American University
Faith-based college · Washington, DC · 7,266 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
62%
Moderately selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
Average net price
$41,302
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$79,369
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
75%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into American University?
American University accepts about 62 of every 100 applicants (62%), which makes it moderately selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1280 and 1460 on the SAT. A score at or above 1460 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1280, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 29–32.
The latest federal data says American University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on American University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does American University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $79,369 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $41,302 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $62,242 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$62,242
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$62,242
- Room & board$18,618
- Total cost of attendance$79,369
- Average net price after grants$41,302
Popular majors
Social Sciences, Business, Communications, Interdisciplinary Studies, Visual & Performing Arts.
American University FAQ
- What is American University's acceptance rate?
- 62% — moderately selective.
- What SAT score do you need for American University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1280–1460. Aim for 1460 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for American University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 29–32.
- Is American University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says American University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on American University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does American University cost?
- About $79,369 a year before aid; $41,302 on average after grants.
- What is American University's FAFSA school code?
- 001434. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so American University receives your information.
- What is American University's graduation rate?
- 75% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to American University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallaudet UniversityWashington, DC | 58% | 780–1022 | $27,398 | 52% |
| Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH | 61% | 1310–1480 | $17,269 | 87% |
| Penn State UniversityUniversity Park, PA | 61% | 1240–1420 | $33,675 | 85% |
| Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers, FL | 63% | 1040–1200 | $11,555 | 57% |
| University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC | 60% | 1180–1360 | $22,197 | 79% |
| CUNY City CollegeNew York, NY | 60% | 1070–1430 | $1,557 | 50% |