American University's Student Population: How Many Attend?

American University in Washington, D.C., is a private, co-educational research university with a student body of over 13,000. The university has eight schools and colleges, offering over 170 programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The student population is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries represented.

Undergraduate vs. graduate enrolment

American University (AU) in Washington, DC, is a private, co-educational, federally chartered research university. It was founded in 1893 and admitted its first undergraduates in 1925. AU is home to over 13,000 students, with a total enrolment of 13,885 for the 2022-2023 academic year. This makes it a large university, with significantly more students than similar colleges.

The university offers a wide range of programs, with over 170 programs across eight schools and colleges, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. AU's student body is diverse, with students from all 50 US states and a significant number of international students, representing over 100 countries.

For the 2022-2023 academic year, AU had a total of 7,917 undergraduate students and 5,968 graduate students. This includes both full-time and part-time students, with 7,600 undergraduates and 3,240 graduates studying full-time. The gender distribution among undergraduates is 2,875 male and 5,042 female, while graduates include 2,230 male and 3,738 female students.

The undergraduate enrolment at AU has varied over the years, with 7,247 degree-seeking undergraduates in the fall of 2024 and a higher number of 7,817 in the fall of 2023. This variation in enrolment numbers is common and can be influenced by various factors such as the university's ranking, tuition fees, and the economic climate.

AU offers a variety of undergraduate programs, with 81 bachelor's degrees across multiple disciplines. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest school at AU, offering over 100 degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Other notable undergraduate schools include the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, and the School of International Service.

The graduate programs at AU are equally diverse, with 95 master's degrees and 11 doctoral degrees available. The School of International Service and the School of Public Affairs are well-known for their graduate programs, preparing students for global service and careers in government and public administration. Additionally, AU offers online graduate programs, with more than 30 master's degrees and graduate certificates available online.

In conclusion, American University caters to a large and diverse student body, with a significant number of both undergraduate and graduate students. The university's wide range of programs and its location in the nation's capital make it an attractive choice for students from across the US and around the world. The variation in enrolment numbers from year to year reflects the dynamic nature of higher education and the various factors influencing a student's choice of university.

Gender distribution

American University (AU) in Washington, DC, is a private, co-educational institution with a total student population of over 13,000. The university's gender distribution for the 2022-2023 academic year shows a higher number of female students than male students. Out of the total 13,885 students enrolled, there were 5,105 male students and 8,780 female students, resulting in a gender ratio of 37:63. This distribution is consistent with the university's historical commitment to promoting equality and diversity, including admitting women and African Americans when this was uncommon for institutions of higher education.

The gender breakdown for undergraduate and graduate programs at AU reveals a similar pattern. In undergraduate programs, there were 2,875 male students and 5,042 female students, while in graduate programs, the numbers were 2,230 male and 3,738 female. These numbers indicate a higher proportion of female students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

AU's campus-based student body is diverse, with representation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and over 100 countries. The international student population further contributes to the university's gender distribution, with 11% of graduate students and 10.6% of undergraduate students coming from outside the United States.

The university's eight schools and colleges offer a wide range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, attracting students from various backgrounds and promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. AU's commitment to equality and diversity is reflected not only in its gender distribution but also in its historical legacy, academic programs, and global outreach.

Racial/ethnic distribution

The racial/ethnic distribution of students at American University varies across sources. According to one source, the student population for the 2022-2023 academic year comprised 7,072 White, 1,328 Black, and 859 Asian students out of a total of 13,885. Another source mentions that the university's student body numbers over 13,000 and represents all 50 US states and 141 countries, with around one-fifth of students being international.

A further breakdown of the racial/ethnic distribution for the 2022-2023 academic year is as follows:

• White: 7,072
• Black/African American: 1,328
• Asian: 859
• Hispanic: 1,603
• American Indian/Native American: 13
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 11
• Other races: 526

It is worth noting that the numbers above may include international students, and the category "Other races" could encompass multiple racial/ethnic groups.

In terms of gender distribution, American University had 5,105 male and 8,780 female students enrolled for the 2022-2023 academic year. This translates to a gender ratio of approximately 37:63 male-to-female.

Full-time vs. part-time students

For the 2022-2023 academic year, American University had a total of 13,885 enrolled students, including 7,917 undergraduates and 5,968 graduate students. Of these, 10,840 were full-time students and 3,045 were part-time.

Full-time students are those who are enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours or courses that constitute a full load, as defined by their institution. They typically take a full load of courses each semester and are considered to be attending college on a full-time basis. Full-time students at American University make up the majority of the student body, with 7,600 full-time students in undergraduate programs and 3,240 in graduate programs.

On the other hand, part-time students are those who are enrolled in fewer credit hours or courses than what is considered a full load. They may be working, caring for family, or have other commitments alongside their studies. At American University, there are 317 part-time students in undergraduate programs and 2,728 in graduate programs.

The number of full-time and part-time students at American University reflects the diverse needs and circumstances of its student body. Full-time students may be more immersed in campus life and have more opportunities for extracurricular activities, while part-time students balance their studies with other responsibilities.

In addition to its full-time and part-time students, American University also offers distance learning opportunities, with 1,516 students enrolled exclusively in online programs and 2,507 students taking a mix of online and on-campus courses. These options provide flexibility for students who require alternative modes of learning.

On-campus vs. online learning

American University in Washington, DC, offers both on-campus and online learning options to its students. The university is a private, co-educational doctoral institution with around 13,000 students, over 100 degree programs, and a diverse, globally-minded student body.

On-Campus Learning

On-campus courses at American University follow a traditional, semester-based academic calendar, with 15-week semesters in the fall and spring, and shorter summer term classes. The university offers a wide range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and associate degrees. On-campus students have access to various resources, such as internships, study abroad programs, and extracurricular activities. The university also boasts a diverse and accomplished faculty, with 94% holding the highest degree in their field.

Online Learning

American University also offers online learning options for students who prefer a more flexible and remote approach to their education. Online courses are taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses and are designed to be equally rigorous and fast-paced. Most online courses are offered during the summer, with a few available during the fall and spring semesters.

Online learning at American University provides students with the opportunity to participate in virtual classrooms, engage in discussions, and complete assignments according to their own schedules. This flexibility allows students to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or travel. However, online learning also requires self-motivation and discipline, as students must take responsibility for keeping up with the course material and managing their time effectively.

Comparison

Both on-campus and online learning options at American University offer high-quality educational experiences. The main difference lies in the level of flexibility and the mode of delivery. On-campus learning provides a more traditional, structured environment, with set class times and face-to-face interactions. In contrast, online learning offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling but requires a higher level of self-motivation and comfort with technology.

Ultimately, the choice between on-campus and online learning depends on the individual student's preferences, learning style, and personal circumstances. American University's diverse offerings allow students to choose the option that best suits their needs and helps them succeed in their academic and career goals.

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