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American University

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA

American University award
American University award
US ranking
position: 504
Tuition & fees per year: $61,720
Acceptance rate: 47.00%
Median alumni salary: $50,329
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1360 SAT, 31 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What is the accreditation of American University?

American University is nationally recognized for meeting rigorous academic and institutional standards through its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This regional accreditation affirms that the university maintains quality education, strong governance, and effective support services that benefit students throughout their academic experience.

The university also holds specialized accreditations for several of its individual schools and programs, which ensures that students in specific fields receive education that complies with nationally accepted professional criteria. This level of accreditation provides an added assurance of program strength and relevance for prospective students aiming to advance in those disciplines.

What are the admission requirements at American University?

American University requires applicants to have completed high school or obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must present a secondary school record and maintain a required grade point average. While the school recommends submission of secondary school rank and certain competencies, these are not mandatory. Additionally, applicants need to provide recommendations and demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL exam. Other standardized tests are suggested but not compulsory, and there is no open admission policy in place.

The university accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits but does not offer dual credit or college credit options prior to enrollment. Computer ownership or leasing is not a prerequisite for admission.

American University sees a competitive admission process, reflected in its acceptance rate of 47%, which places it in the lower 15 percentile for selectivity. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1360, situating them in the top 10% nationally, with notable strengths in both the Math and Writing sections. Meanwhile, the average ACT score stands at 31, also within the top 10% nationally.

What are the application fees and waivers at American University?

American University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay an application fee as part of the submission process. This fee is a standard part of their application procedure, although the exact amount is not detailed here. The university offers fee waivers to eligible students, which can reduce financial barriers for those applying. These waivers are typically available for applicants who demonstrate financial need or who meet certain specific criteria set by the admissions office. Requesting a fee waiver usually involves providing documentation or using a waiver code from approved organizations, ensuring that cost does not prohibit qualified candidates from applying.

What types of ROTC programs are available at American University?

American University offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through two main formats. Prospective students can participate in an ROTC branch unit that is located directly on the university campus. This option provides the convenience of training and coursework integrated into campus life. Alternatively, students may also engage with an ROTC branch unit hosted at a cooperating institution affiliated with American University, allowing for additional choices depending on the student's preferences and academic plans.

What are the requirements for transfer students at American University?

American University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Prospective transfers have the opportunity to submit credits earned through CLEP examinations, both subject-specific and general. The university also acknowledges recommendation letters as part of the application process. Transfer applicants should note that American University does accept previous college credits, facilitating smoother transitions for students coming from other institutions.

What types of study abroad programs are available at American University?

American University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to provide students with global academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester and year-long exchanges with partner universities around the world, as well as shorter faculty-led trips that combine coursework with international travel.

Students can participate in programs across multiple continents, allowing them to immerse themselves in diverse regions and cultures while earning credit toward their degrees. Many of the study abroad options are integrated with the university's curriculum, ensuring that credits transfer seamlessly and contribute to timely graduation.

The university also supports internships and service-learning opportunities abroad, helping students gain practical experience in global contexts. Additionally, language immersion programs are available for students seeking to improve their proficiency in a foreign language in a native-speaking environment.

American University provides advising and tailored support to help students select programs that align with their academic goals and personal interests, making study abroad an accessible and integral part of the student experience.

American University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1360
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 31
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 47%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

American University Admissions

Applicants Total: 17,786
Admission Total: 8,427
Enrolled Total: 1,856
Women
Men

American University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1360

Median composite ACT score

31

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

8%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

22%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Recommended

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Data not available

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Navy

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

American University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Data not available

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer