American University
PrivateWashington, DC
American University, in Washington, DC, is a private mid-sized school, enrolling around 7,266 students. Admissions are not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants here -- roughly 62% of applicants get in. Among reported majors, Finance and Financial Management Services shows the strongest outcomes -- $134,332/year in median earnings four years after graduation. On-campus housing isn't required, so many students live off campus.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.
Where do you stand against American University's numbers?
Check your chances hereHow American University weighs your application
From American University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?
See full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what American University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What does American University look for in applicants?
Per American University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, level of interest (demonstrated interest) as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.
What is American University's acceptance rate?
American University in Washington, DC admits approximately 62% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for American University?
Admitted students at American University typically score between 1280–1460 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for American University?
Admitted students at American University typically score between 29–32 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does American University cost?
American University's total cost of attendance is reported at $76,058 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
Does American University require students to live on campus?
No -- American University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Comparing American University against another school?
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