
American University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1893, the university has a rich history, with its campus designated as a public garden and arboretum, and a notable record of political activism. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 students in 2023, the university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including popular degrees in international relations, business administration, and communications. The university's endowment is valued at nearly $909 million, and it boasts an impressive faculty, with 94% of full-time faculty holding the highest degree in their field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 13,000+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,817 (fall 2023) |
| Graduate students | 11% |
| Undergraduate students | 10.6% |
| Total faculty | 962 full-time faculty and 1,600+ full-time staff |
| Adjunct faculty | 700+ |
| Campus size | 90 acres |
| Most common race/ethnicity group | White (2,285 degrees awarded) |
| Most common Bachelor's Degree concentration | International Relations & Affairs (382 degrees awarded) |
| Second most common Bachelor's Degree concentration | General Business Administration & Management (212 degrees) |
| Third most common Bachelor's Degree concentration | General Political Science & Government (186 degrees) |
| Highest graduation rate demographic | Female and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate) |
| Endowment value | $909M (2022) |
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What You'll Learn
- American University's undergraduate enrollment is 7,817, with a campus size of 90 acres
- The university has more than 13,000 students in total
- In 2022, 1,189 more women than men received degrees
- The most common race/ethnicity at American University is white (2,285 degrees awarded)
- The university offers more than 170 programs across eight schools

American University's undergraduate enrollment is 7,817, with a campus size of 90 acres
American University is a private research university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 students as of Fall 2023. The university's campus size is 90 acres. The university was founded in 1893 and officially dedicated on May 15, 1914, with instruction beginning in October of that year. During its early years, the university allowed the U.S. military to use its grounds for testing during World War I.
The 90-acre urban campus of American University is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., allowing students to combine a traditional college setting with the advantages of a global capital city. The university offers more than 170 programs across eight schools, with a large portion of undergraduates studying international relations, business administration, and communications. The university's undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 students is part of a larger student body of over 13,000 students.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest school at American University, offering more than 100 degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The university also has a top-ranked School of Public Affairs, which is ranked 10th in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2023. The School of Public Affairs offers access to world-class faculty members, influencers, and internship opportunities.
American University has been named the most politically active school in the nation by The Princeton Review's annual survey of college students in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2018. The university also ranks among the top mid-sized universities for producing Peace Corps volunteers. In terms of athletics, American University is a member of the Patriot League and offers various sports teams and club sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, and ultimate frisbee.
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The university has more than 13,000 students in total
American University in Washington, D.C. is a private research university with more than 13,000 students. The university was founded in 1893 and has a 90-acre urban campus. The campus has been designated a public garden and arboretum by the American Public Gardens Association.
The university offers more than 170 programs across eight schools, with a large portion of undergraduates studying international relations, business administration, and communications. The largest school at American University is the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers more than 100 degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The university also has a well-regarded School of Public Affairs, ranked 10th in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2023.
American University is known for its politically engaged campus, and it has been named the most politically active school in the nation by The Princeton Review's annual survey of college students several times. The student body is diverse, with 11% of graduate students and 10.6% of undergraduate students being international. The most common race/ethnicity at the university is white, followed by Black or African American. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2022 was female and American Indian or Alaska Native, with a 100% graduation rate.
The university has a strong academic reputation, offering special academic programs to enhance the student experience through learning communities, interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty support. American University also emphasizes experiential learning, with around 90% of undergraduates completing at least one internship before graduation. The university is classified as an R1 Institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
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In 2022, 1,189 more women than men received degrees
American University, a private research university in Washington, D.C., has a large and diverse student body. In 2022, the university awarded 1,189 more degrees to women than to men, highlighting its commitment to gender equality in higher education. This significant disparity in the number of degrees awarded to each gender is noteworthy and contributes to the ongoing discussion about gender representation in academia.
The total number of students at American University exceeds 13,000, with a vast undergraduate population of 7,817 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with a large portion of undergraduates studying fields such as international relations, business administration, and communications. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident through its encouragement of internships, with around 90% of undergraduates completing at least one internship before graduation.
The gender breakdown of degree recipients at American University in 2022 reveals a notable trend. Among the degrees awarded, the most common race/ethnicity and gender combination was white female, with 1,413 degrees earned by this group. This is in comparison to 872 degrees awarded to white males, indicating a significant disparity within the same race/ethnicity group. This difference in degree attainment between white females and white males contributes to the overall higher number of degrees earned by women.
The graduation rate data for 2022 further emphasizes the achievements of female students at American University. The highest graduation rate for any student demographic was among female students identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native, with a 100% graduation rate. Additionally, across all doctoral universities, Asian female students had the highest graduation rate of 73.2%. These statistics showcase the success and representation of female students, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The university's efforts to promote gender equality and diversity are reflected in its faculty composition as well. As of 2022, the majority of academics at the university were female instructors (203) and male instructors (155), followed by male professors (126). This distribution of academic positions demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment, contributing to a more balanced representation of genders in higher education.
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The most common race/ethnicity at American University is white (2,285 degrees awarded)
American University in Washington, D.C. is a private research university with more than 13,000 students and a 90-acre urban campus. The university offers more than 170 programs across eight schools, with a large portion of undergraduates studying international relations, business administration, and communications. In 2022, the most popular bachelor's degree concentrations at American University were International Relations & Affairs (382 degrees awarded), followed by General Business Administration & Management (212 degrees) and General Political Science & Government (186 degrees).
The most common race/ethnicity at American University is white, with 2,285 degrees awarded. This is 5.09 times more than the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 449 degrees awarded. When considering the most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping, white female is the most prevalent, with 1,413 degrees awarded. There were 1.62 times more white female degree recipients than white male, with 872 degrees.
In terms of graduation rates, the demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2022 at American University was female and American Indian or Alaska Native, with a 100% graduation rate. Across all doctoral universities, Asian female students had the highest graduation rate of 73.2%. It is worth noting that the definition of graduation rate used here refers to the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree within 150% of the "normal time" to completion.
American University has a diverse student body and offers a range of academic programs to enhance the educational experience. The university's mission is supported by a dedicated team of faculty and staff, with 962 full-time faculty members and over 1,600 full-time staff.
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The university offers more than 170 programs across eight schools
American University in Washington, D.C. is a private research university with more than 13,000 students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 170 programs across eight schools. The largest school is the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers over 100 degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences provides a diverse and scholarly community, offering hands-on interdisciplinary research, internships, and creative expression opportunities.
The School of International Service is another prominent school at American University, providing a range of international relations and global studies programs. The university's location in the nation's capital, with its diverse and politically engaged campus, enhances the experience for students interested in international affairs. The School of Public Affairs, ranked 10th in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2023, offers programs in public administration, policy, government, and justice.
The School of Communication is also well-regarded, inspiring tomorrow's digital storytellers with programs in journalism, strategic communication, independent filmmaking, and games. Students in this school benefit from the guidance of award-winning faculty members, including Academy and Emmy award winners. The Kogod School of Business, accredited by AACSB, offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including an MBA. Its programs focus on experiential learning, preparing students for leadership roles in various business sectors.
Additionally, American University's Washington College of Law, housed on the Tenley Campus, stands out as one of the most diverse law schools in the country. It offers programs in international law, law and government, trial advocacy, and business, providing experiential opportunities through clinics and externships. The university also has a strong focus on special academic programs that enhance the student experience through learning communities, interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty support. These programs often include residential components, enabling students with shared academic interests to live and learn together.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, American University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 students.
In October 1914, 28 students enrolled at American University, 19 of whom were graduates.
11% of graduate students and 10.6% of undergraduate students at American University are international.
The most common race/ethnicity at American University is white, with 2,285 degrees awarded to white students in 2022.
The most common sex at American University is female, with 1,413 degrees awarded to female students in 2022.










































