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40.6%Acceptance
$56,543Tuition
7,593Students
79%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$77,370Earnings
#3 in District of ColumbiaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

Admissions Details

Acceptance Rate
40.6%
Average SAT
1,360
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1,290–1,430
ACT Composite (avg)
31
Total Enrollment
7,593

Admissions Overview

American University accepts 40.63% of applicants, making it selective but not brutally competitive. Students who get in typically score between 1290 and 1430 on the SAT, with an average of 1360. The ACT average is 31. This means you need solid grades and test scores, but you don't need to be in the top 5% of your class like at Ivy League schools. American looks for students who want to engage with politics, international affairs, and public service. The school attracts future diplomats, journalists, and policy makers who want to intern on Capitol Hill and work in government agencies right in their backyard.