What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Be more assertive, especially with the professors. Pare down what you have to take to school.

Describe the students at your school.

Focused, liberal, politically active, and worldly.

What are the academics like at your school?

The academics are challenging, but also fair to the students. All the professors I have had really want their students to succeed, and if a student cares and puts in enough effort, they should be able to get the grades they want and deserve.

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

There are a lot of international students and very politically active students and consequently we get a lot of visiting foreign dignitaries. There is no football team but everyone still has a lot of school spirit.

What is your overall opinion of this school?

The school contains the most driven and passionate people I have ever met. Sometimes this can be intimidating and overwhelming because you never know who you'll offend.

Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

This school is good for criminal justice, law, political science, international relations, and business studies.

What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone can attend this school. There are opportunities here for everyone.

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

There are over 200 different clubs and organizations that students can get involved in on campus, so it's hard to choose which ones to pursue. I am a huge part of the AU Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping prospective students decide if AU is the right school for them. During my Sophomore year I was the coordinator of campus tours, which means I ran the campus tours part of Ambassadors. We have a large number of students who are Ambassadors and have lots of fun together! Some of the other major organizations that students are involved with are the Kennedy Political Union which helps to bring public speakers to campus. Two weeks ago we have Bill Clinton come! The Student Union Board focused on getting major bands and artists to perform concerts on campus too. About 23{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students get involved in Greek Life, whether it be a social or professional fraternity. Even if the social Greek Life scene is not for you, the professional frats are a great way to get involved, meet new people, volunteer, or do stuff that is associated with your major.

What kind of person should not attend this school?

A person who is focused on school and wants to do well. This school is really great for it's international relations program, so it would be helpful to be interested in it but is good in all other areas as well.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

I love being in a city and all the awesome things I can do every day of the week

Describe your favorite campus traditions.

My school is known for it's political activism. It's one of the highest politically active schools. It's also known for their recent environmental progress.

What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

This is one of the most expensive schools in the US and the univeristy is not overly generous with financial aide.

What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The tuition. The school may give you a lot of financial aid but you will have problems with AU central regardless. They are not transparent in their budget and the price keeps rising.

Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

*There is a good sampling of conservative viewpoints on campus. *A good percentage of students ARE from the east coast. *Depends on how you define diversity. I have met students of so many backgrounds I can't count, so I would say AU does a good job in its selection process. *AU students are high caliber. We may not receive the same level of prestige and publicity, but we have some of the most gifted students in DC and nationally.

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

There are many stereotypes about how politically active and driven students here are. It's 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} true. Not necessarily a bad thing.

What is the stereotype of students at your school?

As a whole, I don't think there are a lot of stereotypes about AU students. We are sort of the happy middle I like to think. We aren't the brainiacs at Georgetown, we aren't the city kids like GW. As a whole I think we're seen as affluent white kids sitting off embassy row.

Describe your school to someone who's never heard of it.

A view of the amphitheater near the Northside dorms, easily the coolest spot to hang out on campus.

Compared to other schools I visited during my college search, AU dorms are a big step up and this is coming from someone who has stayed in everything from a triple to off-campus housing to a single. AU has two sides of dorms: Southside and northside. Southside is louder, houses more members of Greek life and generally consists of newer dorms. Northside is quieter and has the honors floors. There is also Nebraska hall which is all apartment-style dorms, but is generally reserved for upperclassman. The dorms are safe, warm and the bathrooms are kept clean. I of course cannot speak for all of the halls. I have heard complaints of lack of hot water in some dorms, or lack of shower pressure, but I've never experienced this personally.

American University

About American University

Founded in 1893, American University. is a Private college. Located in District of Columbia, which is a city setting in District of Columbia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 7,900 full time undergraduate students, and 5,446 full time graduate students.

The American University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 787 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at American University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate	25%
Application Deadline	Jan 15 2014 12:00AM
Application Fee	70
SAT Range	1150-1340
ACT Range	26-31

Admissions at AU are considered More Selective, with ,83% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

97% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 80% were in the top quarter, and 45% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at American University.

“We”re apathetic”

“We know about current events and vote”

21%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

76%

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

“Sometimes, but not often”

49%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

45%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

“I only go out in groups”

29%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

71%

“I feel extremely safe”

33%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

54%

“We bought the gear”

13%

“We live for the big game”

“It”s not really our thing”

28%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

59%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

13%

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

55%

“They keep regular office hours”

41%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

41%

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

56%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

20%

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

56%

“We only party on weekends”

23%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

“Never, we”re here to learn”

54%

“There might be people who do”

40%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

How would you rate on-campus housing?

233 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?

206 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?

243 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?

243 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?

243 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?

243 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?

243 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?

243 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

American University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of American University?

72 Students rated American University

Neeka - 04/25/2024

Touring American University was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impression. As I strolled through the campus, I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty and the sense of vibrancy it exuded. The blend of modern architecture with lush greenery created a picturesque backdrop for learning. During the tour, I was struck by the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success. The faculty members I met were passionate about their fields and eager to engage with students. The state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms and research centers, underscored the institution's dedication to providing a conducive learning environment. What truly stood out was the university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Everywhere I looked, I saw students from various backgrounds coming together to learn and grow. The campus culture fostered open dialogue and respect for differing perspectives, creating a rich and vibrant community. Moreover, the university's location in Washington, D.C., offered unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning and civic engagement. From internships on Capitol Hill to cultural excursions in the city, students had access to a wealth of resources and experiences beyond the classroom. Overall, my visit to American University left me thoroughly impressed. The institution is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a supportive and inclusive community. I can see why it's such a sought-after destination for students seeking a transformative college experience.

Matthias - 04/17/2024

I think that they have excellent opportunities for internships and study abroad programs that are extremely crucial in my opinion. They also have strong journalism and communications and great extracurricular activities. The campus is beautiful and the overall vibe is great.

Renana - 03/27/2024

American University in Washington DC is a great place to study. It's right in the middle of Washington DC, which means you're close to everything happening in politics and international affairs. The campus is really nice, with modern buildings and lots of green spaces to hang out in between classes. What's cool is that they focus a lot on giving students hands-on experience. You can do internships at places like government offices, non-profits, or even international organizations. The teachers here are top-notch. They know their stuff and are always there to help you out. Plus, they make classes interesting by bringing real-life examples into the lessons. Another thing I like about American University is the diversity. There are students from all over the world, and everyone is welcome. There are tons of clubs and activities to get involved in too, so you'll never be bored. But, it's not all perfect. Like most universities, it can be expensive to attend. And sometimes dealing with all the paperwork and stuff can be a hassle. Overall, though, American University is a great place to study. You'll get a quality education, make lifelong friends, and have plenty of opportunities to explore your interests. If you're thinking about going to college in Washington DC, definitely check it out.

Samantha - 10/25/2023

American University is known as the most liberal school in the country. This can either be a good or bad thing , depending on the person. If you like frats/parties, then AU isn’t for you. There is no frat life and the party scene is primarily clubs. The academics are strong and the class sizes aren’t too big which makes learning and building a connection with professors more accessible.

American University FAQS

What is the Acceptance Rate at American University?

The fall 2020 acceptance rate for American University is 25%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Be more assertive, especially with the professors. Pare down what you have to take to school.
Read all 225 answers
Describe the students at your school.

Focused, liberal, politically active, and worldly.
Read all 74 answers
What are the academics like at your school?

The academics are challenging, but also fair to the students. All the professors I have had really want their students to succeed, and if a student cares and puts in enough effort, they should be able to get the grades they want and deserve.
Read all 51 answers
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

There are a lot of international students and very politically active students and consequently we get a lot of visiting foreign dignitaries. There is no football team but everyone still has a lot of school spirit.
Read all 49 answers
What is your overall opinion of this school?

The school contains the most driven and passionate people I have ever met. Sometimes this can be intimidating and overwhelming because you never know who you'll offend.
Read all 48 answers
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

This school is good for criminal justice, law, political science, international relations, and business studies.
Read all 45 answers
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

It is very expensive.
Read all 44 answers
What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone can attend this school. There are opportunities here for everyone.
Read all 44 answers
What are the most popular student activities/groups?

There are over 200 different clubs and organizations that students can get involved in on campus, so it's hard to choose which ones to pursue. I am a huge part of the AU Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping prospective students decide if AU is the right school for them. During my Sophomore year I was the coordinator of campus tours, which means I ran the campus tours part of Ambassadors. We have a large number of students who are Ambassadors and have lots of fun together! Some of the other major organizations that students are involved with are the Kennedy Political Union which helps to bring public speakers to campus. Two weeks ago we have Bill Clinton come! The Student Union Board focused on getting major bands and artists to perform concerts on campus too. About 23{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students get involved in Greek Life, whether it be a social or professional fraternity. Even if the social Greek Life scene is not for you, the professional frats are a great way to get involved, meet new people, volunteer, or do stuff that is associated with your major.
Read all 42 answers
What kind of person should not attend this school?

A person who is focused on school and wants to do well. This school is really great for it's international relations program, so it would be helpful to be interested in it but is good in all other areas as well.
Read all 38 answers
What's unique about your campus?

Washington, DC is my backyard!
Read all 35 answers
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

I love being in a city and all the awesome things I can do every day of the week
Read all 35 answers
Describe your favorite campus traditions.

My school is known for it's political activism. It's one of the highest politically active schools. It's also known for their recent environmental progress.
Read all 34 answers
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

This is one of the most expensive schools in the US and the univeristy is not overly generous with financial aide.
Read all 32 answers
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The tuition. The school may give you a lot of financial aid but you will have problems with AU central regardless. They are not transparent in their budget and the price keeps rising.
Read all 28 answers
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

*There is a good sampling of conservative viewpoints on campus. *A good percentage of students ARE from the east coast. *Depends on how you define diversity. I have met students of so many backgrounds I can't count, so I would say AU does a good job in its selection process. *AU students are high caliber. We may not receive the same level of prestige and publicity, but we have some of the most gifted students in DC and nationally.
Read all 28 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

There are many stereotypes about how politically active and driven students here are. It's 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} true. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Read all 27 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school?

As a whole, I don't think there are a lot of stereotypes about AU students. We are sort of the happy middle I like to think. We aren't the brainiacs at Georgetown, we aren't the city kids like GW. As a whole I think we're seen as affluent white kids sitting off embassy row.
Read all 25 answers
Describe your school to someone who's never heard of it.

A view of the amphitheater near the Northside dorms, easily the coolest spot to hang out on campus.
Read all 7 answers
Describe the dorms.

Compared to other schools I visited during my college search, AU dorms are a big step up and this is coming from someone who has stayed in everything from a triple to off-campus housing to a single. AU has two sides of dorms: Southside and northside. Southside is louder, houses more members of Greek life and generally consists of newer dorms. Northside is quieter and has the honors floors. There is also Nebraska hall which is all apartment-style dorms, but is generally reserved for upperclassman. The dorms are safe, warm and the bathrooms are kept clean. I of course cannot speak for all of the halls. I have heard complaints of lack of hot water in some dorms, or lack of shower pressure, but I've never experienced this personally.
Read all 6 answers

Student Body

Students

63%

female

37%

male

7,900

Total Undergrad Enrollment

5,446

Total Grad Students

93%

Out-Of-State

In-State

International

Organizations

220

Student Organizations

Fraternities

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

31%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native

N/A

% Asian/Pacific Islander

% Black or African-American

% Hispanic/Latino

12%

% White or Caucasian

56%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

82% of students attending American University receive some sort of financial aid. 20% were awarded federal grants. While 56% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

$44,853

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$15,698

Room and Board

61,351

Total On Campus

Family Income

Cost

$0 - $30K

$22,681

$30 - $48K

$22,447

$48 - $75K

$26,394

$75 - $110K

$31,632

$110K & UP

$46,282

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

American University

Washington DC , 20016-8001

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About American University

Quick Facts

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

How would you rate on-campus housing?

How would you rate off-campus housing?

How would you rate campus food?

How would you rate campus facilities?

How would you rate class size?

How would you rate school activities?

How would you rate local services?

How would you rate academics?