American University
american_u.md
American University
Overview
- Location: Washington, DC (Northwest DC, Embassy Row area)
- Type: Private research university
- Undergrad enrollment: ~7,453
- Conference: Patriot League (NCAA Division I)
Admissions (Class of 2028)
- Total applicants: ~17,200
- Acceptance rate: 61.8%
- ED acceptance rate: ~80% (726 applied, 579 admitted)
- Early rounds: ED I (Nov 15), ED II (Jan 15), non-restrictive EA (Nov 15)
- Enrolled class: ~1,660 first-year students
- Yield rate: ~15%
- Testing: Test-optional (~1/3 submitted scores)
- SAT middle 50: 1300-1430
- ACT middle 50: 29-32
- Average GPA: 3.77 (middle 50: 3.57-4.02)
- Top 10% of HS class: Not reported (class rank not considered)
Demographics (Undergraduate)
| Group | Pct |
|---|---|
| White | 51% |
| International | 15% |
| Hispanic | 12% |
| Black | 8% |
| Asian | 7% |
| Multiracial | 4% |
| Women | 62% |
Net Price by Income (Title IV recipients)
| Income Bracket | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $28,432 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $22,578 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,158 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $37,117 |
| $110,000+ | $54,404 |
Note: AU's net cost for lowest-income bracket ($28K) is notably higher than GWU's ($18K), suggesting less generous need-based aid for the poorest students.
Athletics
- NCAA Division I, Patriot League
- 16 varsity teams, ~372 student-athletes (5.0% of undergrads)
Notable
- Strong programs: International relations (School of International Service), public affairs, political science, communications
- Very high international student percentage (15%)
- ~34% of Class of 2028 filled through ED
- Acceptance rate has risen significantly (from 40.6% in 2022 to 61.8% in 2024)
- Low yield (15%) reflects intense competition with Georgetown, GWU, and other DC-area schools