American University

Private
WashingtonDC
City

Estimated Net Cost

(per year)
$41k

Estimated Post Grad Salary

(per year)
$63k

Return on Education

(post 4-year graduation)
Excellent
American University is a private university located in Washington, DC, founded in 1893. Known for its strong programs in international relations and political science, it has a prestigious reputation nationally for producing graduates who excel in government, advocacy, and diplomacy. The campus is situated in a picturesque setting with a mix of historic and modern buildings.

Pros

  • Strong academic programs

  • Diverse student body

  • Location in Washington D.C.

  • Focus on global and social issues

Cons

  • Higher cost of tuition

  • Competitive admission process

  • Limited campus space

  • Urban setting may be overwhelming

Tuition and Costs

Understanding Tuition Costs at American University: Navigating college expenses doesn't have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide to tuition, fees, and other associated costs breaks down everything you need to know about financing your education at American University. Find out how we make higher education affordable and what financial options are available to you.

Most Recent Tuition Costs

Understanding Tuition Costs at American University: Navigating college expenses doesn't have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide to tuition, fees, and other associated costs breaks down everything you need to know about financing your education at American University. Find out how we make higher education affordable and what financial options are available to you.

Yearly4 years
Tuition and Fees
$56,543$226,172
Room and Board
$17,012$68,048
Books and Supplies
$1,000$4,000
Other expenses
$1,620$9,616
Sticker Price$76,175$307,836

Historical Tuition Costs

Based on historical data, in-state tuition is expected to rise by approximately $1,850 per year over the next three years, reaching $58,393 in 2024, and $60,243 in 2025, and $62,093 in 2026.

Return On Education

Investing in higher education is a pivotal step towards future prosperity. It's essential to weigh the upfront costs against the potential for increased lifetime earnings and career opportunities. Our ROEdu score aims to help you understand tuition, living expenses, and financial aid, alongside the long-term benefits of earning a degree. By making informed decisions about where and what you study, you can maximize the return on your educational investment, turning the cost of your degree into a foundation for future success and financial security.

911
American University stands in the premier league, positioned within the top institutions for return on education, delivering unparalleled value and setting its graduates on a path to remarkable success.

Admissions

American University admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 41%. The application deadline can be found on the institution's website.
Admission Rate
41%
Graduation Rate
79%

Admissions Requirements

SAT Range
1290 - 1430
ACT Range
29 - 32
High School GPA

N/A

Key dates

Application Deadline
See college website
Early Decision Date
See college website
Early Action Date
See college website

Majors & Degrees

Explore the range of academic programs offered at this institution.
Sciences8 programs
Information Science
Master's Degree
Computer Science
Bachelor's Degree
Neuroscience
Bachelor's Degree
Neuroscience
Doctoral Degree – Research
Psychology
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology
Master's Degree
Psychology
Doctoral Degree – Research
Other Social Sciences
Doctoral Degree – Other
Technician3 programs
AV Technician
Bachelor's Degree
AV Technician
Master's Degree
AV Technician
Doctoral Degree – Other
Interdisciplinary7 programs
Area Studies
Undergraduate Certificate
Area Studies
Bachelor's Degree
Area Studies
Master's Degree
Area Studies
Doctoral Degree – Other
Other Interdisciplinary
Undergraduate Certificate
Other Interdisciplinary
Bachelor's Degree
Other Interdisciplinary
Master's Degree
Natural Resources3 programs
Natural Resources Conservation
Bachelor's Degree
Natural Resources Conservation
Doctoral Degree – Other
BiotechnologyMaster's Degree
History3 programs
History
Bachelor's Degree
History
Master's Degree
History
Doctoral Degree – Research
Humanities3 programs
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
Doctoral Degree – Other
International Studies
Undergraduate Certificate
Communications11 programs
Communication & Media Studies
Bachelor's Degree
Communication & Media Studies
Doctoral Degree – Research
Journalism
Bachelor's Degree
Journalism
Master's Degree
Communications
Bachelor's Degree
Communications
Master's Degree
Writing
Master's Degree
Public Administration
Master's Degree
Public Administration
Doctoral Degree – Research
Public Administration
Doctoral Degree – Other
Linguistics7 programs
PR & Advertising
Bachelor's Degree
PR & Advertising
Master's Degree
Bilingual Education
Master's Degree
Language Studies
Undergraduate Certificate
Language Studies
Doctoral Degree – Other
Romance Languages
Bachelor's Degree
Middle Eastern Languages
Bachelor's Degree
Computational ScienceBachelor's Degree
Education16 programs
Curriculum Design
Master's Degree
Education Administration
Master's Degree
Education Administration
Doctoral Degree – Research
Education Assessment & Evaluation
Doctoral Degree – Other
Global Education
Master's Degree
Special Education
Master's Degree
Teacher Training
Undergraduate Certificate
Teacher Training
Bachelor's Degree
Teacher Training
Master's Degree
Teacher Training
Doctoral Degree – Other
ESL Teaching
Undergraduate Certificate
ESL Teaching
Master's Degree
ESL Teaching
Doctoral Degree – Other
Kinesiology
Master's Degree
Kinesiology
Doctoral Degree – Other
Health3 programs
Nutrition
Master's Degree
Nutrition
Doctoral Degree – Other
Medical Administration
Master's Degree
Law6 programs
Legal Studies
Bachelor's Degree
Law
Doctoral Degree – Professional
Legal Research
Master's Degree
Legal Research
Doctoral Degree – Research
Legal Research
Doctoral Degree – Other
Other Legal Studies
Master's Degree
Literature2 programs
Literature
Bachelor's Degree
Literature
Master's Degree
Liberal Arts2 programs
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree
Biology5 programs
Biology
Bachelor's Degree
Biology
Master's Degree
Bioinformatics
Master's Degree
Bioinformatics
Doctoral Degree – Other
Mathematics10 programs
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree
Mathematics
Master's Degree
Applied Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree
Statistics
Undergraduate Certificate
Statistics
Bachelor's Degree
Statistics
Master's Degree
Statistics
Doctoral Degree – Other
Other Mathematics
Doctoral Degree – Other
Management Science
Master's Degree
Management Science
Doctoral Degree – Other
Criminal Justice4 programs
Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice
Master's Degree
Criminal Justice
Doctoral Degree – Research
Homeland Security
Master's Degree
Peace & Conflict Resolution2 programs
Peace Studies
Master's Degree
Peace Studies
Doctoral Degree – Other
Economics4 programs
Economics
Bachelor's Degree
Economics
Master's Degree
Economics
Doctoral Degree – Research
Economics
Doctoral Degree – Other
Philosophy4 programs
Philosophy
Undergraduate Certificate
Philosophy
Bachelor's Degree
Philosophy
Master's Degree
Philosophy
Doctoral Degree – Other
Religious StudiesBachelor's Degree
Chemistry2 programs
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree
Chemistry
Master's Degree
PhysicsBachelor's Degree
Psychology2 programs
Clinical Psychology
Doctoral Degree – Research
Clinical Psychology
Doctoral Degree – Other
Government8 programs
Public Policy
Master's Degree
Public Policy
Doctoral Degree – Other
Other Public Services
Doctoral Degree – Other
Political Science
Undergraduate Certificate
Political Science
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science
Master's Degree
Political Science
Doctoral Degree – Research
Political Science
Doctoral Degree – Other
Anthropology5 programs
Anthropology
Undergraduate Certificate
Anthropology
Bachelor's Degree
Anthropology
Master's Degree
Anthropology
Doctoral Degree – Research
Anthropology
Doctoral Degree – Other
International5 programs
International Relations
Undergraduate Certificate
International Relations
Bachelor's Degree
International Relations
Master's Degree
International Relations
Doctoral Degree – Research
International Relations
Doctoral Degree – Other
Sociology3 programs
Sociology
Bachelor's Degree
Sociology
Master's Degree
Sociology
Doctoral Degree – Other
Arts12 programs
Dance
Bachelor's Degree
Applied Arts
Bachelor's Degree
Applied Arts
Master's Degree
Applied Arts
Doctoral Degree – Other
Theatre
Bachelor's Degree
Film & Photography
Bachelor's Degree
Film & Photography
Master's Degree
Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degree
Fine Arts
Master's Degree
Music
Bachelor's Degree
Arts Management
Master's Degree
Arts Management
Doctoral Degree – Other
Medical3 programs
Medical Preparation
Doctoral Degree – Other
Public Health
Bachelor's Degree
Public Health
Master's Degree
Business15 programs
Business Management
Bachelor's Degree
Business Management
Master's Degree
Business Management
Doctoral Degree – Other
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting
Master's Degree
Accounting
Doctoral Degree – Other
Finance
Bachelor's Degree
Finance
Master's Degree
Human Resources
Master's Degree
International Business
Doctoral Degree – Other
Marketing
Master's Degree
Real Estate
Master's Degree
Real Estate
Doctoral Degree – Other
Taxation
Master's Degree
Taxation
Doctoral Degree – Other
EntrepreneurshipDoctoral Degree – Other

Student Life

Learn about the community, campus culture, and experiences that shape student life at this college.

Student Breakdown

Total Enrollment1,856
Full-time Students1,848
Part-time Students8

Faculty

Faculty-Student Ratio:11:1
Full-Time FacultyN/A
Part-Time FacultyN/A

Reviews and Ratings

For complete transparency we combine scores from across the web to give you a true picture of what students think about American University. Additionally, we have our own score which can be used alongside these external sources.

Tuition Covered Rating
(4.2)
Niche
(3.6)
US News
(4.4)

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