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American University

8.1(4)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1893
Founded
1893
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About American University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

American University was founded in 1893 and is located in Washington, USA. It has enrolled over 12000 students from across 123 countries in the world, according to the reports of Fall 2024. It ranks #387 in QS World Rankings 2026. It has 2 admissions intakes: Fall and Spring. The University offers more than 200 courses across Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Doctoral programs. Some of the popular programs offered at American University are MS in Analytics, MS in Computer Science, and MS in Data Science.

The acceptance rate of American University is 62%, which is moderately selective to get into. International students must make sure that they meet the GPA requirements and English Proficiency Requirements (IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-100). A well-written statement of purpose, along with the required documents submitted within the deadline, can surely increase the chances of securing admission to American University. The fee for PG courses ranges from USD 33350 to USD 59962 (INR 29.45 Lakhs to INR 52.95 Lakhs) per year. Fees for UG courses are USD 55724 (INR 49.21 Lakhs) per annum

Table of Contents
  1. American University Rankings
  2. American University Campus

    2.1 How is the student life at American University?

  3. American University Programs
  4. American University Admissions
  5. American University Cost of Attendance

    5.1 American University Cost of Attendance for UG Students

    5.2 American University Cost of Attendance for PG Students

  6. American University Scholarships
  7. American University Placements
  8. American University Alumni
  9. FAQs

American University Rankings

American University is a prestigious university, ranked at #88 among the top universities in USA, according to US News and World Report 2026. The given table highlights the rankings of American University

Ranking Agency Rankings2026
QS Rankings #387
THE Rankings #116
WUR Rankings (THE) #601–800
US News & World Report #88
CWUR Rankings (2025) #1042

American University Campus

American University is located in Washington, DC, United States. The 90-acre campus of American University provides a cordial environment for university students. You can access the accommodation facilities of the university campus through the availability of nearly 12 residence options.

How is the student life at American University?

  • American University’s Centre for Student Involvement (CSI) has around 150 clubs and cultural organizations for you to choose from. You can be a part of over 2,000 events held every year.
  • AU Arts organizes rotating exhibitions at the Katzen Arts Center. The students from the Arts and Performing Arts department get a chance to showcase their work at the exhibitions. If you’re someone who has a knack for contemporary art, AU Arts is the right place for you.
  • There are 9 sports at American University athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and so on, for you to keep your passion for sports alive.
  • You can visit the AU Museum, Hillwood Estate Museums and Gardens, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, among others, around the AU campus.


American University Programs

American University has more than 250 programs for students seeking undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. You can pursue postgraduate studies through 93 master’s degree programs and 45 graduate certificate courses. There are nearly 94 programs at American University for prospective undergraduate students. You are open to nearly 74 bachelor’s degrees and 20 certificate courses. Given below are some of the major courses at American University:

Course Fees (USD/Year) Fees (INR/Year) English Language Proficiency Scores
M.S Data Science $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Computer Science $37,440 ₹33.06 Lakhs TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, PTE 68, Duolingo 120
M.S Finance $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.B.A $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Analytics $31,200 ₹27.55 Lakhs TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, PTE 68, Duolingo 120
M.A Economics $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Accounting $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120

American University Admissions

The given table mentions the academic requirements for PG and UG level admission at American University:

Category Undergraduate (UG) Postgraduate (PG)
Application Portal Common Application Graduate Application
Application Fee 75 USD (₹6,624) 55 USD (₹4,857)
Academic Qualifications High school transcripts with GPA between 3.59–4.14, Interview Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA (approx. 85%), Interview (on invitation)
English Proficiency TOEFL iBT: 90, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 60 TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, PTE: 69
Documents Required - Academic Transcripts (Grades 9–12)- 1–2 Academic Letters of Recommendation- Statement of Purpose- Resume or CV- Bank Statement (showing $83,680 balance)- Passport Copy - 2 Letters of Recommendation- Statement of Purpose- Resume or CV- Portfolio or Writing Samples- Certificate of Finances

Also check US Student Visa Requirements


American University Costs

American University requires you to plan two kinds of costs, including tuition fees and living expenses. These costs vary from case to case, as they depend on your program selection and general lifestyle. International students must take note of other expenses, such as rent, food, transport, and other personal expenses, while planning to live in the USA to pursue higher education at American University

American University Cost of Attendance for UG Students

The table below shows the breakdown of living expenses for students pursuing Undergraduate courses at American University:

Expense Category Cost (USD) Cost (INR)
Full-Time Tuition $60,270 ₹53.23 Lakhs
Mandatory Fees $1,700 ₹1.50 Lakhs
Housing $12,288 ₹10.85 Lakhs
Food $6,330 ₹5.59 Lakhs
Metro Pass Fees $272 ₹24,023
Books/Supplies $1,200 ₹1.06 Lakhs
Misc. Transportation $702 ₹61,996
Personal Expenses $864 ₹76,259
Loan Fees $54 ₹4,771
Total $83,680 ₹73.25 Lakhs

American University Cost of Attendance for PG Students

The table below shows the breakdown of living expenses for students pursuing graduate courses at American University:

Expenses Amount (USD) Amount (INR)
Full-Time Tuition $37,440 ₹33,05,576
Mandatory Fees $1,250 ₹1,10,400
Metro Pass Fees $272 ₹24,013
Housing $18,576 ₹16,40,563
Food $6,516 ₹5,75,923
Books/Supplies $900 ₹79,488
Misc. Transportation $1,404 ₹1,23,996
Personal Expenses $1,728 ₹1,52,786
Loan Fees $204 ₹18,033
Total $68,290 ₹60,34,788

Also check Student Accommodation in the USA


American University Scholarships

American University understands the economic stress of international students. The university assists nearly 86% of students through financial aid in the form of scholarships, bursaries and so on. Additionally, you can apply for various popular scholarships to study in USA for international students to finance your studies.

Given below are some of the major scholarships at American University for international students:

  • First Year Merit Scholarships for International Students: Undergraduate applicants taking admission in the Fall (August) semester. You must exhibit outstanding academic excellence along with great communication skills in English. Other attributes required for the scholarship include skills in leadership, volunteerism, and community services. This is a partial scholarship as awards range from 8,000–25,000 USD (7.06–22.08 lakhs INR) per academic year. There is no separate application required for the scholarship. You will receive the merit awards at the time of admission. You cannot apply for it post commencement of the semester.
  • AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarships (AU EGLS): Undergraduate students exhibiting academic excellence and leadership skills. You must demonstrate your commitment to global development and improve the underprivileged communities of your home country. The scholarship will cover your billable expenses at American University, including full tuition, room, and board. Other non-billable expenses like health insurance, textbooks, airline tickets, and so on, are to be covered by you. There is a separate application required for the scholarship.

American University Placements

American University's recent placement statistics reveal that 91% of passouts sought employment or pursued postgraduate studies within 6 months after graduation. Nearly 92% of working individuals found jobs close to their degree-related field. Master’s degree graduates of The average salary for undergraduate classes within six months of graduating is $62,512.

Also check Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students


American University Alumni

American University continues to grow with its community of over 150,000 alumni. You get various benefits of being an American University alumnus, including access to career services and the university library. Moreover, you can avail discounts on airline tickets, hotel bookings, wedding packages, vehicle rentals, and so on.

American University is an acclaimed institution that fosters inclusivity in addition to valued academic opportunities. The Centre for Diversity and Inclusion strives to make a safe and comprehensive environment for LGBTQ, women, and other people with diverse backgrounds. American University follows an average class size of 21 students, providing a focused learning space to incoming students.


FAQs

Ques 1: What are the Pros and Cons of studying at American University?

Ans: According to a student review, the pros and cons of studying at American University are:

Pros Cons
The program is ranked among the top 50 in America, making it prestigious and well-regarded globally. It can be challenging to adjust to the American accent used by professors, making comprehension difficult.
The faculty members are highly esteemed and respected in academic circles. Academic and research expectations are rigorous, often unfamiliar to students from Indian educational systems.
Placement opportunities are impressive, with alumni working at institutions like the White House and the World Bank. Students are expected to work while studying, which can make life extremely hectic.
Scholarships are available, covering up to 30% of tuition, which provides financial relief. The campus lacks diversity, which can feel intimidating for international students.
Dedicated academic and career advisors are available to help students make informed career choices. Classes are lengthy, with each session lasting two and a half hours.

Ques 2: What is the student-to-faculty ratio at American University?

Ans: The student-to-faculty ratio at American University is 10:1. Smaller class size ensures better personal attention to each student.

Ques3: How many schools and colleges are there at American University?

Ans: American University is an umbrella institution of 8 schools and colleges specializing in different domains like business, law, science, etc. The names of the schools are listed below:

  1. College of Arts & Sciences
  2. Kogod School of Business
  3. School of Communication
  4. School of Education
  5. School of International Service
  6. Professional Studies & Executive Education
  7. School of Public Affairs
  8. Washington College of Law
Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

86

Fee from

₹31,22,560.5

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 43 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 52.2 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 55,724 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

American University offers admissions in 2 intakes: Fall and Spring. The deadline to apply for the fall Semester is November 1, 2025 (Early action). To apply for the courses in the Spring semester, the application deadline is October 1, 2025. For MS courses, the deadline for Fall 2026 is October 15, 2025. And the deadline for Spring 2026 is May 15, 2026. The deadline for spring this year is now closed. The acceptance rate at American University is 62%, which is moderately selective. More than half of the applications are considered for admission.

American University offers 100+ courses for international students. Some of the popular courses offered at American University are MS in Analytics, MS in Computer Science and MS in Data Science. To apply for PG programs, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA (85%) in a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree. The PG program fees at American University range from USD 33350 to USD 59962 (INR 29.45 Lakhs to INR 52.95 Lakhs) per year.


American University Application Deadlines

American University offers admissions in 2 intakes: Fall and Spring. The deadlines for applications for both intakes are tabulated below:

Semester Course Application Type Deadline
Fall Semester UG Early Action November 1, 2025
UG Early Decision I November 1, 2025
UG Early Decision II January 15, 2026
UG Regular Decision January 15, 2026
Spring Semester UG All Applicants October 1, 2025 (Closed)
Fall Semester MS All Applicants May 15, 2026
Spring Semester MS All Applicants October 15, 2025 (Closed)

American University Acceptance Rate

American University has an acceptance rate of 62%, which is moderately selective. This means more than half of the applicants are offered admission at American University. To increase chances of admission, applicants must meet the GPA requirements and English proficiency requirements (IELTS-7, TOEFL-100). A strong application, along with the required documents within the deadline, can also increase chances of securing admission to American University.


American University Courses

Some of the top courses offered at American University for international students are given below:

Course Fees (USD/Year) Fees (INR/Year) English Language Proficiency Scores
M.S Data Science $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Computer Science $37,440 ₹33.06 Lakhs TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, PTE 68, Duolingo 120
M.S Finance $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.B.A $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Analytics $31,200 ₹27.55 Lakhs TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, PTE 68, Duolingo 120
M.A Economics $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120
M.S Accounting $57,660 ₹50.91 Lakhs TOEFL 80, IELTS 7, PTE 53, Duolingo 120

Also check F1 Visa Application


American University Graduate Admissions

The graduate programs offered by American University are designed for students who seek to advance their skills and become leaders in their respective fields. The admission requirements while applying for PG courses at American University are given below:

Category Details
Application Portal Graduate Application
Application Fee 55 USD (₹4,857)
Academic Qualifications Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA (approx. 85%)interview (on invitation)
English Proficiency TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, PTE: 69
Documents Required - 2 Letters of Recommendation- Statement of Purpose- Resume or CV- Portfolio or Writing Samples- Certificate of Finances

Also check Exams to Study in USA

American University MBA

American University offers MBA course for a duration of USD 57,660 (INR 50.92 Lakhs) per annum. The admission requirements to apply for MBA at American University is tabulated below:

Category Details
Application Portal Graduate Application
Application Fee 100 USD (₹8,832)
Academic Qualifications Bachelor's degree with 3.16 GPA (86%), 3 years of professional experience, interview (by invitation)
English Proficiency TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, PTE: 69
Documents Required - GMAT/GRE Waiver Essay (500 words)- Letters of Recommendation- Statement of Purpose (750 words)- Financial Statement- Resume

American University Undergraduate Admissions

American University offers 81 bachelor’s degrees in the fields of arts and sciences, business, communication, public affairs, and education. The following are the undergraduate admission requirements for international students at American University:

Category Details
Application Portal Common Application
Application Fee 75 USD (₹6,624)
Academic Qualifications High school transcripts with GPA between 3.59–4.14, Interview
English Proficiency TOEFL iBT: 90, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 60
Documents Required - Academic Transcripts (Grades 9–12)- 1–2 Academic Letters of Recommendation- Statement of Purpose- Resume or CV- Bank Statement showing $83,680 balance- Passport Copy

Also check Best Student Cities in USA


American University Admission Decisions

American University offers 4 decision plans by which first-year applicants can apply for fall enrollment: Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. Additionally, first-year students can also apply to AU for spring enrollment. Early Action applicants will receive an admit, deny, or defer decision by January 31, 2026. Applications deferred to the Regular Decision deadline will be considered again and receive their final decision by April 1, 2026. Early Decision applicants will receive their admissions decision about 6 weeks after the deadline. Applicants will receive either an admit or a deny decision. Regular Decision applicants will receive an admit, deny, or waitlist decision by April 1, 2026. Admitted students will have until May 1, 2026, to accept or decline their offers of admission.

American University has enrolled 12000+ students from across the world. The acceptance rate is moderately selective, which means international students can increase their chances of admission, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria and submit the application within the deadline. For International students, the University strongly recommends applying by September 1 to avoid Visa Application delays


FAQs

Ques 1: Can international students get application fee waivers at American University?

Ans: Only first-year international students applying for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship and/or referred directly by EducationUSA or other non-government organizations may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver on a case-by-case basis. All other applicants must submit the U.S. $75 application fee.

Ques 2: Can I apply to multiple graduate programs at once at American University?

Ans: You may apply to more than one program within American University and/or the School of Public Affairs. You will be required to submit a separate application and pay a separate application fee for each program to which you apply.

Ques 3: What should I include in my personal statement while applying to courses at American University?

Ans: Your personal statement is a very important part of your application. It should be a well-written and carefully crafted essay between 1.5 to 2 typewritten pages for a master's degree applicant. You should describe in detail your:

  • Personal and career goals
  • Relevant academic, professional, volunteer, military, and/or leadership experience
  • Reason(s) for wanting to study at American University and for applying to your specific degree program
  • Ability and commitment to undertake graduate education at this time
Placements & Recruiters

American University Placement Details

American University in Washington, District of Columbia, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Washington, District of Columbia, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #59
  • Biology: #29 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 20 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Education
  • 6 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #61
  • Law: #37 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 27 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Arts
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #39
  • Development Studies: #13 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 9 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Political Science
  • 4 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #56
  • Public Policy: #5 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 13 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Economics
  • 4 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #58
  • Law: #18 in country
  • Top source: Collegedunia
  • 5 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Business
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016

+1-202-885-1000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

8.1/10
Top Rated

Based on 4 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
9.3/10
Faculty
9.5/10
Infrastructure
9.3/10
Accommodation
8.0/10
Placement
8.3/10
Extracurricular
8.5/10