20+ varsity teams, ~458 student-athletes (3.9% of undergrads)
Notable
Prime DC location is the defining feature — walkable to State Dept, World Bank, IMF, K Street lobbying corridor
Strong programs: International affairs, political science, public policy, media/journalism
Class of 2028 had 7% international students; 25.7% underrepresented minorities
Competes with Georgetown for DC-area policy-oriented students
American University (AU)
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
Comparison: GWU vs American
Metric
GWU
American
Acceptance rate
47.1%
61.8%
SAT middle 50
1360-1470
1300-1430
Class size
2,459
1,660
Yield
19.3%
15%
ED rate
66.3%
80%
Undergrad enrollment
11,677
7,453
International %
11%
15%
Women %
63%
62%
Both are DC-centric private universities drawing students interested in government, policy, and international affairs. GWU is more selective with a larger student body and stronger brand recognition. American has a higher international student population and more accessible admissions.
Sources
GWU CDS 2024-2025: irp.gwu.edu
GWU Hatchet (Class of 2028 data)
College Factual (demographics, net price)
CollegeVine, College Transitions, Ivy Coach (admissions stats)