History
A global outlook, practical idealism, a passion for public service: They’re part of American University today, and they were in the air in 1893, when AU was chartered by Congress.
George Washington had dreamed of a “national university” in the nation’s capital. But it took John Fletcher Hurst to found a university that, in many ways, embodies that dream.
Education
We offer 69 bachelor’s degrees, 73 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, and a JD program, as well as 72 certificate programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summer-term classes. In addition, we offer study-abroad programs and alternative breaks. 87 percent of our undergraduates and 65 percent of our master's students participate in at least one internship.
Research
American University, a Carnegie-classified research university, is deeply committed to creating knowledge, including creative and professional activity, in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the professions. We strongly support research by our students and faculty.
Known as a college-centered research university, AU values scholar-teachers who are fully engaged both in research and in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Our most distinguished and accomplished scholars also teach.
Career
The American University Career Center supports the university’s commitment to uncompromising quality in the education of its students. The Career Center teaches undergraduates, graduate students and alumni how to develop educational and career goals, decision-making skills and job search strategies needed to manage their professional and academic pursuits.
We accomplish our mission by providing AU students, alumni, employers, faculty and staff with expert advising, leadership in experiential education, current information and resources, and networking opportunities on and off campus, as well as online.
American University Washington DC Key Statistics & Highlights
- #587 Ranking
- 91 Bachelors
- 379 Scholarships
- 1,057 Academic Staff
- 12,683 Students
- 1,395 Students (int'l)
- 7,863 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
American University Washington DC Overview
American University Washington DC Scholarships
American University Washington DC Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to American University Washington DC. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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American University Washington DC Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
Climbed 124 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 791 | 711 | 587 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 601 | 601 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 37 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 590 | 784 | 747 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
- Academic Supoort & Access Center
- Housing and Dining Programs
- International Student & Scholar Services
- Orientation, Transition & Retention
- Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Services
Housing services
On-campus housing is in high demand, so it is important that students submit their housing enrollment deposits to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible to secure a space. If you have any questions regarding the deposit, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Library services
The University Library enables educational and research success by:
- building collections and facilitating access to information across all formats;
- teaching people how to locate, assess, and use information to meet their needs;
- providing welcoming spaces that support a full range of intellectual endeavors.
ICT services
- The Anderson Computing Complex is located on the basement level of Anderson Hall with an entrance on the north side of the building near the Centennial parking garage. It is open every day of the week from 8 am - midnight. The lab is open to the entire AU community.
Medical services
Our dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and patient care representatives are here to help you make your college/grad school experience a healthy and productive one. At the student health center, our goals are to keep our students healthy and, when ill, get them “back on the mend” as quickly as possible.
Campus life
American University's residence halls are dynamic communities that promote student learning in a fun and affirming atmosphere. Although each of our buildings have unique features and special communities, they are all designed to promote student success. Studies show that students living in residence halls perform better academically and participate more fully in campus life.
Each floor of our residence halls has an upper-class student, known as a Resident Assistant (RA), who engages students in learning opportunities and programs, provides support in mediating conflicts, and helps with transition and other student issues.
Sports facilities
- Reeves Aquatic Center:
The Reeves Aquatic Center consists of two pools: an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool and a 3-lane, 20-yard teaching pool.
- Cassell Fitness Center:
This 8,000 square foot facility includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, stairclimbers, free weights, and selectorized and plate loaded strength equipment.
- Outdoor Tennis Courts:
American University features six outdoor tennis courts for the use of the University Community.
Student clubs
- Alpha Chi Omega
- Alpha Epsilon Phi
- Alpha Epsilon Pi
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Alpha Phi Omega - Service
- American Literary
Accreditation
American University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and recognized by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.
American University Washington DC Campus Locations
American University Washington DC Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 20 Reviews
- 4 Star 72 Reviews
- 3 Star 8 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.4
- Student Diversity 4.2
- Admission Process 4.2
- Quality of Student Life 4.4
- Career Development 4.3
BEING EMPLOYED TODAY
I wish to study from upper universities cozy I have many temporary jobs with least payments, so it's my dream come true 👍
I am very much satisfied
I like acca program because I want to be a chartered accountant in the future
Studying Again
I haven't studied any masters yet. I hope this will help alleviate poverty in my community.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?