About American University
The sticker price hits $74,555 per year, but most students pay much less after financial aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $41,945, and graduates typically leave with $22,750 in debt. Those loans look manageable when you see that alumni earn a median of $77,370 ten years after graduation. Students from families making under $48,000 pay around $20,000 annually, making this DC education accessible even for middle-class families.
The student body skews heavily female at 64%, and the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. With only 2% of students from DC itself, this feels like a national university that happens to sit in the capital. The 79% graduation rate reflects students who come here with clear career goals and the drive to achieve them.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 78.5%
- Retention Rate
- 86.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,370
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $99,458 |
| Taxation. | Master | $97,907 |
| Statistics. | Master | $75,706 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $74,953 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $73,635 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $69,338 |
| Economics. | Master | $69,338 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $67,660 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,014 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $64,493 |
Campus Life
Weekends often mean internship hunting or actually working those coveted Hill positions, since 94% of graduates find employment within a year of graduation. Students frequently take the Metro downtown to museums, protests, or just to grab dinner in Dupont Circle. The campus itself centers around a large quad where students study between classes, and with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll actually know your professors' names. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life the way it does at other schools. Instead, students bond over shared political interests, study abroad planning, and the constant buzz of being where news actually happens.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,246 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1893
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.5%
- Women
- 63.6%
- White
- 56.9%
- Black
- 7.9%
- Hispanic
- 12.8%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 1.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.7%
Location
- Address
- Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,370
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $72,598
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at American University?
American University admits 40.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need strong credentials, with the middle 50% scoring between 1290-1430 on the SAT and averaging a 31 on the ACT.
How much does American University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $41,945 after aid, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $21,176, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full $74,555 total cost.
What academic programs is American University known for?
American University excels in international relations, public affairs, and journalism, taking advantage of its Washington DC location. The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, ensuring close mentorship in these politically-focused fields.
What are the career outcomes for American University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $77,370 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career prospects in government and media. The employment rate reaches 94.0%, with many alumni leveraging the school's DC connections for positions in politics and journalism.
Where do students live at American University?
The campus houses 4,246 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $17,012 annually. Only 1.93% of students come from Washington DC itself, creating a diverse residential community from across the country.
How does American University's location in Washington DC benefit students?
The university's DC location provides unmatched internship and networking opportunities in government, international organizations, and media. With 7,593 students studying in the nation's capital, American University offers direct access to political leaders, embassies, and major news organizations.
