Washington, District of Columbia · ★ 3.5 / 5 Overall (2 Student Reviews)

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Private not-for-profit · 4-year · Doctoral
American University is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States, founded in 1893. Its 90-acre main campus is in Northwest D.C., and the university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, although religious affiliation is not required for admission or employment. American offers more than 160 academic programs through eight schools and colleges, including the School of International Service, the School of Public Affairs, and the Washington College of Law, and is classified as an R1 institution for very high research activity.
Best College Newspaper
Ranked #2 in Best College Newspaper (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
College City Gets High Marks
Ranked #6 in College City Gets High Marks (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Green Colleges
Ranked #21 in Green Colleges (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
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4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016-8001
Visit University SiteLGBTQ-Friendly
Ranked #23 in LGBTQ-Friendly (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
National Universities
Ranked #88 in National Universities (2026). Source: US News ↗
National rank
Ranked #116 in the US by Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE US ↗
National rank
Ranked #136 in Forbes Top Colleges (2026). Source: Forbes ↗
National rank
Ranked #205 in the US by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR US ↗
Value rank
Ranked #311 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck. Source: WM Best Value ↗
World rank
Ranked #601 globally in Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE World ↗
World rank
Ranked #1065 globally by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR World ↗
25th–75th percentile
SAT total: 1300–1450
SAT ERW: 670–740
SAT math: 630–710
ACT composite: 29–33
Total: 13,019
Undergrad: 7,817
Undergrad full-time: 7,533
Graduate: 5,202
Part-time: 2,581
In-state
Tuition: $56,543
Total cost on campus: $76,175
Out-of-state
Tuition: $56,543
Total cost on campus: $76,175
Room & board: $17,012
Books & supplies: $1,000
Receive aid: 82%
Avg grant aid: $31,402
Pell grant recipients: 15%
Rent: $1,258 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $6.50
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $4.50 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $9.73
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.