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American University

country rank  105
world rank  190

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Overview

Established in 1893, the American University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, American University (AU) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. American University (AU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 131-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. AU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

American University's Control Typeprivate

Entity

American University's Entity Typenon-profit

Size

American University' Size by Total Enrollmentlarge-sized

Selectivity

American University's Selectivity by Acceptance Rateaveragely selective

University Identity

Name
Acronym AU
Founded 1893
Motto Pro Deo et Patria
For God and Country
Colours Blue and red
Mascot Clawed
Video Presentation

University Location

Address 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington
20016-8001 District of Columbia
United States
American University's location map and satellite view Location Map and Satellite View
American University Phone Number +1 (202) 885 1000
American University Fax Number +1

Search Engine

for programs, online courses, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to search and learn about American University.
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Fields of Study / Degree Levels

Introduction

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.


Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following American University's Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify American University's academic range and degree level offering.



American University: Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix
PreBach
degrees		 Bachelor
degrees		 Master
degrees		 Doctoral
degrees

 
 
 
 
A&H
L&C
B&S
M&H
S&T
Eng

Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on American University's areas of study and degree levels currently offered; the above matrix may not be complete or up-to-date.

Programs and Courses

Courses and Programs

Click here to explore a list of or, if not available yet, search for them with our powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our new A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Programs, Courses and Degrees to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects, salary expectations of each course/program/degree.

Tuition Fees

Introduction

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.


Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

This American University's Tuition Fees Range Matrix is divided into 2 types of students, local and international students, and 2 degree levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and aims to help students to have an approximate idea of the yearly tuition range they might expect to pay at American University.

American University: Tuition Fees Range Matrix
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)		 35,000-39,999 US$
(31,890-36,450 Euro)
International
students		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)		 35,000-39,999 US$
(31,890-36,450 Euro)

Tip: search for American University's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: please contact the university's Admission Office for detailed information on American University's yearly tuition fees which apply to your specific situation and study interest; tuition fees may vary by program, citizenship/residency, study mode (i.e. face to face or online, part time or full time), as well as other factors. The above matrix is indicative only and may not be up-to-date.

Admissions

Introduction

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our "Introduction to University Admissions" article to learn more.


Admission Information

uniRank publishes below some basic American University's admission information.

American University's Gender Admission Policy Gender Admission

This institution admits Men and Women (coed).


American University's Admission Selection Admission Selection

Has American University a selective admission policy? Yes, based on students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

American University's acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this institution an averagely selective higher education institution.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

  • Secondary school GPA is required
  • Secondary school rank is neither required nor recommended
  • Secondary school record is required
  • Completion of college-preparatory program is required
  • Recommendations are required
  • Formal demonstration of competencies is recommended
  • Admission test scores are required
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required
  • Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) is neither required nor recommended

Source: IPDES


American University's International Students Admission International Students Admission

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.

American University (AU) is pleased to have a diverse community with more than 1,350 full-time degree-seeking international students joining annually from around 120 to 130 countries.

For international students interested in undergraduate admiss

American University's Admission Office Admission Office

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington 20016-8001
(202) 885 6000


Tip: search for American University's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact American University's Admission Office for detailed information on their admission selection policy and acceptance rate; the above information may not be complete or up-to-date.

Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university.


Size and Profile

uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for American University.

American University's Total Student Enrollment Student Enrollment

American University has an enrollment range of 10,000-14,999 students making it a large-sized institution.


American University's Total Faculty/Academic staff Academic Staff

This institution has a range of 1,500-1,999 academic employees (Faculty).


American University's Control Type Control Type

American University is a private higher education institution.


American University's Entity Type Entity Type

American University is a non-profit higher education institution.


American University's Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a Urban setting.


American University's Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a Semesters type of academic calendar.


American University's Disabled Students Friendliness Disabled Students %

This institution has a high percentage of disabled students making it particularly disability-friendly.


American University is Christian-Methodist Religious Affiliation

American University has a Christian-Methodist affiliation (United Methodist Church - www.gbhem.org).


Carnegie Classification

Introduction

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States...


The classification was first created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970, and it has been updated periodically since then. The Carnegie Classification is based on a set of criteria, such as the level and types of degrees offered, research activity and enrollment size. Institutions are classified into one of several categories based on these criteria, ranging from "doctoral universities" with very high research activity to "special focus institutions" that primarily award degrees in a specific field, such as the arts or health professions. The classification allows for quick comparisons between institutions within and across categories.

Carnegie Classification

uniRank provides below the official American University's Carnegie classification.

Basic Classification Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
Size & Setting Four-year, large, highly residential institution
Enrollment Profile Majority undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile Four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in institution
Undergraduate Instructional Program Arts & sciences plus professions, high graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program Research Doctoral: Comprehensive programs, no medical/veterinary school

Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.


University Facilities

uniRank provides below an overview of American University's main facilities:


American University's Library University Library

This institution has a physical Library. Visit American University's Library

American University's main library collection is comprised of both physical (i.e. books, medium, etc.) and digital/electronic items. For Fiscal year 2022 the library reported 795,299 physical volumes, 51,844 physical media, 907,802 digital/electronic volumes, 252,004 digital/electronic media and 573 licensed digital/electronic databases. The library employs 138 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff including 21 FTE librarians. American University's library has a total library expenditure greater than $100,000 per year (Source IPEDS). The main library has partner collections with the AU's Washington College of Law and with the Wesley Theological Seminary.


American University's Housing University Housing

This institution provides housing services such as on-campus residences or dormitories.

In particular, the American University provides on-campus housing and the total dormitory capacity, whether on or off campus, was about 4,080 students in the 2021 academic year (Source: IPDES).

Housing types include:

  • Coed housing
  • Theme housing
  • Wellness housing
  • Living Learning Communities (academic program-based housing)
  • Entering cohort-based housing
  • Housing for students with disabilities is handled on an individual basis

American University's Sport Facilities/Activities Sport Facilities/Activities

This institution features sporting facilities and organizes sports activities for its students.

American University offers a wide range of sport facilities and activities. It is an NCAA Division I School in the Patriot League for intercollegiate sports. The university also hosts a large number of intramural and club sports, including:

  • Basketball - Men's
  • Baseball
  • Climbing
  • Crew
  • eSports
  • Equestrian
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf - New 2023
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse - Women's
  • Rugby - Men's
  • Rugby - Women's
  • Sailing
  • Ski and Snowboard
  • Soccer - Men's
  • Soccer - Women's
  • Swimming
  • Taekwondo
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee - Men's
  • Ultimate Frisbee - Womxn's
  • Volleyball - Men's
  • Volleyball - Women's
  • Wrestling
  • XCTF - Cross Country Track and Field

For more details, please visit the official American University Recreation and Fitness website.

Here is a list of the current facilities available at American University:

  • Jacobs Fitness Center
  • Reeves Aquatic Center
  • Cassell Fitness Center
  • Congressional Fitness Center
  • Bender Arena
  • Greenberg Track and Reeves Athletic Complex
  • William I Jacobs Recreational Complex
  • Six unlit outdoor tennis courts
  • Campus Fitness Trail

For more info, please visit the American University Recreation and Fitness Facilities webpage.



University Services

uniRank provides below an overview of American University's main services:


American University's Financial Aid Financial Aid

This institution offers one or more of the following financial aid for eligible students: scholarships, grants, loans, tuition waivers, emergency financial aid etc.

American University provides the following financial aids:

  • Student grants (need-based and not required to be repaid)
  • Student scholarships (merit-based and need-based, and not required to be repaid)
  • Tuition waivers

American University's Study Abroad Study Abroad

This institution offers study abroad and exchange program opportunities for its students.

American University's Distance Learning Distance Learning

This institution provides a distance learning mode for certain programs or courses.

In particular, this institution offers some programs fully via distance education at the undergraduate level and at the graduate level. Source: IPDES.

American University's Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

This institution offers students academic guidance and support to assist them in their academic pursuits.

American University's Career Services Career Services

This institution offers career counseling, career assessments, job and internship postings, career events, alumni networking or other career-related services to assist students transition successfully from academic life to professional life.


Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on American University's facilities and services; the information above is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.

Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.


American University's Recognition or Accreditation Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

American University is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Year of first Recognition or Accreditation

1928


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important American University's programmatic accreditations; feel free to submit any relevant missing specialized accreditations.

  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation


Tip: search for American University's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Important: the above section is intended to include only those reputable organizations (e.g. Ministries or Departments of Higher Education) that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register or, more generally, recognize American University as a whole (institutional legal recognition), accredit the institution as a whole (institutional accreditation) or accredit its specific programs/courses (programmatic accreditation).

Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.


Affiliations and Memberships

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important American University's affiliations and memberships; feel free to submit any relevant missing higher education-related organizations this university is affiliated with.

  • National Association of Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
  • Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
  • Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
  • Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS)
  • Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
  • National Athletic Association (NAA)
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structure

Introduction

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a University focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer academic divisions and a simplified organizational structure. Read our guide article "Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools" to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.


Academic Structure

uniRank shows a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the American University 's organizational structure; feel free to submit any relevant missing division.


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Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics of some American University's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.


Facebook Facebook

American University's Facebook page American University's official Facebook page

Twitter X (Twitter)

American University's X (formerly Twitter) page American University's official Twitter page

YouTube YouTube

American University's YouTube channel American University's official YouTube channel

Instagram Instagram

American University's Instagram page American University's official Instagram channel

LinkedIn LinkedIn

American University's main LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

n.a.

Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country.


Wikipedia

Wikipedia Article Wikipedia Article

American University's Wikipedia article

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Feedback, Errors and Update

We appreciate your feedback and error reports. American University's official representatives can claim this institution and request to update this entire university profile free of charge by clicking on UPDATE ALL

Feedback / Error UPDATE ALL

Site last updated: Wednesday, 28 August 2024

Disclaimer: please visit American University's official website to review that the information provided above is up-to-date. The uniRank World University Ranking™ is not an academic ranking and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a higher education organization where to apply for enrollment.

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