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American University: tuition, cost and admissions

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit university · City (large)

7,669Undergraduates

41%Acceptance rate

1,386Average SAT

$43,412Avg net cost / yr

See American University on the map → Official website

What American University actually costs

Item	Amount
Tuition & fees (in-state)	$53,889	Published rate before aid
Tuition & fees (out-of-state)	$53,889	Published rate before aid
Room & board (on campus)	$15,706	Annual
Books & supplies	$800	Estimated annual
Total sticker cost	$68,494	Everything, before aid
Average actual cost paid	$43,412	Average paid after grants and scholarships — an average, not a quote

Across all students, the average paid here was $25,082 less than the sticker price — about 37% off, once grants and scholarships are counted. Individual awards vary enormously, and many students receive nothing at all.

Do your own due diligence on cost. Every figure above is a historical federal average for all students at this college. No student pays the average. What you are charged depends on your family’s income and assets, your academic record, the year you apply, and what aid this college has available — and it changes year to year. Use these numbers to decide which colleges are worth investigating, never to decide what one will cost you. Run the college’s own net price calculator — every US college is required by law to publish one — then confirm in writing with its financial aid office before committing to anything. We are not financial, admissions or tax advisers and have no relationship with this college.

Most popular fields of study

Social Sciences — 34%

Business, Management & Marketing — 17%

Communication & Journalism — 11%

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies — 8%

Visual & Performing Arts — 5%

Homeland Security & Law Enforcement — 4%

Health Professions — 4%

Psychology — 3%

Share of degrees awarded, US Dept. of Education.

Varsity athletics at American University

Athletic association	D-I
Men’s varsity sports (5)	Track & Field (66), Soccer (30), Wrestling (26), Swimming & Diving (25), Basketball (19)
Women’s varsity sports (7)	Track & Field (68), Lacrosse (39), Soccer (30), Swimming & Diving (29), Field Hockey (23), Volleyball (16), Basketball (13)

Squad sizes in brackets, from the federal Equity in Athletics survey (2024–25). Filter by sport and division on the interactive map.

Plan a visit and compare

Add American University to your shortlist, score it against other colleges side by side, and plan a campus visit route from your front door with the free My University View map.

Other colleges in Washington DC

George Washington University · Howard University · Strayer University-Global Region · Georgetown University · The Catholic University of America · University of the District of Columbia · Trinity Washington University · Gallaudet University