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American University

Washington, DC·Private·~62% acceptance

American University is a private university based in Washington, DC. Admissions are accessible, with about 62% of applicants accepted. Students pay an average net price of about $41,943 per year after financial aid. About 77% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $77,370 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$41,943/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $76,058
Aid cuts ~$34,115/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
Nov 1
RD
Jan 15

ED, EA and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)1280–1460
ACT (middle 50%)29–32
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
77%
graduation rate
88%
freshman retention
$61,328
median earnings, 6yr
$77,370
median earnings, 10yr
How American reads an application

What American values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Demonstrated interest
Important
Application essaysRecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualitiesVolunteer work
Also considered
Test scoresFirst-generation statusGeographic residenceWork experience

From American’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What American requires

Required
Grades (GPA)Course rigorCollege-prep programRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Test scoresWork experience

From federal IPEDS data — what American requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is American University's acceptance rate?
American University admits about 62% of applicants.
How much does American University cost?
At American University, the average net price after aid is about $41,943 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $76,058 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for American University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1460 on the SAT and 29–32 on the ACT.
What are American University's application deadlines?
American University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Early Action around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Jan 15. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does American University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, American University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), and Demonstrated interest as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Application essays, Recommendations, Extracurriculars, Talent / ability, Character / personal qualities, and Volunteer work. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if American University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at American University, side by side with your other schools.