Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · 4-year
American University has a 47.4% acceptance rate. American University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Washington, DC, with a median SAT of 1370 and a median ACT of 31. The average net price is $41,943 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
47.4%
17,786 applicants
1370
Combined score
31
Composite score
$41,943
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at American University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 1300 | 1370 | 1460 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 29 | 31 | 33 |
0.8%
88.2%
N/A
7,266
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at American University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $23,233 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $20,444 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $26,035 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $30,063 |
| $110,000+ | $53,673 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 653 |
| Business, Management & Marketing | 265 |
| Communication & Journalism | 143 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 109 |
| Homeland Security & Criminal Justice | 106 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 91 |
| Psychology | 72 |
| Health Professions | 61 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 60 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | 37 |
Official website: https://www.american.edu/
Admissions: https://www.american.edu/admissions/
American University has an acceptance rate of 47%. it received about 17,786 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1370; the average net price is $41,943 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to American University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into American University is moderately selective — it admits 47% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1370. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at American University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at American University typically have a median SAT around 1370 and a median ACT around 31. With a 47% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. American University is located in Washington, DC. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at American University is $41,943 per year after grants and scholarships. about 82% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $31,402 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
American University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 88%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare American University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, American University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1370. With a 47% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors American University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
Angola, IN · 22% acceptance
Walla Walla, WA · 50% acceptance
Memphis, TN · 50% acceptance
Gettysburg, PA · 48% acceptance
West Lafayette, IN · 50% acceptance
Pittsburgh, PA · 50% acceptance
Washington, DC · 12% acceptance
Washington, DC · 44% acceptance
Washington, DC · 35% acceptance
Washington, DC · 61% acceptance
Washington, DC · 84% acceptance
Washington, DC · 99% acceptance
All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools