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Who We Are

Founded in 1893, American University is a private, student-centered research institution in the heart of Washington, D.C. Nestled in a vibrant residential neighborhood of the nation’s capital, AU is home to eight prestigious schools and colleges, over 190 academic programs, and a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students ready to create change locally and globally.

Rankings

#2

for Green Colleges Town

—Princeton Review, 2026

#5

in Study Abroad

—U.S. News & World Report, 2026

#15

in Co-ops & Internships

—U.S. News & World Report 2026


Top 50

Private University

—U.S. News & World Report 2026

#7

for Undergraduate International Business Program (Kogod)

—U.S. News & World Report 2026

#9

for Schools of Public Affairs (SPA)

—U.S. News & World Report 2026


Lab research

Academics and Faculty

  • R1 Research University (highest designation for research activity)
  • 94% of faculty hold the highest degree in their field
  • Average undergraduate class size: 23

AU Research

Alumni Network

160,000 alumni worldwide

59,000 living and working in DC, MD, VA

Outcomes That Matter

91 percent

of graduates employed or in grad school within 6 months

85 percent

complete at least one internship

60 percent

study abroad before graduation

We Know Success! Find out more information on our graduate outcomes.

Commitment to Sustainability

First carbon-neutral university in the U.S.

98-acre arboretum campus with 5,000+ trees in Northwest DC

Students

Student Body

  • 11,321 students 
  • 33% students of color
  • From 50 states & 110+ countries

Class of 2029

Admitted Student Profile

Admitted class (Middle 50%): GPA 3.57–4.02 | SAT 1330–1440 | ACT 29–32

Student break

Life at AU

  • 15 NCAA Division I Patriot League teams + Men’s Wrestling
  • 45 club & intramural sports
  • 250+ student organizations
  • 20 religious communities

Student Life