affairs is a top-ranked school of public administration and policy, government, and justice. From our politically-engaged campus, students gain access to world-class faculty members, influencers, and internship opportunities where they can have a meaningful impact on our world.
- Washington College of Law
Washington College of Law
Today's economic, political, and social changes require innovative legal solutions. As one of the most diverse law schools in the country, the Washington College of Law equips students to navigate this new reality. Programs include international law, law and government, trial advocacy, and business, with experiential opportunities through clinics and externships.
American University is a private, co-educational doctoral institution situated in a residential neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. We are classified as an R2 Institution, ranked "Doctoral: Higher Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are a Methodist affiliated institution.
In fall 2021, AU’s enrollment was approximately 14,852, with 8,123 degree-seeking undergraduates, 4,861 degree-seeking graduate students, 1,426 law students, and 442 students in non-degree certificate programs, the Washington Semester program, or AU Abroad.
AU offers 80 bachelor’s degrees, 99 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, JD, LLM, SJD, and MLS degrees, and certificates and associate degrees.
Face-to-face courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summerterm classes. In addition, AU offers study abroad programs and alternative breaks. Ninety percent of undergraduates participate in at least one internship during their time at AU, and 54 percent of students participate in study abroad. AU’s undergraduate first-year retention rate is 91 percent, and 79 percent of students graduate from AU within six years.
AU’s campus-based student body is globally diverse, with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 110 countries represented. Twelve percent of undergraduates and 9 percent of graduate students are international. The University’s mission is carried out by 924 full-time faculty and more than 1,800 full-time staff. Ninety-four percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Among AU’s more than 700 adjunct faculty are policymakers, diplomats, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and business leaders.
More Info
For more information about American University, visit our Consumer Information page.
12 to 1
Student-Faculty RatioAY 2021-22
21
Average Undergraduate Class SizeAY 2021-22
17
Average Graduate Class Size (Excludes Law)AY 2021-22
94 percent
Faculty Hold Highest Degrees in Their FieldsFall 2022
Rankings
number 51
Best College Value (Private)Kiplinger 2018 Best College Value
Other Indicators of Excellence
AU consistently ranks among the nation’s great universities. A sample of recent rankings:
Scholarship + Careers
- #1 nationally for Boren fellows and #4 for combined Boren scholars and fellows (2022)
- #4 nationally for Presidential Management Fellows finalists (2022)
- 91% of undergraduates held an internship (Graduation Census 2018)
Community Service + Engagement
- #2 Most Peace Corps Volunteers (for medium-sized schools in 2020)
- #5 Most Active Student Government (Princeton Review)
- #9 Most Politically Active Students (Princeton Review)
Sustainability
- 1st University in the U.S. to be Carbon Neutral (announced in April 2018)