# American University

Washington, DC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/american-university

American University is a private nonprofit college in Washington, DC with 7,266 undergraduates. It admits 62% of applicants, and admitted students average 1381 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $41,302 per year ($28,397 for families earning under $30,000). 75% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $85,458 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 62% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 17,786 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 8,427 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 660–740 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 620–720 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 29–32 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $79,369 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $41,302 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $28,397 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $19,487 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $27,150 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $31,984 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $53,571 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 7,266 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 75% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $85,458 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,250 (FY2024) |

## What American University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is American University's acceptance rate?**

American University admits 62% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for American University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 660–740 on SAT Reading and Writing and 620–720 on SAT Math; the average total is 1381.

**What ACT score do you need for American University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 29–32.

**Is American University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to American University?**

In Fall 2023, 17,786 students applied to American University and 8,427 were admitted; 1,856 enrolled.

**Does American University consider legacy status?**

No. American University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does American University require an essay?**

American University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does American University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $79,369 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $41,302.

**What is American University's graduation rate?**

75% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 131159. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology