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


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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Median composite SAT score
1360Median composite ACT score
31Percent of students submitting ACT scores
8%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
22%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer