AU’s commitment to experiential learning propelled the university up four spots to No. 15 on US News and World Report’s 2026 list of best colleges for co-ops or internships, released in September. 

Eighty-seven percent of Eagles land at least one internship during their time at AU.

“Students can apply what they’re learning in the classroom, build networks, and explore future career paths—all within reach of campus,” said Liz Romig, SIS/MA ’12, interim assistant vice provost for the Career Center and AU Abroad. “Internships bring our curriculum to life.” 

US News and World Report also ranked AU fifth for study abroad, with 60 percent of students studying outside the US—the most in school history—during the 2023–24 academic year. 

AU checked in at No. 88 overall, up three spots from last year. The publication also recognized AU—a top- 50 private university—in several specialty rankings, including undergraduate research/creative projects (No. 44) and first-year experience (No. 52).

Bolstered by its cutting-edge AI curriculum, Kogod also ranked seventh for undergraduate international business programs and No. 77 among undergraduate business schools.