American University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

About the University

Located in Washington, DC, American University serves as a student-centered research institution with highly regarded schools and colleges, instructors from throughout the world, and a history of making a positive difference in the world. The students stand out for their commitment to others, their leadership, and their capacity to reconsider opportunities and problems on both the domestic and international fronts. At AU, students take their passions and turn them into action.

Chartered by Congress in 1893, American University is a Methodist-affiliated institution. In response to George Washington's proposal to establish a national university in the nation's capital, American University was founded to prepare future public officials, a goal it continues to uphold today.

The notable alums of American University are Gary D Cohn and Alisyn Camerota. 

American University Highlight

Type of University (Public/Private)	Private Federally Chartered Research University
Total Student Population	The total number of students in American universities is 14,318.
Percentage of International Student Population	12% of the total undergraduate students are international.  9% of the total graduate students are international.
Acceptance Rate	American University has an acceptance rate of 64%.
Student-Faculty Ratio	The student-to-faculty ratio in American University is 11:1
Number of Campuses (Domestic + International)	American University has two campuses: a) Main campus on Massachusetts Avenue and b) East Campus on Nebraska Avenue.
Number of Scholarships Awarded	Each year, American University gives ten scholarships to eligible students who have excelled academically and have a considerable financial need.
Official Website	https://www.american.edu/
Official address	4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016.

About Campus and Accommodation

The 90-acre campus of American University is in a residential area of Washington, DC. It combines the benefits of a typical college environment with unmatched proximity to the excitement, culture, and opportunity of the country's capital.

The University is in a small neighborhood in the middle of a bustling city, so the breathtaking sights are never far away. Students can unwind with their fellow students on the lovely grounds (a recognized arboretum) before making an impromptu journey to the National Mall.

There are three major categories for accommodation in American universities, which are further divided into several other categories. The three major accommodation types with price ranges are given below in a table:

Accommodation type	Cost per semester
Traditional style halls	$3,880 - $6,710
Suite style halls	$6,020 - $7,770
Apartment style halls	$6,130 - $8,360

American University Global Ranking

American University is one of the best private universities in Washington, D.C. The QS World University Rankings for 2023 place it between #701-750. As per QS WUR Ranking By Subject, it is ranked #51-100, #131-140 in US Uni. As per QS Graduate Employability Ranking, American University is ranked #251-300.

Acceptance Rate of the University

According to the University, early decision applicants at American University have an acceptance rate of roughly 64.1%. However, competition is significantly higher than in many other universities in America, as few applications are accepted during the first rounds of admission. 

Top Courses Offered at American University

Some of the most popular courses offered by American University are listed below:

• International Relations and Affairs
• Business Administration and Management, General
• Political Science and Government, General
• Interdisciplinary/ Multidisciplinary Studies
• Safety Studies/ Criminal Justice
• Image Management/ Public Relations
• Finance
• Economics
• Psychology

The tuition fees for American University are listed in the table below:

Undergraduate students:

Undergraduate credit rate	Tuition Total
Part-time (less than 12 credit hours)	$1,856
Full-time (12-17.5 credit hours)	$27,862
Full-time (18 hours)	$29,718

Graduate Students:

Graduate Credit Rate	Tuition Total
Per Credit Hour	$1,922

Law Students:

Law Credit Rate	Tuition Total
Full Time (12-17 credit hours)	$30,968
Part-Time (Less than 12 credit hours)	$2,294

Non-degree Students:

Non-Degree Credit Rate	Tuition Total
For course levels 100-400 (per credit hour)	$1,856
For course level 500 and over (per credit hour)	$1,922

American University Admission Process

In order to apply to American University, students must submit a non-refundable application fee of $75. 

The Gap Year Program at American University is a highly selected program intended for mature, driven, and autonomous students with strong leadership abilities. In the Washington Semester Program, high-achieving undergraduate students and gap-year students attend the same classes. Only American students are eligible for the Gap Year program.

Candidates must fulfill the following minimal university standards for pre-college education in order to be eligible:

• Diploma from high school
• GPA: 3.2 (at least)

On the following, admissions judgments are made:

• Transcripts from every school student have ever attended (high school and any colleges),
• Two essay questions
• Two recommendation letters
• Two interviews, both in-person and online

Documents Required for American University 

Here is the list of all the documents required to take admission to the American University:

• The applicants must submit a common application, including an essay
• High school transcripts 
• ACT and SAT test scores (Not required for international students)
• Recommendation letter from the teacher 
• Secondary school report
• Mid-year grades and mid-year reports
• A letter of recommendation (optional)

Exam Requirements for American University 

Applicants from non-English speaking nations must provide proof of their English language competency to pursue higher education in the USA. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and other popular tests of English language ability are approved in the USA.

The following are the tests required for applying to American University:

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS	6.5
TOEFL-IBT	65
PTE	70
SAT	1300
LSAT	150
GRE	320
GMAT	700
MCAT	510
DAT	12

Aside from English language tests, the most common exams recognized in the USA are the SAT/ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT. Undergraduate admissions require SAT and ACT scores, whereas graduate-level courses require GMAT/GRE and MCAT scores. 

American University Cost of Attendance

The tuition fees for American University are listed in the table below:

Undergraduate students:

Undergraduate credit rate	Tuition Total
Part-time (less than 12 credit hours)	$1,856
Full-time (12-17.5 credit hours)	$27,862
Full-time (18 hours)	$29,718

Graduate Students:

Graduate Credit Rate	Tuition Total
Per Credit Hour	$1,922

Law Students:

Law Credit Rate	Tuition Total
Full Time (12-17 credit hours)	$30,968
Part-Time (Less than 12 credit hours)	$2,294

Non-degree Students:

Non-Degree Credit Rate	Tuition Total
For course levels 100-400 (per credit hour)	$1,856
For course level 500 and over (per credit hour)	$1,922

The three major accommodation types with price ranges are given below in a table:

Accommodation type	Cost per semester
Traditional style halls	$3,880 - $6,710
Suite style halls	$6,020 - $7,770
Apartment style halls	$6,130 - $8,360

Available Scholarships for American University

International students receiving merit prizes from American universities will only receive partial grants. They receive awards for their exceptional academic performance, great English communication skills, volunteerism, leadership, and community involvement. The selection process for merit awards is very tough, and few scholarships are available. All merit-based awards at American University are given out at admission rather than following enrolment. These grants are extendable for the whole four years of study on the basis of continuous progress in the classroom.

Graduate Merit Awards may be available to exceptional international masters and doctorate students through their departments. Each year, these grants provide waivers for up to twelve credits of tuition. There may also be stipends offered. 

Placements at American University

The Career Centre at American University offers a range of student support services that aid students in developing their professional identities, selecting the best career route, and looking for internships and jobs. 

Job Title	Range
Project Manager (Unspecified Type / General)	$53k - $119k
Program Manager, Non-Profit Organization	$53k - $74k
Management Consultant	$65k - $112k
Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organization	$38k - $58k
Communications Manager	$49k - $94k
Communications Specialist	$44k - $87k
Data Analyst	$46k - $112k