American University
Washington, DC, United States
Founded in 1893, American University is a university in Washington, DC, the United States. It enrols approximately 8,503 students. The institution is ranked #587 in the QS World University Rankings.
Upcoming deadlines
For 2027 entry. Dates can change, so confirm on the source before you apply.
This university
Dates this university publishes for itself.
Typical for this route
The usual date for this admissions route, not specific to this university. Check its own admissions page too.
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Candidates' reply date · in 177 daysUS Regular Decision (typical) · Most US four-year colleges. A default, not a specific college's date. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-23
Programme outcomes
Programmes with published graduate earnings (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard).
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) →
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) →
- Political Science and Government (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) →
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Anthropology (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Area Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree) →
- History (Bachelor's Degree) →
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Journalism (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Literature (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Non-Professional Legal Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) →
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (Master's Degree) →
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) →
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) →
- Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) →
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) →
- Economics (Master's Degree) →
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) →
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Master's Degree) →
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) →
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degree) →
- History (Master's Degree) →
- Homeland Security (Master's Degree) →
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) →
- International and Comparative Education (Master's Degree) →
- Journalism (Master's Degree) →
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) →
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) →
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) →
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (Master's Degree) →
- Philosophy (Master's Degree) →
- Political Science and Government (Master's Degree) →
- Psychology, General (Master's Degree) →
- Public Administration (Master's Degree) →
- Public Health (Master's Degree) →
- Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) →
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degree) →
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) →
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) →
- Law (First Professional Degree) →
About the institution
- Affiliations: American Council on Education, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Coalition for Networked Information, Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, LIGO Scientific Collaboration (+2 more)
Test score ranges
- SAT Math: 660 – 740 (25th–75th percentile)
- SAT Reading + Writing: 650 – 730
- ACT composite: 29 – 33
Outcomes
- 4-year graduation rate: 72%
- Full-time retention rate: 90%
- Median graduate debt: $15,237
Frequently asked questions
What is the admission rate at American University?
American University has an admission rate of approximately 36.0%. This figure reflects the overall proportion of applicants who receive an offer of admission.
When was American University founded?
American University was founded in 1893.
How many students attend American University?
American University enrols approximately 8,503 students.
What SAT score do you need for American University?
The middle 50% of admitted students at American University scored between 1310 and 1470 on the SAT. The average SAT score is 1350.
How much does American University cost?
The annual cost of attendance at American University is approximately $55,798. Financial aid, scholarships, and net price after aid may reduce this figure significantly for eligible students.
What is the QS World Ranking of American University?
American University is ranked #587 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
What is the official website of American University?
The official website of American University is american.edu.
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